Ishiba Ryokan

10/10

Exceptional

18 Apr 2026

maya

We had a wonderful stay at Ishiba Ryokan. The owner, a ninth-generation descendant of a samurai family, shared fascinating stories that brought the ryokan’s rich history to life. As a designated cultural heritage property, it truly feels like stepping back in time.

The location is ideal, just a short distance from the famous castle, and the atmosphere is calm, understated, and deeply tranquil. The owner speaks excellent English and was incredibly welcoming and engaging to talk with. We thoroughly enjoyed our experience and will definitely be returning.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

23 Apr 2025

Judie

Walking distance to the beautiful cherry blossom Festival at Hirosaki Park. Owners were very responsive and helpful.

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

21 Apr 2023

Anthony

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!

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

20 Mar 2020

Wendy

Warm and Welcoming Ryokan

We 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.

Friends_and_family Family

8/10

Excellent

28 Apr 2019

Verified traveler

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.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

25 Mar 2019

Steve

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

Partner

8/10

Excellent

04 Sep 2018

Verified traveler

Budget traveler

Perfect central location to Hirosaki Castle and sights. Very walkable. This is wonderful for the budget traveler looking to experience a traditional Japanese ryokan.

Family

10/10

Exceptional

05 Aug 2018

Sean

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.

10/10

Exceptional

31 Jul 2018

PhoebeT

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.

10/10

Exceptional

26 Jun 2018

Scott

A True Historical Experience

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!

8/10

Excellent

14 Sep 2017

elaine

Nice ryokan and super nice people in Hirosaki!

Since we stayed at Ishiba Ryokan in September, the weather was lovely and we didn't need any space heaters, unlike some of the experiences of other guests. We did need the air conditioner, however, which was a bit tricky to turn on (no remote control, just a switch on the air conditioner itself), simple and functional. When we arrived at 3 p.m., we were greeted by a long-time staff who had been with the Ishiba family for years. Our check-in was conducted completely in Japanese, in our room, over a cup of freshly brewed green tea, sitting on zabuton cushions--and we understood about 5-10 percent of her explanations, LOL--but filled with a lot of smiles and kindness. And Ishiba-san welcomed us in the evening when we returned to the inn, treated us to apple cider and apple wine at the bar just a few steps away. Thank you, Ishiba-san! And thanks for recommending the loveliest place for apple pies and coffee! The inn is only a 5-minute walk to the gardens and castle. I would love to see this town in spring and autumn with all the splendid colors of nature. We plan to be back. We've met some of the friendliest and nicest people in Japan in Hirosaki.

10/10

Exceptional

25 Apr 2017

Ryan

Great place to stay for the cherry blossoms.

A neat and tidy Ryokan in Hirosaki. Staff was extremely friendly and very helpful with any questions regarding food and things to do. Would definitely go back again.

10/10

Exceptional

06 Feb 2017

Travis

Fantastic Family Stay in an Old Samurai House B&B

The owner and his wife were outstanding in welcoming us to their Ryokan. The House is over 140 years old, and has the rustic feel as if you were traveling in time to the Meiji Period. My children enjoyed staying on the futons and tatami mats in our room, which looked out over the snow-covered garden. Only a 5-minute walk to Hirosaki castle grounds, where my children had a great time looking at all the preparations for the snow festival. The mini-onsen on site was also fun for my 2 boys. The owner and his wife also adjusted the breakfast meal to accommodate my children's taste. Overall, very memorable for our 2 nights.

4/10

Poor

21 Nov 2016

Glenn

Disappointed

Ishiba Ryokan needs a major update. None of the rooms are heated except with space heaters. On arrival, our room had an old kerosene heater running that put out a strong and noxious odour.it was so bad that for the next 2 days we had to leave it off. This meant the room was so cold we had to keep allof our outdoor gear on while in the room - same as outside. The toilet is crude and not up to Japanese standards. The shower/tub room (like the toilet) is also not heated so going in for a shower or a bath is not fun. This ryokan may be OK in a warmer season but not mid November onwards.
The owner is very nice and helpful. Helped us find restaurants as there were none around and drove us to the station on departure. He also speaks pretty good English.
The location is good for seeing the main reasons for visiting Hirosaki. All of the major spots can be walked to from the ryocan. The castle does not exist anymore and the castle grounds are average. The Fujita Garden is the highlight of things to see - very beautiful. The street of Buddhist shrines/temples is OK but not special. Mostly relatively new except one at the end of the street.
Lived in Japan for a dozen years and return often. Have stayed in many ryokans and small hotels. Cannot recommend this place and would not return.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

14 Nov 2016

Archie

Authentic, personal and friendly

My girlfriend and I stayed here for two nights before heading off to Aoni Onsen. I was on the outset a little apprehensive about Hirosaki because it doesn't appear to be a key point on a tourists trip to Japan, but this soon changed.

Hirosaki was by far the most personal, memorable and welcoming place I have been to in Japan. This was exemplified by our stay in Ishiba Ryokan, where we were met with warmth. The building is historic, and the rooms extremely comfortable. For those seeking an authentic experience look no further. Yes the bathrooms are far away, but that is to be expected at a traditional Ryokan. I was sad to leave the town after the kindness received, and my girlfriend on the verge of tears. The recommendations provided by the host and his wife were spot on and he drove us to the station - he also helped me with my onward plans, calling up the next Ryokan, and writing down bus and train times for me.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

14 Aug 2016

Wai Yun

With hospitality, it is a super nice hotel for stay and relaxing. It is clean even the hotel is old.
Some room facilities need to refurbished.
We will stay this hotel again when we visit Hirosaki

Family

10/10

Exceptional

21 Jul 2016

Verified traveler

Traditional

First time in japan I wanted a heritage experience, something traditional. the staff was excellent in providing service.

10/10

Exceptional

03 May 2016

Marc

Very nice ryokan

I found this ryokan just one day before I arrived. I booked very easily here.
It's well located, near the castle and the garden. It's an old house but very clean and lovely.
The owner was very kind. He spoke many languages fluently : Japanese, English and French.
He invited me to have a drink in a bar close to the ryokan.
The room was very clean and typically Japanese.
There was an onsen too.

10/10

Exceptional

30 Apr 2016

Rach

Walking distance to Hirosaki Castle

Beautiful ryokan, quiet and extremely clean. Room was spacious and comfortable. Staff were friendly and had everything prepared before I arrived.

10/10

Exceptional

23 Apr 2016

Chansuda

Great location to visit Hirosaki Castle, just only 5 minutes walk from Hotel

8/10

Excellent

24 Feb 2016

Verified traveler

A Step Back in Time

We felt privileged to stay at this almost 150-year old ryokan, first opened by a Samurai in the Meiji period when times they were a-changin' and alternative forms of employment had to be sought. The current owner is the great-grandson.

10/10

Exceptional

18 Feb 2016

Verified traveler

Closest hotel to the Castle

Great old place with atmosphere, will stay there again!

10/10

Exceptional

14 Jan 2016

Akira

One of a kind experience

Ishiba-san went the extra mile to make my stay as enjoyable as possible. I probably was one of few stayers that day, I beleive. I was on an Onsen trip in Aomori and Akita. He drove his own car to show me around the city. He even drove me to a nearby hot spring that's known only to the locals. The breakfast was yummy.

10/10

Exceptional

07 May 2026

あきこ

対応が丁寧でとてもよかった。
レトロな感じが、とてもよかった

Family

10/10

Exceptional

06 May 2026

Geoff

Had a lovely stay in this beautiful historic ryokan going back several generations-- great atmosphere, comfortable, and Ishiba-san and staff were very friendly and helpful. Highly recommend!

Self

10/10

Exceptional

24 Apr 2026

Jean-Baptiste

Absolutely perfect. The tenants are amazing.

10/10

Exceptional

28 Apr 2025

ソウイチロウ

レトロな雰囲気が旅行気分を盛り上げてくれ、綺麗な中庭や丁寧な接客にすごく満足しました！
立地も、弘前城の近くで観光もしやすく目の前にバス停もあるので交通の便も良いです。
また来年、桜のシーズンにお世話になろうと思います！

8/10

Excellent

06 Aug 2024

HARUTO

雰囲気があり良かったです。

Leisure Friends

10/10

Exceptional

05 Jun 2024

Nga Sze

愉快的體驗

第一次入住和室風旅館, 預訂了共公浴室的房間. 房間被安排在一樓, 旁邊就是廁所, 走廊盡頭也有洗手設備, 所以很方便.榻榻米很舒服, 暖風機也很和暖.
Host 很helpful, 會先預備一壺熱水, 喝完問他再拿就可以. 距離弘前城外城河大概5分鐘.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

04 Jun 2024

Verified traveler

nice place

A nice place to visit Hirosaki castle. Staffs were really kind. Thank you!!

10/10

Exceptional

04 May 2024

くみこ

創業明治12年で、建物そのものに歴史も感じますし、城下町弘前の歴史を感じられる旅館です。
弘前の歴史をもっともっと知りたくなりました。
弘前公園からも近く、桜まつりの時期もとても便利で良いと思います。

Leisure Family

6/10

Pleasant

08 Aug 2023

コガ

想像よりは古かったです。　元はお寺のような建造でした。合宿感が感じられる

Leisure

6/10

Pleasant

06 May 2023

hisao

施設は歴史を感じる良い雰囲気でゆっくりくつろげました。

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

25 Apr 2023

みちこ

登録有形文化財に指定されている歴史ある古い建物だけれど、塵一つなく床も柱もピカピカに光っていて清潔な旅館でした。掛け軸・壺・螺鈿の置物・ひな人形・柱時計・屏風・太鼓橋など、博物館の中にいるようでした。客室の湯呑も朝食の器も、一つ一つが品のある良いものでした。焼きたてのお魚が付いた朝ご飯、美味しかったです。ご主人も奥さんもスタッフの方々も、温かい笑顔で迎えてくださって、とても豊かな時間を過ごすことができました。ありがとうございました。

Business_and_leisure Self

8/10

Excellent

09 Aug 2022

YUPENG

コスパが良い、良い、良い。

10/10

Exceptional

24 Apr 2022

たつや

弘前城へ徒歩5分の好立地。館内は歴史のある古建築ながら清潔で、旅先の宿として必要十分。オーナーの石場さんはじめスタッフの方は皆親切。ホスピタリティに溢れる旅館でした。

Leisure Family

6/10

Pleasant

12 Aug 2019

Verified traveler

壊れている物が多く感じました
部屋内のお風呂など
使用中に壊れたらと、ヒヤヒヤしながら入りました

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

04 Aug 2019

Verified traveler

スタッフの対応がとてもよく、ねぷた観覧に行く時も、詳しく説明をしてくださいました。朝食が付いていなかったのでお願いしましたら快く受け付けてくださいました。朝食は、地元の食材が使われたもので、とても美味しかったので、ご飯をお代わりしました！帰りは、きちんと靴が揃えてありました。また弘前に行くときはここに泊まろうと思います。ありがとうございました。

Friends_and_family Family

6/10

Pleasant

04 Jul 2019

Verified traveler

結局止まってないのでわかりません

8/10

Excellent

03 May 2019

Verified traveler

お風呂上がりに櫛、綿棒など用意して欲しい。

Leisure Family_with_children

8/10

Excellent

29 Apr 2019

Verified traveler

総合的には対応良し　伝統歴史素晴らしい　ガーデンビューでなく間違いあり残念なのはトイレが狭く
フックなし残念

Friends_and_family Self

8/10

Excellent

24 Apr 2019

huichen

雖是老建築，沒有電梯，共用衛浴……但古味十足。

Friends

10/10

Exceptional

18 Mar 2019

AKIO

親切にしてくれました。懐かしい温かみのあるお宿です。

旦那さんがすごく親切にしてくれました。駅前まで車で送ってくれた上に、青森のりんごジュースをつけてくれました。駅まで距離があったのでとても助かりました。

お部屋は和風の温かみのあるお部屋で、ストーブを焚いて待っていてくれました。お風呂も人工温泉ながら気持ち良かったです。また泊まりたいと思いました。

8/10

Excellent

29 Oct 2018

YI SANG

弘前城附近的老旅館

旅館位於弘前城附近的小巷子裡，地點方便，又不失安靜。建築本身頗為古老，小庭院很幽靜，雖說房間和浴場相對老舊，但住起來整體還算是舒服的。

10/10

Exceptional

23 Sep 2018

daisuke

有形文化財での滞在

店主・スタッフの気配りが素晴らしく、庭のよく見える部屋で快適な滞在が出来た（外出が少ない事を踏まえて）。
ウェルカムドリンク、観光案内、快適な布団など随所に心配りが感じられ、弘前は再び訪れたい目的地になった。
130年以上の歴史を持ちながら、施設は清潔に保たれており、期待以上だった。

6/10

Pleasant

26 Aug 2018

Verified traveler

古い建物で趣がありました。お湯が途中で止まったり階段が多かったりと設備の面では100％満足というわけにはいきませんが、歴史を感じることができる旅館でした。宿のご主人が気さくでとても良い方でした。

10/10

Exceptional

10 Aug 2018

Verified traveler

歴史ある建物で、人も親切でおすすめです

ホテルの方は皆さん親切でした。食事の場所を親切に教えて頂きました。
朝は靴まで磨いてもらったようで、今時ないような親切な対応でした。
旅館の周りには観光名所も徒歩で行けるところがたくさんあり、良かったです。
旅館の建物や飾ってあるものはとても歴史を感じさせるもので、ここ自体が観光の価値があるような場所でした。

10/10

Exceptional

10 Aug 2018

WEIMENG

很棒的日式旅馆体验！老板很nice！

外表就是常见的日式旅馆，走进去发现别有洞天，结构超级复杂的，老板带领才不至于迷路，里面还有迷你小庭院。给我的房间临时升级了，是个超级大的房间，里面居然改造了卫生间和浴室，很方便。早上退房的时候，老板听说我要开车上岩木山，特意送了冰镇苹果汁，好贴心的。

10/10

Exceptional

18 Jun 2018

Noriko

その土地の方と接するのに最適な宿泊先

新しい仕事で、初めての弘前滞在。

どこに泊まっていいのかもわからない状況で、こちらへの滞在を決めました。

海外在住という事もあって、日本的な滞在を楽しみたくて旅館を選んだのですが、滞在中のきめ細やかな対応、新しい仕事での初めての滞在でしたが、緊張もほぐれ、最高の滞在をさせていただきました。

また弘前への出張には、利用させていただきます。というか、弘前での滞在はこちら、と決めています。

8/10

Excellent

29 Apr 2018

Verified traveler

ロケーション抜群です！

弘前城からすぐなので、とても便利です。
歴史ある建物に行き届いた手入れをされており、部屋の中や備品も清潔感がありました。
スタッフの方の対応も親切で丁寧で心地よかったです。