Irorinoyado Ashina

“A samurai-style ryokan centered around traditional charcoal hearth cuisine.”

The ryokan was once a residence of an upper‑class samurai family in the Aizu domain during the late Edo period. The building is several hundred years old and still preserves its original wooden architecture, along with many historical antiques on display. The ryokan continues to use the irori hearth to serve traditional meals, such as grilled fish and local specialties. The staff prepare each dish individually over the charcoal fire using regional ingredients from Fukushima and Aizu. I especially loved the miso, which is one of the region’s specialties and appeared in almost every dish. I also tried horse sashimi for the first time – surprisingly delicious. It was incredibly tender and melted in the mouth almost like fish. I was hesitant at first, but ended up loving it. It was truly a very memorable and impressive experience. The onsen baths are small and very hot (over 40 °C). The ryokan does not have an elevator. The stairways are narrow and steep, so carrying large luggage such as a 28‑inch suitcase upstairs can be quite difficult and potentially unsafe.

Pintu-on·5个月前

“こだわりの料理”

The food service was courteous. However, there was no menu, so I didn’t know how long it would take or how much to eat.

Katsuyuki·6个月前

“Perfect in winter”

Ashina Ryokan exceeded my expectations in every way. The traditional Japanese-style rooms, open-air bath, and kaiseki fare were all top-notch. The staff were incredibly gracious and accommodating, despite the language barrier. I was particularly impressed by the radiant heat of the sunken hearth and the warm vapor of the free-flowing spring water, which made me feel incredibly comfortable.

Quinton·8个月前

This place is absolutely stunning. The staff, who are both super helpful and ridiculously friendly, make the stay even more enjoyable. What really sets it apart, though, is the authentic Japanese vibe - it's like you're really immersed in the culture. The whole experience is unforgettable, and I'd highly recommend it to anyone looking for a unique experience.

Alexandre·10个月前

We had a fantastic dining experience by the fireplace, feeling like royalty with the private table service. However, it was a bit of a letdown to find a few dead crickets in the room and on the floor in the morning.

Mitsuo·1年前