[2025 Sendai Hotels] Travel Guide for Iwamatsu Ryokan (Updated Jun)

The streamside open-air hot spring is located by the upper reaches of the Hirose River, preserving the scenery from the time the spring was discovered. The Hirose River, with its deep valleys and shallow streams, is approachable and inviting. Dense vegetation on both sides immerses visitors in the essence of the forest. The inn's most famous feature is the streamside open-air hot spring. The crystal-clear stream reflects dazzling greenery, and the gentle flow of water passes right before your eyes. Combined with the forest's ion-rich air, this natural oxygen bar ensures a refreshing and uplifting experience after bathing.

There are buses and trains from Sendai Station to Sakunami Onsen. The bus terminus is right in front of Iwamatsu Ryokan, and there is a hotel shuttle bus from Sakunami Onsen Station. After arriving at Sakunami Onsen Station, you can see Iwamatsu Ryokan's promotional posters everywhere, which shows that this ryokan is very famous locally. The hotel is very large, and it must have been very grand. But now it seems a bit run-down. The hotel staff are warm and friendly, and they helped us book a tour of the whisky distillery the next day, which is worth a visit if you have time. The hotel has mixed-gender hot springs and separate hot springs for men and women. The mixed-gender hot springs have female-only time slots in the morning and evening. The hot springs are a feature of this ryokan and are well worth a soak. The ryokan's food and drink are also good, but there are not many guests, so the food is not updated in time, which is a slight flaw. The hotel lobby has free afternoon tea and a whisky display.

The open-air creek onsen is located on the banks of the upper reaches of the Hirose River, and still retains the scenery from the time of its source. The deep valley and shallow Hirose River are approachable and friendly. Dense vegetation on both sides envelops you completely in the forest atmosphere. The ryokan's most famous creek open-air onsen is one of Japan's increasingly rare mixed bathing baths (there are women-only times, but bathing suits are not allowed). The clear stream water reflects dazzling new greenery, the babbling brook flows right before your eyes, and coupled with the forest's oxygen bar rich in negative ions, you will feel very refreshed after bathing.