丸木舟

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. 🍜😊

Local folk art (made/collected by the owner) adorn the Ainu Room. It is like staying in a museum full of history and culture. We enjoyed our time here especially with a local family who came for Ainu dinner. 4year old Ko-chan who celebrated his 4th birthday was the real star of our stay. Thank you for the wonderful memories!

The best around, will definitely come back next time.

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.