Great onsen (women and men separate) with a view on the Matsushima bay from the 5th floor, delicious meals prepared in front of you, refreshments during the day included. Overall very nice chilled experience!

It is the best in matsudhima

None

The room (I had the basic level option) was gigantic for Japan, with a huge picture window and a view to die for. To say I was blown away upon arrival would be an understatement. The hotel is spacious and uncrowded. I suspect it caters almost exclusively to the Japanese market so some instructions were on rather informal notes, or simply only in Japanese. The rate is breakfast and dinner included but also includes unlimited alcohol from 7pm and coffee/tea/refreshments all day with an icecream bar in the late morning and afternoon. The silence and sleep quality was superb as was the bathroom with shower.

The 'set meals' are a little strange for Western habits in that a full menu is offered but is selective as you need to present at a chefs station to have your dish prepared. The nominally western menu was still quite unusual and the Japanese typically such. As the menu does not change night to night, you may find yourself wanting a change by the 4th night. There is no meal service at lunchtime, so you need to prepare, either by taking a trip out, or by finding something light at the nearby 7/11 as any other restaurants are a good 20 minutes walk away.

Everything is amazing. It is expensive, but you get what you pay. I recommend staying for at least 2 nights. I stayed for only one night, and I think I could have enjoyed more (like the gardens and the free rental bike service) if I had more time. Having said that,I thoroughly enjoyed my bedroom, the lounge, restaurant, the baths. The free all you can eat ice cream in the lounge was also a positive surprise.

Nothing. I got exactly what I paid for.

way beyond expectation, newly renovated room facing the garden and ocean, very generous amenities and free drink selection on executive floor. lots of value-added items for free. highly recommended.

environment and service of the staff is great

The staff was very polite, sincere and well-trained. The outdoor onsen itself was gorgeous and lovely. In it's day, the facilities must have been fit for royalty but even now she is a proud old ryokan. The meals are all you can eat and drink during the hours of operation. The meals are not simply "buffet". Many chefs are individually making your nigiri sushi or slicing your sashimi, manually tearing lettuce leaves, frying your order of tempura, etc. There is a free shuttle to town or from Mastushima or Mtsushima-Kaigan station. The scenery is breathtaking! The town is cute and quaint, albeit a bit touristy, but clean and fun nonetheless. Shiogama and Ishinomaki are easily accessed by the local trains (Note: the tsunami museum in Ishinomaki is closed on Monday)

We stayed there two nights and the meals were nearly identical.

The beautiful hotel had an excellent room with a view. We do not like buffets, but we made exception. Each main meal was made to order. Best high quality sushi and steak. We will definitely recommend to our friends.

Nothing… it rained all day.