THE YUKAWA Ichijoh Branch

THE YUKAWA Ichijoh Branch, Shiroishi, Japan: A Michelin Key Selected Oasis of Tranquility

THE YUKAWA Ichijoh Branch in Shiroishi, Japan, is a recently opened (September 2025) luxury resort hotel that has quickly garnered attention, earning a selection in the prestigious Michelin Key. As the newest exclusive offering from the venerable 600-year-old ryokan, Tokine no Yado Yunushi Ichijoh, THE YUKAWA aims to provide an extraordinary and timeless stay, blending deep-rooted tradition with modern luxury and an immersive natural experience. While comprehensive guest reviews are still emerging due to its recent opening, the property is designed to offer an exceptional retreat.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

While official, extensive guest reviews are not yet widely available, with the Michelin Guide noting "No verified stays yet" for guest scores and IKYU.com's overall score being hidden due to an insufficient number of reviews, early indications and the property's positioning suggest an overwhelmingly positive sentiment. Booking.com shows an average score of 10 based on "over 1 review". The descriptive language used to promote THE YUKAWA emphasizes "extraordinary, timeless stays," "true escape from city woes," and "do-nothing luxury," indicating a strong focus on relaxation and sophisticated bliss. Its Michelin Key selection further underscores its expected high quality and exceptional offerings.

2. Key Highlights

Guests are expected to adore THE YUKAWA for several standout features:

• All-Suite Rooms with Private Open-Air Baths: Every room is a full suite, boasting breathtaking river views and a private en-suite open-air bath fed by direct spring waters.
• Immersive Nature: The design integrates seamlessly with the surrounding Kamasaki Onsen forests and the Yukawa River, offering a profound sense of natural retreat.
• Private Dining Experience: Meals, emphasizing seasonal local ingredients, are served privately, often on the room's terrace, enhancing the sense of exclusivity.
• Historic Lineage: As a "progeny" of the six-centuries-old Yunushi Ichijoh, the property carries forward a rich heritage of hospitality.
• Design & Ambiance: The design is inspired by an Imperial Villa, featuring custom-made furnishings and elements that evoke effortless ease and a sense of suspended time.

3. Room Quality

THE YUKAWA offers 11 exclusive, meticulously designed suite rooms, each a haven of comfort and elegance.

• Spacious Suites: All accommodations are furnished as full suites, with options like the River View Panorama Suite and the River View YUKAWA Suite offering generous spaces, some up to 969 square feet.
• Private Open-Air Baths: A defining feature is the en-suite open-air bath in every room, providing direct access to hot spring waters and serene views of the Yukawa River.
• River Views & Terraces: Rooms boast wide-open views facing the Yukawa River, with expansive windows that bring the greenery indoors, and garden sofas on private terraces for relaxation.
• Thoughtful Design & Amenities: Rooms feature 4-meter towering ceilings, custom-made furnishings (including furniture, rugs, and curtains), air conditioning, private bathrooms with bidets, tea/coffee makers, electric kettles, safety deposit boxes, flat-screen TVs, and free WiFi. The proprietress personally hand-picks amenities to ensure comfort and a personal touch.

4. Dining Experience

The dining at THE YUKAWA is a significant highlight, emphasizing exquisite, privately served meals.

• Private Terrace Dining: Dinner is typically served privately, often on the attached terrace of each room, allowing guests to savor their meal amidst views of forests and streams.
• Kaiseki Haute Cuisine: The restaurant serves tantalizing kaiseki haute cuisine, thoughtfully handmade and showcasing local specialties and seasonal ingredients from the Sanriku region, including bounty from both the sea and mountains.
• Breakfast Options: Guests can enjoy American and Asian breakfast options, which include fresh fruits, cheese, and local specialties.
• Exclusive Multi-Night Option: For those staying multiple nights, there's an exclusive opportunity to enjoy an evening meal at Tokine no Yado Yunushi Ichijoh's private dining restaurant, a historic space with centuries-old tradition.
• On-site Bar: The property also features an on-site bar, BAR orijin, for a relaxed evening.

5. Service & Staff

While specific guest feedback on staff is limited due to the property's newness, THE YUKAWA's deep connection to the 600-year-old Yunushi Ichijoh ryokan suggests a strong foundation of traditional Japanese hospitality and impeccable service. The proprietress's personal involvement in selecting room amenities and her journeying for minute details further indicate a high level of dedication to guest comfort and satisfaction. Facilities such as a free shuttle service and daily housekeeping also point to a well-considered guest experience.

6. Location & Accessibility

Nestled in the tranquil Kamasaki Onsen area of Shiroishi City, Miyagi Prefecture, THE YUKAWA Ichijoh Branch offers a peaceful retreat surrounded by river-traced forests.

• Natural Setting: The location provides a deep connection to nature, with the Yukawa River creating a serene backdrop.
• Hot Spring Destination: Kamasaki Onsen is a highly acclaimed hot springs destination.
• Transportation: Sendai Airport is approximately 22 miles (35 km) away. While specific public transport details to the ryokan are not extensively detailed, a free shuttle service is available, and free on-site private parking is provided for guests with vehicles. Bicycles are also available for guests to use.
• Nearby Attractions: The ryokan is within 27-29 miles of attractions such as Sendai City Community Support Center, The Site of Sendai Castle, Zuihoden, and Sakuraoka Daijingu. Shiroishi Station is about 7.0 km away.

7. Value & Pricing

As a Michelin Key Selected property and a luxury resort hotel positioned for "extraordinary" stays, THE YUKAWA Ichijoh Branch is expected to be in a higher price range. While specific pricing was not available in the search results, the amenities, all-suite rooms with private hot springs, and exclusive dining experiences clearly place it in the luxury segment. Booking directly through the Michelin Guide offers a "best prices guaranteed" assurance.

8. Common Complaints

Due to the property's very recent opening in September 2025, there are no recurring issues or common complaints reported in the available information. The lack of extensive guest reviews means that any potential areas for criticism have not yet emerged.

Sources

1. gltjp.com
2. ikyu.com
3. gltjp.com
4. michelin.com
5. michelin.com
6. allinclusivebeachresorts.com
7. booking.com
8. trip.com