Ama no Shima
8,2/10 Excellent - Based on 23 reviews
Ama no Shima is a compact, shore-side ryokan set on a coastal headland near Toba’s main attractions in Mie Prefecture. The property operates roughly thirty guest rooms across several floors, many with sea views and simple Japanese furnishings that blend tatami zones with Western beds in some room types. Public facilities include a seasonal outdoor swimming pool, an on-site bar and communal lounge, plus luggage storage and a day-use café space; the house style combines casual ryokan service with small-hotel conveniences.
Guest rooms are air-conditioned and equipped with flat-screen televisions, electric kettles and en-suite bathrooms with bathtubs; several room categories offer a small seating area for relaxation. The ryokan provides practical services such as a free local shuttle, station transfers on request and complimentary parking, which make it convenient for visitors arriving by train or car. Family-friendly room layouts and communal dining mean the property suits couples and small groups looking for straightforward, locally focused stays.
Ama no Shima features mineral hot spring baths with an open-air bath and larger public onsen facilities rather than private in-room hot spring tubs; the bathing spaces are presented for shared use with separate areas for relaxation and seasonal views toward the sea. Close to Toba Aquarium and historical pearl‑island attractions, this ryokan with onsen in Toba positions guests for short trips around the Ise‑Shima coast, and as a practical overnight base within the broader Mie region as a ryokan with onsen in Mie. Service emphasis is on warm, attentive staff and easy access to local sights.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Ama no Shima
Positive Reviews
Excellent onsen (hot springs)
Multiple guests praised the onsen for its cleanliness and quality; several described the water as silky/smooth and found the baths very relaxing and impressive.
Friendly and attentive staff
Reviews highlight polite, welcoming staff and good service at the front desk and dining area; staff made experiences like sake tastings enjoyable and contributed to a pleasant stay.
Delicious meals, especially seafood
Many visitors enjoyed the food, noting tasty meals and plentiful portions of local seafood; dinner and sake pairing events were specifically mentioned as highlights.
Clean, renovated rooms and great sea views
Guests reported newly renovated rooms with a sense of cleanliness; several mentioned excellent room location and attractive ocean views.
Good value and small amenities
Reviewers felt the price was reasonable for the experience; complimentary bottled water and fair vending-machine prices were appreciated as added value.
Negative Reviews
Some facilities are dated
A few guests noted that parts of the property are old or show their age, which affected impressions despite other positives.
Room type mismatch/confusion
At least one guest expected a bed room but received a tatami-style room, indicating possible booking/room-assignment misunderstandings.
Poor lighting in women's outdoor bath
One reviewer reported that the lighting in the female open-air bath was off, making the area very dark and uncomfortable to use.
Weather affected visit for some guests
One stay was marred by bad weather, which reviewers mentioned as a negative factor for their experience (external to hotel control).
Plain experience for room-only bookings
Guests who booked without meals described the stay as fairly ordinary, suggesting that the full dining/onsen package contributes significantly to guest satisfaction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Rooms are mainly Japanese-style tatami rooms that typically accommodate 2–4 guests; there are also twin rooms for two people.
Yes — the ryokan uses the local Arashima onsen with multiple baths, including cypress and rock outdoor baths and themed indoor baths, fed by its own alkaline spring.
The property offers free pickup/drop-off from the local train station (request in advance); for airports, the nearest major airport is Chubu Centrair (Nagoya) and transfers are typically arranged by car or taxi — contact the ryokan to coordinate.
Staff provide basic English service but language ability can vary; guests sometimes report multilingual or overseas staff, so simple Japanese phrases or prior requests for assistance are helpful.
Meals focus on traditional Japanese cuisine, often seafood-based kaiseki for dinner and a set Japanese breakfast, with typical dinner service times in the early evening (around 18:00–18:30).
Pets are not permitted on the premises; if you want a private or reserved bathing option, please contact the ryokan in advance to check availability and booking.
Small convenience stores and local shops are found in Toba town near the station and a short drive from the ryokan; the property can advise on the closest options.
Toba Aquarium is within about 1–2 km, Mikimoto Pearl Island is a short drive away, and Ise Grand Shrine can be reached by car in roughly 30–45 minutes, making the ryokan a good base for regional sightseeing.
Most guests travel by train to Toba Station and use the ryokan’s shuttle or a short taxi ride; driving is also convenient as the property provides on-site parking.
Standard check-in starts at 15:00 with check-out by 10:00, and the ryokan offers luggage storage before check-in and after check-out on request.