A Night in a Samurai Castle: Private Dinner at Shiroishi & Luxury Kamasaki Onsen Suite
Tuck into a chef-crafted feast inside Shiroishi Castle after hours, then drift off in a riverside all-suite onsen with your own open-air bath. This rare 2D1N escape in Miyagi blends storybook Japan with easy, multilingual hosting in English/Chinese.
Experience Snapshot
- Where: Shiroishi City, Miyagi (Tohoku), Japan — dinner inside Shiroishi Castle, overnight at THE YUKAWA Ichijo Branch in Kamasaki/Kamisaki Onsen. (AC page uses “Kamisaki”; locals often write “Kamasaki”.)
- Languages: English / Japanese / Chinese.
- Duration: ~17–19.5 hours; afternoon meet Day 1, check-out 10:00 Day 2.
- Signature moments: Private castle access at night, live Tsugaru shamisen during dinner, and a suite with a private open-air onsen. Samurai armor welcome + matchlock gun salute available on a special plan.
Why This Trip Is Special
Only-in-Japan setting. Shiroishi is one of Japan’s few wooden reconstruction castles; today’s keep was rebuilt with timber and reopened in 1995, so stepping inside at night feels cinematic yet authentic.
Gourmet Tohoku on a historic stage. Dinner showcases seasonal produce from northern Honshu, accompanied by the percussive, high-energy style of Tsugaru shamisen—often likened to “shredding” on an electric guitar.
Wellness, privacy, hush. THE YUKAWA Ichijo Branch opened in 2025 as an all-suite hideaway; every room features a terrace with a private open-air bath flowing with natural hot spring water.
Travel made easy. Hosting is available in both English and Chinese, a rare perk for boutique, countryside stays in Tohoku.
What’s Included
- Meals: Castle dinner (Day 1) and breakfast at the inn (Day 2).
- Stay: 1 night at THE YUKAWA Ichijo Branch (suites generally accommodate 1–2 guests).
- Support & Logistics: English/Japanese/Chinese support, castle tour, and round-trip transfer between the castle and accommodation. Taxes (incl. hot-spring tax) included.
Good to know: For 3 guests, book a suite at Ichijo Ryokan (same group). Vegetarian meals are possible, but the whole group must choose the same menu type.
Packages & Pricing (subject to change)
- Standard Stay Plan without castle tour — from USD 3,066.68 per adult/child
- Shiroishi Castle Tour Plan — from USD 3,066.68 per adult/child
- Welcoming Ceremony Plan (samurai welcome + matchlock salute) — from USD 3,741.35 per adult/child
- Group Discount: save up to 33% (4–5 guests: 24% off; 6–8 guests: 33% off)
- Party size: min 2 / max 8
- All per official activity page.
Sample 2D1N Itinerary
Day 1
16:00 Meet at THE YUKAWA Ichijo Branch → transfer to Shiroishi Castle
16:30 Private after-hours castle tour (softly lit interiors; steep historic stairs)
18:00 Premium dinner in the keep with live Tsugaru shamisen
20:00 Return and check into your suite with an open-air bath
Meals: Breakfast × / Lunch × / Dinner ✓
Day 2
Breakfast (private dining; Japanese or Western) → 10:00 check-out
Meals: Breakfast ✓ / Lunch × / Dinner
Access (From Tokyo)
- Shinkansen (fastest & easiest): Take the Tohoku Shinkansen (Yamabiko) from Tokyo Station to Shiroishi-Zaō in roughly 1h44–~2h depending on the train. Taxis are available at arrival.
- Local background: Shiroishi Castle, situated on high ground above the town, is a symbol of the area.
Practical Notes (Read Before You Book)
- Stairs & footwear: The castle has steep staircases; dinner is on the second floor—wear easy-to-move clothing.
- Restrooms: No toilets inside the keep; facilities are ~2 minutes’ walk away within the grounds (staff can escort you during the meal).
- Flexibility: No changes to confirmed bookings; timing may shift due to weather/traffic.
- Rooming: Suites at THE YUKAWA hold 1–2 guests; groups of 3 should use Ichijo Ryokan suites.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Best Time to Go
- Spring (sakura): Lantern-lit blossoms framing white plaster walls.
- Autumn: Clear skies and rich foliage in the castle park.
- Winter: Snow on tile roofs for a monochrome fairy-tale vibe.
- (Seasonal atmosphere described; actual operations follow the activity calendar.)
This Way to Your Throne
Claim the castle after dark, vibe to shamisen, then melt into your own open-air onsen. Dates go quick and FOMO is real, pick your plan (yes, even the samurai welcome), and lock it in before someone else steals your fairytale.
