Iioka Shiosai Hotel
6,8/10 Good - Based on 33 reviews
Set on the Iioka coast with direct ocean views from every guest room, Iioka Shiosai Hotel blends straightforward ryokan hospitality with practical modern comforts. Rooms range from Japanese-style tatami to mixed Western-Japanese layouts, furnished with air conditioning, refrigerators, work desks and en-suite bathrooms; yukata are provided for wear in communal areas. The property maintains about thirty rooms, offers complimentary Wi‑Fi throughout and free on-site parking, and positions itself as a quiet seaside base for families, surfers and visitors seeking a measured coastal stay.
The hotel highlights its thermal baths: a naturally occurring black-brown spring drawn from depth, locally promoted for its skin-softening qualities and operated as public bathing facilities rather than individual in-room tubs. Bathing areas include gender-separated onsen and facilities for day visitors, with towels and basic amenities available at the entrance. For travelers searching specifically for a ryokan with onsen in Kanto, the property presents a clear seaside onsen experience combined with accessible services such as a 24-hour front desk and a small lobby café.
Dining focuses on locally sourced seafood from the adjacent fishing grounds, with set meals and a casual restaurant that serves morning options described as Asian-style breakfasts. The hotel provides a reservation-based shuttle to the nearest station, bicycle rental and multipurpose spaces for meetings or small banquets, and it advertises barrier-free access and family rooms to accommodate mixed-age groups. As a coastal ryokan with onsen Chiba travelers often use as a base for sunrise viewing, beach walks and short excursions to nearby lighthouses and parks.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Iioka Shiosai Hotel
Positive Reviews
Seaside, peaceful location
Many guests praised the hotel's location right on the coast in a quiet, low‑tourism area with sea views from the rooms — a good place to relax away from busy Tokyo.
Relaxing onsen (hot spring)
The large public baths and distinctive 'black' onsen water were frequently mentioned as very pleasant and restorative by multiple reviewers.
Friendly, helpful staff and cleanliness
Staff were repeatedly described as kind, helpful and accommodating; reviewers noted that the team keeps the older property clean and welcoming.
Good food and drink options
Guests enjoyed the meals — breakfast was described as a healthy Japanese set with a drink bar, and dinner was noted as fresh and appetizing; the drink bar was appreciated.
Spacious rooms and useful facilities
Rooms with tatami areas were noted as roomy and comfortable. Practical amenities cited included covered parking for motorcycles and a free shuttle to the station.
Negative Reviews
Aging rooms and maintenance issues
Several guests reported visible wear and tear — tatami, general aging and some deterioration in parts of the building — affecting the room experience for some.
Bedding and housekeeping concerns
Some reviewers raised hygiene/housekeeping issues such as the lack of duvet covers or top‑sheet changes and an incident where staff entered while a guest was bathing, causing privacy concerns.
Limited amenities and comfort controls
Complaints included noisy air conditioning, limited control over bath water temperature (only a lukewarm option), and a cold draft from ventilation windows in bathing areas.
Remote location and limited nearby dining/transport
While the quiet location is a plus, guests warned that the hotel area is isolated with few nearby dining options and long walks from Iioka station — travellers were advised to check bus timetables or rent a car.
Small practical shortcomings
Other issues noted by guests included limited outdoor sandals for beach use, early lights‑out/dark corridors, and Wi‑Fi only available in rooms rather than public areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Rooms include Japanese-style and mixed layouts; some rooms sleep up to four (futons) and there are twin and triple options, with a total of 30 rooms in the property.
Yes — the property operates a natural hot spring with gender-separated public baths featuring a distinctive black-brown mineral water known locally as a beauty spring.
Private onsen use is not listed as a standard offering on the property website; if you need a private bath or exclusive use, contact the hotel directly to check availability or special arrangements.
The hotel offers a one-way shuttle service to/from JR Iioka Station (pickup approx. 15:30, hotel departure around 09:30) by prior reservation and limited to an 8‑seat vehicle; there is no regular airport shuttle, so taxis or public transport are recommended from airports.
Travel generally involves train or car to Iioka/Asahi area; take JR lines to Iioka Station then a short taxi ride (about 10–15 minutes), or drive via the East Kanto/highway network — free on-site parking is available.
Japanese is the primary language; staff can handle basic guest needs but English support may be limited, so notifying the hotel in advance or using a translation app is advised for detailed requests.
Nearby highlights include Iioka Beach and Iioka Lighthouse, coastal viewpoints such as Cape Gyōbumi/Byobugaura, and local seafood markets and fishing-port scenery along the Bōsō coast.
Standard check-in time is 15:00 and check-out is by 10:00.
Pets are not allowed at the property; the hotel does offer banquet and multipurpose rooms that can be booked for private events, but private bathing areas are not advertised as a regular option.
The ryokan has an on-site restaurant serving regional seafood and a small shop/minimarket in the lobby (shop hours listed on the hotel site); convenience stores and local supermarkets are available in the nearby town for additional supplies.