Yokikan
9/10 Exceptional - Based on 261 reviews
Perched on a hillside above the town and coast, Yokikan is a century-old Japanese-style inn that presents a restrained, traditional experience with clear attention to seasonal detail. Founded in 1910, the property retains tatami-floored rooms with futon bedding, compact in-room amenities such as a refrigerator and electric kettle, and supplied yukata for guest use. Guests encounter a small, carefully tended garden and a lounge with a carp pond that frames views toward the surrounding landscape. Noted for blending local character with practical comforts, Yokikan positions itself as a ryokan with onsen in Ito.
The bathing facilities are the ryokan’s standout feature: natural hot springs include an indoor public bath and an open-air bath sited above the hotel, reached by a short, steep cable railway that climbs roughly 30 metres. Bathing is communal, with separate public bathing areas rather than private in-room onsen, and massage services are available for relaxation after soaking. Rooms typically have private toilets while bathing facilities are shared. The property offers free, limited parking and is reachable on foot from Ito Station in about 10–15 minutes, with taxi connections more direct for luggage.
Dining follows a Japanese set-menu approach, with breakfast and seasonal dishes served in a shared dining room or in-room on request; a small gift shop and optional recreational features such as table tennis add convenience. Multilingual staff can assist with local directions and arrangements, and the cable-railway access to the hilltop baths gives the stay a memorable, transportive quality. Overall, the layout and services make Yokikan a straightforward choice when seeking a ryokan with onsen in Shizuoka that emphasizes traditional atmosphere and easy access to Ito’s coastal attractions.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Yokikan
Positive Reviews
Outstanding onsen experience
Multiple reviews praise the onsen facilities — especially the rooftop/outdoor rotenburo with views and a small funicular/tram access — describing it as relaxing, picturesque and a highlight of the stay.
Excellent food (kaiseki dinners & breakfast)
Guests repeatedly mention delicious, varied and well-presented meals (kaiseki dinners and breakfasts). Many call the dinner exceptional and worth the price.
Warm, attentive staff and owner
The team and owner are described as very welcoming, helpful and attentive — offering recommendations, in-room service, and even lifts to the station. Staff hospitality is a frequently noted strength.
Authentic, cozy traditional ryokan atmosphere
Reviewers value the authentic Japanese ryokan charm: traditional rooms, spacious tatami/futon sleeping, clean and well-kept interiors, and an overall cozy atmosphere that helps guests relax.
Good location and value
Guests note a calm but convenient location with easy access to transport (bus stop/station), nearby shops, and generally good value for money.
Negative Reviews
Limited towels and onsen amenities
Several guests reported only one small onsen towel provided per person for the day and wished for an extra towel for the outdoor onsen; towels are changed daily but some found the supply insufficient.
Accessibility challenges (stairs/no elevator)
Older guests and those with luggage reported difficulty reaching rooms on upper floors due to lack of elevator or limited assistance, making access a concern for travelers with heavy bags or mobility issues.
Privacy/onsen scheduling and shared shower style
Onsen use is gender-segregated with specific time slots (and at least one review noted men had an extra slot), and showers are sentō-style shared areas — some guests warned shy travelers or suggested checking on timing to avoid inconvenience.
Occasional room issues (locks, water temperature, brightness)
A few reviews mentioned problems such as a room key that did not lock the door, inconsistent hot water (slow or cold), overly hot indoor baths, and rooms that let in early morning light without blackout options.
Limited evening activities nearby / small dinner portions for some
Some guests found little to do in the surrounding area in the evening. A few also felt certain dinner portions were on the small side (though most praised the food quality).
Frequently Asked Questions
Rooms are traditional Japanese style with futons; standard rooms are about 40 m² and special rooms 45–50 m². Many room types can sleep up to four guests on futons, with single-guest options also available.
Yes — Yokikan offers a heated indoor communal bath and a rotenburo (open-air bath) reached by a short cable railway. The open-air bath is closed for safety overnight and the indoor tubs switch gender designations in the evening and close for cleaning each day.
Some special rooms include an in-room rock bath for private use, while the main baths are communal with scheduled gender times. If you need a private bathing arrangement, please contact the ryokan in advance to discuss possibilities.
There is no advertised regular shuttle; Yokikan is about a 15‑minute walk from Ito Station and taxis are readily available. Contact the ryokan ahead if you need assistance arranging pickup or drop‑off.
Most international visitors use Tokyo’s Haneda or Narita airports, then take trains to Ito Station. From Ito Station it is roughly a 15‑minute walk to the ryokan or a short taxi ride.
Yokikan provides English information on its website and guests report English support at reception. For detailed requests or special needs, email or call ahead to confirm language assistance.
Expect a traditional Japanese stay with tatami floors, nightly futon service by staff, yukata provided, free Wi‑Fi, and basic toiletries supplied at the baths. Housekeeping follows ryokan service style and there is no regular room service.
The ryokan offers traditional multi-course dinners (standard or chef’s choice) and a Japanese breakfast; dinner is typically served between 18:00–19:00 and breakfast 07:30–08:30. Meals are served in-room or in a private dining area depending on guest numbers; inform the ryokan of allergies in advance (full gluten‑free cannot be guaranteed).
Standard check‑in is from 15:00 with guests asked to arrive by the published dinner cutoff in the evening; check‑out is between 07:30 and 10:00. You should inform the ryokan of your expected arrival time in advance.
Pets are not permitted on the property. The ryokan is within walking distance of Ito Station and Ito Orange Beach, with local shops and restaurants in the town for basic supplies and dining.