Ratings based on 72 Guest Reviews
Hear it directly from our travellers
4.5 Room cleanliness
4.7 Service & staff
4.3 Room comfort
4.0 Hotel condition
TRAVELOCITY GUEST REVIEWS
Hear it directly from our travellers
by A traveller
Posted Apr. 21, 2023 on Expedia
Awesome, atmospheric place to stay a mere minutes walk from the park made this the perfect place for visiting to view the blossoms. The hospitality of the host was also unmatched with great recommendations of the area!
by A traveller
Warm and Welcoming Ryokan
Posted Mar. 20, 2020 on HotelsWe had a thoroughly relaxing overnight stay at Ishiba Ryokan. The owners’ hospitality exceeded expectation, even driving us to a local restaurant. The on-site onsen was soothing and the traditional beds comfortable. It was a wonderful experience.
by A traveller
Posted Apr. 28, 2019 on Expedia
Our stay took us back in time due to the ryokan’s historic past. It’s rustic charm, welcoming owner and helpful staff made for a memorable experience.
by A traveller
Posted Apr. 23, 2019 on Expedia
by A traveller
Posted Mar. 26, 2019 on Hotels
The boss is very kind to send us to the train station.
he also give us a welcome drink
likely if you inform early he will be able to provide you transport if he is free
walking distance to hirosaki castle
by A traveller
Posted Sep. 10, 2018 on Expedia
by A traveller
Budget traveler
Posted Sep. 5, 2018 on HotelsPerfect central location to Hirosaki Castle and sights. Very walkable. This is wonderful for the budget traveler looking to experience a traditional Japanese ryokan.
by A traveller from Irvine, CA
Posted Aug. 5, 2018 on Expedia
Just to get the only negative out of the way, keeping a 100+ year old building updated isn't easy. For example, the indoor plumbing is exposed in the restroom. That's really all I have for a negative comment. Moving on...
The people running this place really left a good impression on me. Very attentive. They kept tour information handy, so my first day's adventures were thanks to what was at the front desk. I wasn't just handed the tour guide, we walked through it together. I was told the cafe at one of the gardens is really good, so I ate there, and had to agree. Also, because there was a festival going on (Neputa), those who wanted to go were walked to two rows of reserved chairs 15 minutes before things got started. Oh, and the seats were conveniently located between a couple of food stalls.
The room was nice as well. The standard futon, tatami mats, and tea set (and hot water container delivered outside your door twice a day). I also had a nice view of a little garden.
by A traveller from Sugar Land, TX
Posted Jul. 31, 2018 on Expedia
Unaware this ryokan is considered a "nationally designated important cultural property" until we saw the plague on the wall outside the main entrance. The young manager/owner(?) is very courteous and insisted driving us to restaurants for dinners even though they are 10 - 15 min. walk away. He also drove us to the train station early in the morning so we can catch our connection. We truly appreciate his Japanese hospitality. Another unexpected thing was that one early early morning, we found mama-san (old lady) cleaning our shoes left on the shoe racks at the hotel entrance. I felt embarrassed but also very pampered. Definitely excellent service and an experience not found in hotels. Have already recommended this ryokan to my friends and family.
Recommended
for Everyoneby A traveller from Seattle, WA
A True Historical Experience
Posted Jun. 26, 2018 on Expedia
Pros: The peaceful and historical ambiance is its greatest charm. The owners, a fairly young couple, are very friendly and helpful.
Cons: I loved everything about the inn, but it could use some maintenance of the old wood on the verandahs.
Location: It is within easy walking distance of the castle and two gorgeous gardens and historical buildings including samurai residences.
I was looking for an authentic Japanese ryokan experience, and Ishiba Ryokan is it! Built in 1879, it is a designated historical property, and although it has updated electrical and plumbing systems, it still has the ambiance of an old Japanese inn, with old wood and creaky stairs in the original wing (there is an additional wing with slightly newer rooms as well) and rooms with tatami mats and futon for bedding. So comfy!
It is definitely not one of the super-premium, high-priced, estate ryokan with its own sushi master and kimono-clad staff. It is family run and friendly, perfectly located near the Hirosaki castle park, gardens and old samurai residences. For large groups, there is a dining room, and a kaiseki Japanese breakfast is extra by request. The communal bath is clean and not too hot (I have been scalded by the bath in other inns), and the rooms all have views of the simple but beautiful courtyard. And next door is a tiny private bar with a 1960s Rat Pack theme! Highly recommended!
