Yunushi Ichijō

What a wonderful experience from start to finish. They will pick you up (and drop you off) at Shiroishi or Shiroishizao stations to begin your stay. You’re taken to a secluded area in the top of a hill that has a very relaxed ambiance. You’re greeted with smiles and are given a welcome drink, then asked a few questions about your stay. They show you around the inn and take you to your room, explaining how everything works. The service is fantastic. There are two baths to choose from, one that has healing properties in the water and the other that is outside. Both were great. Then there’s the food, which was served expertly and with great care. Everything was delicious…from the sashimi to the beef to the crème brûlée to the breakfast. The rooms and other amenities are super nice too. I highly, highly recommend checking this place out. You won’t be disappointed.

This is one of the most magical places we’ve stayed in Japan! This ryokan is so beautiful, and the service was impeccable. My husband and I are traveling throughout Japan for 3 weeks and we knew we wanted to stay at a ryokan in the Tohoku region at some point during our trip. I had originally wanted to stay in Ginzan onsen in Yamagata because I love Spirited Away by Studio Ghibli but the inns were all booked up. And I am so glad they were because then we would have missed out on this AMAZING place. The Ichijo staff were so kind, welcoming and patient with us since our Japanese was limited. They were very attentive and helpful! We stayed in the room that had the private outdoor bath and it was very very worth it! The room was beautiful, clean, and had everything one would need to have a relaxing stay. On our second day we explored the surrounding area, and took a walk up to the Kokeshi museum. After our trek it was so nice to wash off and then relax in the private bath. I can’t recommend the private bath suite enough! We had the traditional Japanese dinner and breakfasts while we were here and everything we ate was delicious! My husband and I are somewhat of adventurous eaters and we loved everything they served us. The local beef/steak they prepared melted in our mouths! They also made homemade yogurt that was incredible! The traditional Japanese pickles were delicious as well! Once again, the staff at Ichijo were so amazing, I can’t recommend this place enough! Thank you to Hamada-san for answering all of our questions and making our stay wonderful! Although part of me wants to keep this place a secret, I will be telling all my friends and family about this wonderful place! Thank you Yunushi Ichijo for having us! What a fantastic start to our trip!

We were a group of six from Canada on a cycling tour of the lower Tohoku area and spent last night at this fabulous ryokan. We were impressed by the level of service, the charm, cleanliness and character of the ryokan and the first rate facilities. Arriving in our cycling kit, the in-house washing machine and dryer were available for us to use . The food was exquisite and the onsens were relaxing and cleansing after a long ride from Yamagata. We were looked after by Hamada-san who was attentive to our requests and unfailingly polite. In fact, the entire team at the ryokan were polite and highly professional. The management and ownership of this ryokan run a first class operation. I hope to return again in the future with another cycling group to experience this wonderful ryokan.

The customer service was top notch. Osamu was polite, thorough, spoke great English and answered any questions we had. The baths were super relaxing and the food was amazing. The traditional Japanese room had heated tatami mats and the futon were super comfy. All in all the best experience we had on our trip and will definitely come back when we can.