Ito Kowakien
7,9/10 Very good - Based on 691 reviews
Set in Ito on the Izu Peninsula, Ito Kowakien presents itself as a ryokan with onsen in Ito, Shizuoka, where an abundant natural spring supplies indoor and outdoor baths. The property highlights its slightly alkaline, simple hot spring (pH around 8.4) and a unique “drinkable onsen” feature at a designated fountain; communal bathing areas operate through the evening and guests commonly rotate between the main male and female baths on a schedule that allows experiencing both spaces. Seasonal outdoor options and an open-air pool operate in summer, while hot-water amenities are a central focus year‑round.
Guest rooms blend modern Japanese wood accents with traditional tatami and futon choices alongside Western-style bed options; some room types list private bathrooms fed by the hot spring water. Rooms are equipped with basic in‑room conveniences such as a refrigerator, electric kettle and yukata robes, and the property offers a free shuttle from the local station and on‑site parking. Public facilities include multiple bathing areas, a restaurant serving multi-course meals based on local seafood—notably simmered golden eye snapper and abalone—and leisure amenities like a seasonal pool, karaoke and a souvenir shop.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Ito Kowakien
Positive Reviews
Excellent onsens (hot springs)
Many reviewers praise the onsen facilities as a highlight — large, varied baths (indoor and outdoor), well maintained and relaxing, often described as magnificent or fabulous.
Attentive and friendly staff
Multiple guests mention helpful, polite and responsive staff at reception and around the property, contributing to a calm, welcoming ryokan atmosphere.
High-quality Japanese food and breakfast
The meals — especially the traditional Japanese breakfast and paid dinner options — are frequently described as delicious, beautifully presented and not to be missed.
Comfortable Japanese-style rooms and spaciousness
Guests appreciate the Japanese-style rooms (tatami, futons), often noting they are spacious and comfortable, suitable for families and groups.
Convenient services and location features
Many reviews value practical amenities: a complimentary shuttle to/from the station, free parking, proximity to a 24‑hour supermarket and nearby izakaya/shops, plus an outdoor pool for some seasons.
Negative Reviews
Aged facilities and cleanliness issues
Several guests report that rooms and some facilities feel outdated or in need of renovation; a few noted unpleasant odors in hallways or toilets and isolated cleanliness issues (e.g., stray hairs on bedding).
Limited dining access and extra charges
Some guests experienced restricted access to the hotel restaurant unless pre‑booked, and those without meals included found additional breakfast/dinner charges expensive (examples cited around 3300 JPY per person).
Noise and poor room insulation
A number of reviewers mentioned poor window insulation and disturbance from passing trains or hallway noise, affecting comfort and sleep for some guests.
Strict policies and communication issues
Complaints include rigid check‑in timing with little flexibility, early/unclear pool closing times, and limited English explanations on documents and from staff, which reduced convenience for some visitors.
Payment and local amenity limitations
A few guests noted limited payment options for extra services (some international cards not accepted) and that the hotel area can lack nearby restaurants or amenities for those without transport.
Frequently Asked Questions
Rooms range from single/couple layouts to Japanese–Western and family rooms; capacities vary by type (typically 1–2 up to 2–5 guests). Check the specific room description for the exact maximum occupancy.
The property has large indoor and outdoor public hot-spring baths supplied from the source, and many room types include a private in-room hot spring bath. Public baths close for cleaning during midday, have a nightly gender swap, and may restrict access for guests with visible tattoos.
A free shuttle operates on request from JR Ito Station between 14:00 and 18:00—call the hotel when you arrive to request pickup; Minami‑Ito Station on the Izu Kyūkō Line is about a 10‑minute walk from the ryokan.
Haneda is the nearest major airport; public-transport travel to Ito typically takes about 1.5–2 hours via Shinagawa/Atami. From Tokyo you can also take the Limited Express Odoriko (around 1 hour 40 minutes) to Ito.
English-language support is available and the hotel maintains an English website; staff can assist in English, though Japanese is the primary language on site.
Expect a ryokan stay with yukata, tatami or Western beds, kaiseki-style dinner options at the Ukifune restaurant and buffet breakfast choices; on-site activities include karaoke, a manga corner, table tennis and a seasonal outdoor pool.
Popular nearby spots include the Jyogasaki Coast, Renkei‑ji Temple and Ito Marine Town, plus downtown footbaths and local shops; these are generally reachable within 10–25 minutes by car.
Minami‑Ito Station (Izu Kyūkō Line) is about a 10‑minute walk; JR Ito Station is a short taxi or bus ride and connects to Tokyo by the Limited Express Odoriko or via Shinkansen to Atami then the Ito Line.
Standard check-in begins at 14:00 and check-out is at 10:00; if you expect a late arrival or need different times, contact the hotel in advance to arrange your arrival or a late checkout.
Small dogs are allowed in designated pet-friendly rooms with prior notification and a vaccination certificate, and pet rooms have specific rules; many room types include private in-room hot-spring baths, while bookings for any reservable private public baths should be made directly with the hotel. A supermarket (MaxValu) and convenience stores are within walking distance and the hotel has a gift shop for local items.