Hotel Shion
Twin beds with seating by large window overlooking town and distant hills at Hotel Shion in Iwate
Tiled indoor onsen with wooden tub and large window framing distant mountains at dusk
Stone onsen bath with thatched shelter and hotel building backdrop at Hotel Shion, Iwate, Tōhoku
Traditional tatami room with low dining table, zaisu chairs and large window overlooking distant hills at Hotel Shion, Iwate
Sofa lounge with balcony and distant mountain setting at Hotel Shion, Iwate
Seating area with large window facing lake and mountains, Hotel Shion, Iwate Japan
Smiling guest receives a plate from staff at a buffet table in Hotel Shion dining hall, Iwate, Tōhoku

Hotel Shion

8.8
This Ryokan has an overall rating of 8.8/10, based on 264 reviews. ? Our score combines two signals: 50% based on traveler sentiment and guest feedback found online, and 50% based on our internal on-site evaluation plus ratings from verified travelers on our platform, who must provide proof of stay.
? This ranking compares properties in the same region. It is based on the overall rating and the number of reviews, using a weighted score so properties with more review data are ranked more fairly.
Check-in from 3:00 PM / Check-out until 10:00 AM
Lake Views Mountain Setting Hot Spring Town Hot Spring Bath Open-Air Bath Public Onsen
Staff 9,0/10
Facilities 9,0/10
Cleanliness 9,0/10
Comfort 9,0/10
Value for money 8,0/10
Location 8,0/10

Ryokan highlights

A lakeside Tsunagi Onsen ryokan in Morioka known for scenic baths and easy sightseeing access.

Lakeside SettingSet by Gosho Lake, giving the stay a calm scenic resort feel.
View Onsen BathsOpen-air baths are known for wide views over the lake and mountains.
Tsunagi Onsen BaseA solid base in Morioka's Tsunagi Onsen area for hot spring travelers.
Japanese Kaiseki MealsMulti-course Japanese dinners are a recurring highlight in guest feedback.
Traditional Ryokan MoodTatami-style spaces and classic onsen ambiance suit travelers seeking a Japanese stay.
Good Sightseeing AccessConvenient for Lake Gosho, Morioka Handcraft Village, and nearby regional outings.

Who is this ryokan best for?

Recommended stay1-2 nightsScenery and bathing are the main draw here, so one night works well for check-in, dinner, evening bath, breakfast, and a morning soak; add a second night only if you want a slower Lake Gosho/Tsunagi Onsen pace or a nearby Koiwai-side outing without rushing onward travel.
Trip-planning verdict: Best as a 1–2 night onsen stay near Morioka for lake views, baths, and a relaxed regional stop rather than a long sightseeing base.

Know before booking

Limited walkable areaThe setting is quiet and resort-like, but not ideal if you want dense restaurants, shops, or evening activity outside the ryokan.
Do not over-baseTwo nights is usually enough unless you specifically want slow onsen time; the immediate area is not packed with major sights.
Transport planning mattersMorioka access is straightforward, but shuttle timing and bus use matter if you are traveling without a car.

Food & drinks

Verified lakeside ryokan in Tsunagi Onsen with Japanese meals, breakfast buffet service, and one clearly named lunch venue on site.

Hanagoyomi (on-site)
on-site

Named Japanese dining spot for lunch dishes.

  • Rice bowlsfoodSimple donburi lunch sets.
  • SobafoodJapanese noodle lunch.
  • TeadrinkHot tea with meals.
Dining Room (on-site)
on-site

Main meal service with seasonal Japanese dinner, half-buffet, and some room meal plans.

  • Seasonal kaisekifoodJapanese course dinner style.
  • Sanriku seafoodspecialtyLocal sea flavors from Iwate.
  • Brand meatspecialtyIwate meat and local produce.
  • Half-buffetfoodMixed self-serve meal format.
Breakfast Venue (on-site)
on-site

Breakfast buffet served in large banquet or convention hall space.

  • Breakfast buffetfoodBuffet-style morning meal.
  • Japanese sidesfoodTypical savory breakfast items.
  • Coffee and teadrinkStandard morning drinks.

Access, transport and nearby sights

This lakeside ryokan in Tsunagi Onsen is most practically reached from Morioka Station, with the final approach usually by local bus, shuttle, or taxi.

Distances are approximate and calculated from the ryokan coordinates. Travel times may vary depending on route, traffic and schedules.

Should you choose this ryokan?

A large lakeside onsen hotel in Tsunagi Onsen, Morioka, Hotel Shion stands out for its scenic bath experience, spacious room options, and resort-style facilities. It suits travelers who want views and a fuller on-site stay more than those seeking a tiny, deeply traditional ryokan atmosphere.

5 reasons to choose this ryokan best points
  • Superb lakefront viewsThe hotel faces Gosho Lake, and its rooms are positioned to enjoy open water views with Iwate’s mountains in the background. It feels especially rewarding if you want a scenic onsen stay rather than a city hotel base.
  • Baths with real varietyThis property is known for multiple large public baths and open-air baths, including distinctive options like a hinoki bath, silk bath, and more dramatic outdoor settings. It gives you a more expansive bath experience than a small ryokan with only one or two tubs.
  • Good pick for a special room upgradeSome higher-category rooms include their own private hot spring bath setup with both open-air and indoor bathing. That makes it a strong option for couples or travelers who want extra privacy without giving up the big-ryokan facilities.
  • Spacious rooms for groupsHotel Shion offers larger room types, including broad lake-view Japanese-style rooms that can fit families or small groups more comfortably. It is easier to spread out here than in many compact onsen inns.
  • Easy on-site stayThe hotel has the scale and amenities of a full resort property, with dining venues, lounge-style spaces, a shop, and even in-house event offerings. It works well if you prefer to relax on the property instead of planning every evening outside.
5 reasons not to choose this ryokan watch-outs
  • More hotel than intimate ryokanWith well over a hundred rooms, this is a sizable onsen hotel rather than a quiet, highly personalized boutique inn. Travelers chasing a deeply intimate kaiseki-and-hostess ryokan feel may find it less distinctive.
  • Best experience depends on room categoryThe most memorable private-bath features are limited to premium room types, so not every stay will feel equally special. Standard rooms may feel much more conventional by comparison.
  • Not the most convenient without planningTsunagi Onsen is outside central Morioka, so getting there is less effortless than staying near the station. There is a paid shuttle option, but it is reservation-based and timing matters.
  • Large public baths can feel less privateThe bath complex is a big draw, but that also means a more communal experience, especially at popular times. If you strongly prefer secluded bathing, you may need to pay for or book a room with a private bath.
  • Less ideal for travelers focused on nightlife or walkabilityThis stay is geared toward lake views, hot springs, and time inside the property rather than urban exploration. If you want to step out to lots of bars, shops, and station-area dining, Morioka city center is a better fit.

Ranking around this ryokan in Iwate

Showing 5 above and 5 below the current ryokan. The full ranking loads only when you click or hover over this block.

Current position: 11th out of 35 ryokans in Iwate.

Rank Ryokan Rating Reviews
6th 奥州平泉温泉旅館 itsumu 9.0/10 132
7th Namari Onsen Kokoro No Toki Jusangatsu 8.9/10 112
8th Jodogahama Park Hotel 8.8/10 591
9th Appikogen Mori no Hotel 8.8/10 343
10th Nagisatei Taroan 9.0/10 24
11th Hotel Shion Current ryokan 8.8/10 264
12th Kyukamura Iwate-Amiharionsen 8.8/10 171
13th Iris Yu 8.7/10 327
14th Shinseikan 8.7/10 70
15th Fulsato 8.9/10 7
16th Hotel Koyokan 8.6/10 1,334
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