丸木舟

This is a fantastic place to stay for a night or two. Highly recommend the Ainu room if it's available. We really enjoyed lunch and dinner at the restaurant too. The lady looking after the place is so warm and friendly; she was so patient and kind to us bumbling non-Japanese-speaking tourists. We'd love to return sometime. They only accept cash, there's an ATM just a five-minute drive away.

I had my best sleep in this place so far after 7 days on the road with amazing luxury hotels in the north Hokkaido area. The reason is the warmth of this family run lodging. We wanted to experience the Ainu culture so we were referred to this and the warmth and gentleness of this family came through their humble smiles and genuine service….serving you as they serve family….. a must try. Just take a simple room but if the large room is not taken, have them give you a view of it….filled with Ainu treasures.

Situated in a rather remote area without much amenities. Used it as a base to visit shiretoko, lake mashu and lake akan. Rooms had a rustic feel to it, but sleep was surprisingly good. There is a single onsen bathroom, so you have to take turns. You can email the owner directly for reservations as they are not on hotel booking websites.

Pros: Food is great, don't miss the ramen :) We love the uniqueness of the decorations inside the restaurant. Bonus !!! 😜 don't forget to check out the swan onsen behind the restaurant, it's worth it to go. The cutest onsen in the world 🦢🦢🦢

This is a very unique restaurant and the owner is a composer and song writer. They play “Ainu” music. The lunch that we ate was delicious. We had set lunch with pork and rice and ice cream. Recommend to stop by for some music and good environment.

Lunch at the Ramen house was enjoyable, with a view of the green space and lake from the window-side table. The Ramen was a bit too salty for me, but the friendly staff and unique Hokkaido-inspired design made up for it. 🍜😊

If you do anything on your travels, stay at Marukibune. And if your budget allows it, stay in the Ainu room: Y 34000 per night, excluding food. Yes, mega expensive, but it is a double room, basically almost a little apartment, with a stunning view of the lake, and completely decorated in Ainu style, can't even explain it, you have to see it for yourself. Plus the owners like things electronic, so the lighting is amazing, the beds are adjustable and there is a very extensive sound system in the room. Downstairs the wonders continue, decorations, Ainu food, and surprise surprise a performance put on by the owner, family and staff of the Ryokan. This is not just music, it is dance, light effects, the works! |Also there is a beautiful lakeside open air onsen, which doesn't belong to the Marukibene as far as I know, but is right behind the hotel. The only (very) slight criticism I have is the emphasis on money, for example, we wanted a second cup of coffee at breakfast, and immediately we were told how much the extra cup costs. Nevertheless, this is truly one of the most memorable places I have ever stayed at.

The following comments pertain to the restaurant (Marukibune) service, only. Of all places we ate at during our 8-day trip through Hokkaidô, this came last, primarily for disappointing service. We were not offered to seat near the windows, in a shoes - off area, unlike a Japanese couple that came after us. A large monitor TV was on and loud, watched by the old owner. We had to wait quite a bit to have water served at the table. The food was just average (not sure what would be so special about the purported Ainu cuisine offered here) and in rather skimpy portions. Overall it felt more like a tourist trap, so much for the recommendation in the Lonely Planet. Would not advise.