竹泉荘 Chikusenso Onsen Overview
Look, I’ve stayed at plenty of ryokans, but Chikusenso in Togatta Onsen is honestly something else entirely. You know that feeling when you pull up somewhere and immediately think “okay, this is going to be good”? That’s exactly what happened when I first saw this place nestled into the hillside – the traditional architecture just flows with the landscape in a way that feels completely natural, not like they’re trying too hard to be Instagram-worthy.
The onsen here is what really sets it apart though. I mean, Togatta Onsen has been around for over 400 years, so they’ve had time to figure things out, but Chikusenso’s baths are fed by these natural hot springs that bubble up at the perfect temperature. The outdoor bath (rotenburo) looks out over the Zao mountains, and honestly, soaking there while snow was falling was one of those travel moments you never forget. The water has this slightly sulfurous smell that tells you it’s the real deal – not some heated pool pretending to be an onsen. What I really appreciated was how they maintain the traditional bathing culture without making it intimidating for visitors who might be new to the whole thing.
The rooms are proper traditional style with tatami floors and futon beds, but they’ve somehow managed to make everything feel luxurious without losing that authentic Japanese inn atmosphere. My room had this sliding door that opened onto a small private garden – nothing fancy, just perfectly maintained stones and plants that change with the seasons. The meals were incredible too, that multi-course kaiseki dinner featuring local mountain vegetables and fresh fish. They serve it in your room, which I know some people find awkward, but there’s something really special about eating this beautiful food while sitting on the floor looking out at the mountains. The staff moves around so quietly you barely notice them, but somehow your tea cup never stays empty.
Here’s the thing about Togatta Onsen – it’s not as touristy as some of the bigger hot spring towns, which means you get this authentic experience without fighting crowds. The drive up from Sendai takes about an hour, and parking at the hotel is easy (which, trust me, isn’t always the case at these mountain places). Winter is obviously peak season because of the nearby Zao ski slopes, but I actually loved visiting in autumn when the leaves were changing – fewer people, lower prices, and the mountain views were absolutely stunning. The only minor downside is that English isn’t widely spoken, but the staff is so attentive that you’ll figure things out just fine, and honestly, that’s part of the charm of staying somewhere this traditional.
Experience exceptional luxury healing hotels that provide world-class accommodations alongside cutting-edge wellness facilities, creating sanctuaries where guests can focus on their health and well-being.
Guest Reviews
In short: it's an absolutely fantastic onsen. We had a wonderful time from start to finish, even decided to add an extra night because I didn't want to leave after just two nights. Everything is of an extremely high standard, be it the fantastic...
A very refine establishment
Staff are nice. Facilities are great. Dinner and breakfast are delicious. We were given snacks as night food. Private onsen was available. Can see stars at night.
What could be improved: Its location is a bit far away
This is the best Japanese experience
The surrounds are luxurious and subdued
The staff are very friendly and helpful
The food is excellent and a truly superb Japanese experience
A place to really relax
Everything!
Amazing place.
What could be improved: It’s a little far
Every detail is designed perfectly, including interior and architecture itself. If you love design, you have to come. Private onsen you have to try.
Elegant , service , dinner
It was an amazing stay at 竹泉荘 Chikusenso Onsen. Everything was perfect: spacious room with all amenties that you need, super friendly and helpful staff, beautifully designed lounges and relaxing onsen! The hotel also offers transfer from Sendai...
I started grinning like a fool as soon as I entered the grounds of Chikusenso. It is everything the pictures show and so, so much more. I was genuinely too delighted to play it cool. A truly beautiful property complete with a river and at least two...
Location was great, meals were superb, onsen was great
竹泉荘 Chikusenso Onsen Rooms
Choose from 10 accommodation options
Deluxe Twin Room
Superior Double Room
Deluxe Premier King Room
Deluxe Superior Twin Room
Junior Premier Suite
Garden Spa Suite
Cypress Suite
Mount Zao Suite
Presidential Suite
Deluxe Tatami Room
Facilities & Amenities
Everything you need for a comfortable stay
Ski 2
- Ski school Additional charge
- Ski storage
View 1
- Garden view
Bedroom 3
- Linen
- Wardrobe or closet
- Alarm clock
General 15
- Shuttle service
- Adults only
- Shared lounge/T V area
- Hypoallergenic
- Designated smoking area
- Air conditioning
- Non-smoking throughout
- Wake-up service
- Heating
- Soundproofing
- Soundproof rooms
- Lift
- Ironing facilities
- Non-smoking rooms
- Wake up service/Alarm clock
Kitchen 3
- Coffee machine
- Electric kettle
- Refrigerator
Bathroom 12
- Toilet paper
- Towels
- Bidet
- Bath or shower
- Slippers
- Private bathroom
- Toilet
- Free toiletries
- Shared bathroom
- Hairdryer
- Bath
- Shower
Outdoors 4
- Picnic area
- Sun terrace
- Terrace
- Garden
Wellness 11
- Spa/wellness packages
- Spa facilities
- Body treatments
- Facial treatments
- Beauty Services
- Public Bath
- Open-air bath
- Hot spring bath
- Massage Additional charge
- Spa and wellness centre Additional charge
- Fitness centre
Activities 7
- Live music/performance
- Walking tours Additional charge
- Temporary art galleries
- Cycling
- Hiking Off-site
- Skiing Off-site
- Fishing Additional charge Off-site
Living Area 2
- Seating Area
- Desk
Food & Drink 7
- Fruits Additional charge
- Wine/champagne Additional charge
- Special diet menus (on request)
- Bar
- Minibar
- Restaurant
- Tea/Coffee maker
Accessibility 1
- Upper floors accessible by elevator
Room Amenities 1
- Clothes rack
Languages spoken 3
- English
- Japanese
- Chinese
Cleaning services 3
- Daily housekeeping
- Trouser press
- Ironing service
Safety & security 8
- Fire extinguishers
- CCTV outside property
- CCTV in common areas
- Smoke alarms
- Security alarm
- Key access
- 24-hour security
- Safety deposit box
Media & Technology 8
- Blu-ray player
- Flat-screen TV
- Satellite channels
- CD player
- DVD player
- Fax
- Telephone
- TV
Reception services 3
- Invoice provided
- Concierge service
- Luggage storage
Business facilities 2
- Fax/photocopying Additional charge
- Meeting/banquet facilities Additional charge
Great for your stay 10
- Spa and wellness centre
- Restaurant
- Private bathroom
- Fitness centre
- Parking
- Free WiFi
- Air conditioning
- Flat-screen TV
- Shuttle service (free)
- Bath
Parking Free private parking is possible on site (reservation is not needed). 1
- Accessible parking
竹泉荘 Chikusenso Onsen Location
989-0916 Miyagi, Zao, Togatta Onsen Aza Uwanohara 88-11, Japan
What's nearby
Restaurants & cafes
Ski lifts
Closest airports
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