Resort Hills Toyohama Soranokaze
9,4/10 Exceptional - Based on 26 reviews
Resort Hills Toyohama Sora no Kaze sits on a coastal promontory in Toba, Mie, offering sea views and immediate access to Chidorigahama beach; its location is rooted in a fishing and ama-diving tradition that influences the on-site seafood-focused dining. Rooms span nine types—from Western-style twins to tatami rooms—and many face the ocean or open onto terraces. The property frames itself as a ryokan with onsen in Mie, combining kaiseki preparations highlighting local spiny lobster and abalone with relaxed communal spaces.
Bath facilities include a large communal hot spring, a reservation-only outdoor bath called "Tenku no Yu," and a women-only outdoor bath named "Isobue no Yu"; several guest rooms provide attached open-air hot spring baths for private use, and the onsen water is described as comparable in quality to that of Sakakibara. Guests can therefore select communal bathing or book room-attached outdoor baths, which functionally present options typical of a ryokan with private onsen Mie for those room types, while public bathing follows the property’s stated protocols.
Public areas balance leisure and practical amenities: a lobby with hammocks, a bar serving local sake, a terrace, a complimentary fish pedicure, an oversized media screen, and wellness facilities including a sauna and additional hot-spring pools. Practical services include a free shuttle to Toba Station (reservation required), on-site parking, two restaurants serving regional cuisine, and ready access to nearby attractions such as Toba Aquarium and Mikimoto Pearl Island; staff assistance in English and complimentary Wi‑Fi are also noted.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Resort Hills Toyohama Soranoka…
Positive Reviews
Excellent onsen facilities and cleanliness
Multiple onsen (including open-air baths) praised by many guests; baths were described as clean, well maintained and very pleasant to use.
High-quality, plentiful meals
Dinner and breakfast received frequent praise for being delicious, well presented and generous in variety and appearance.
Attentive and friendly service
Staff were noted as accommodating and responsive to inquiries; overall service was described as wonderful by several guests.
Comfortable, clean rooms with good layouts and views
Rooms were described as spacious, clean and comfortable; some guests highlighted a pleasant layout and elevated location with nice views toward the coast.
Good value and attractive coastal location
Guests appreciated the onsen hotel’s seaside setting near beaches, considered it good value for the price, and enjoyed local attractions such as a nearby contemporary art museum.
Negative Reviews
Remote location and access issues
Several guests mentioned the village is somewhat remote from main points of interest and that some roads are narrow, which can make access less convenient.
Dietary requests and restaurant information
At least one guest reported dietary requests (preferring fish, no meat) were not always honored; others suggested a helpful guide to local restaurants with opening days and times was lacking.
Inconsistent bath experience
While many praised the baths, some guests reported problems such as a private outdoor bath being too cold to wash in and one comment that the public bath experience was not ideal.
Noise and minor cleanliness lapses
A noisy ventilation fan in a room and an instance of long hair found in a washroom were noted as negative cleanliness or comfort issues by guests.
Limited service hours for complimentary offerings
Guests would have liked longer availability for complimentary services (e.g., sake tasting and coffee), as current hours were considered too short by some.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most rooms are designed for two adults; some room types can also accommodate one child. Extra beds and baby cots are not available, so check the room occupancy when booking.
Yes — the property offers large indoor hot spring baths, outdoor baths including a women-only outdoor bath, reservation-only outdoor bath “Tenku no Yu,” and some guest rooms have private open-air baths.
Yes — a free shuttle runs between Toba Station and the hotel (typically departs Toba at 15:00 and 16:30, with extra seasonal departures); you must reserve the shuttle at least one day in advance.
Travel to Toba Station by Kintetsu (from Nagoya or Osaka) or via Nagoya from Chubu Centrair, then take the free hotel shuttle (about 30 minutes). Alternative airport routes via Kansai or Chubu are possible using express buses and Kintetsu trains.
Several staff members speak English, and the hotel also lists Chinese-speaking staff; basic English is available for reception and guest services.
The ryokan serves kaiseki-style meals focused on fresh Ise-Shima seafood (sashimi, spiny lobster, abalone) and a selection of local sakes; please inform the hotel of dietary needs in advance as some restrictions may be limited.
Chidorigahama Beach is about a one-minute walk, and Ishigami-san is roughly a 10-minute walk; Toba Aquarium, Mikimoto Pearl Island and Ise Jingu are short drives or reachable by train from Toba.
Check-in starts at 15:00 and check-out is by 10:00. If you plan to arrive late (after around 19:00), notify the property in advance.
A reservation-only outdoor bath is available for private use; pets are not allowed on the property.
Osatsu is a small fishing village with local shops and restaurants within walking distance, but large supermarkets and convenience stores are limited in the immediate area, so plan accordingly.