AKARI et KAORI formerly Taizanso
9,1/10 Exceptional - Based on 113 reviews
AKARI et KAORI, formerly Taizanso, is a small boutique ryokan set in the historic Shuzenji district of Izu in Shizuoka. Redesigned by architect Shinji Kagawa, the property blends contemporary minimalism with traditional room elements: tatami flooring, shoji screens and futon bedding arranged in thoughtfully detailed layouts. With a compact collection of individually styled guest rooms and an emphasis on privacy and natural materials, the inn positions itself as a ryokan with onsen in Shizuoka while keeping a restrained, modern atmosphere that highlights local craftsmanship.
Thermal facilities include an open‑air communal onsen plus a selection of rooms fitted with their own hot‑spring tubs, so guests can choose between shared bathing and in‑room soaking. Dining focuses on seasonal multi‑course kaiseki using local seafood and vegetables, served in private dining spaces or delivered to rooms to preserve intimacy. Practical amenities cover on‑site parking, complimentary Wi‑Fi and optional massage treatments; this combination of public baths and in‑room tubs makes it well suited to travellers seeking a ryokan with private onsen Shizuoka.
The property sits within easy walking distance of Shuzenji Temple and is a short taxi or bus ride from Shuzenji Station, making riverside strolls, gardens and local museums straightforward to reach. Service follows ryokan conventions—yukata for guests, carefully timed dining slots and attentive, personal hospitality—so stays are paced and quiet. For visitors who want a design‑led, intimate onsen experience with seasonal cuisine and precise room detailing, AKARI et KAORI offers a calm, well‑appointed base for exploring Shuzenji’s hot‑spring townscape.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: AKARI et KAORI formerly Taizan…
Positive Reviews
Exceptional, attentive staff
Many reviewers praised the warm, friendly and highly attentive service — staff were described as accommodating, patient and helpful throughout arrival, dining and departure.
Outstanding food (kaiseki-quality)
Guests repeatedly highlighted the evening kaiseki meals and Japanese breakfasts as exceptional, fresh and elaborate — many said meals were a highlight and worth booking half board.
Authentic, beautifully appointed ryokan rooms
Rooms were described as spacious, clean and traditionally styled (some newly renovated) with thoughtful, bespoke fittings; guests enjoyed yukata and the overall atmosphere.
Private and communal onsen experience
Reviewers enjoyed both private in-room baths and the small public hot-spring baths — natural baths were called dreamy, relaxing and a key part of the stay.
Quiet, convenient location and boutique feel
The ryokan’s location near the town/temple and bamboo grove was convenient, yet the property felt peaceful and intimate; many felt as if they had the place to themselves off-season.
Negative Reviews
Small onsen capacity and in-room baths
Several guests noted the outdoor/public onsen and some in-room open-air baths are small — if the ryokan is busier these areas can feel cramped and some private baths were too small for two people.
Japanese-style breakfast may not suit everyone
A few reviewers mentioned that the traditional Japanese breakfast might not appeal to all travelers (especially those expecting Western options).
Parking, signage and luggage access issues
Some guests found the car park hard to find from the hotel entrance, and moving luggage from the parking area to the entrance could be difficult — clearer signage or a luggage trolley was suggested.
Steep stairs in split-level suites
The maisonette/duplex suites have very steep staircases between levels, which may be inconvenient for guests with mobility concerns or heavy luggage.
Limited post-checkout access and minor facility notes
A few reviewers wished for later checkout or the ability to use facilities after checkout; others suggested the public onsen could be modernised, though these were not major complaints.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most rooms are designed for two adults; some room types include tatami areas and additional futons so occupancy varies by room—check the room description or contact the ryokan to confirm.
Yes; every room includes a private natural hot spring bath and the property also has public and open-air onsen facilities. Public baths may have restrictions for guests with visible tattoos.
Some room types include private in‑room onsen; if you would like exclusive use of a communal bath or a private soak, contact the ryokan in advance as private reservations can be limited.
The ryokan does not run a regular airport shuttle; guests normally travel by train to Shuzenji Station and then take a short taxi or local bus to the property.
From Shuzenji Station take the local bus for Shuzenji Onsen and get off at Miyukibashi (about a 3‑minute walk), or take a 10‑minute taxi; by car it is roughly 5 minutes from the Shuzenji/Numazu IC exits.
Staff can assist in basic English but English may be limited; inform the ryokan of special requests ahead of arrival or use a translation app for detailed communication.
AKARI et KAORI is a small nine‑room, modern‑Japanese ryokan featuring tatami floors, shoji screens and seasonal kaiseki-style cuisine, offering a quiet, authentic onsen ryokan experience.
Breakfast and dinner are served on site, typically in private dining spaces, and meal times are generally fixed; please notify the ryokan in advance of any dietary restrictions.
Pets are not allowed and the ryokan generally does not accept children; Shuzenji town has nearby shops, small stores and convenience outlets within a short walk for basic supplies.
Check‑in is from 15:00 to 18:00 and check‑out is at 10:00; you must inform the ryokan of your expected arrival time in advance so staff can prepare for your arrival.