Kagiya
8,7/10 Excellent - Based on 16 reviews
Set in a quietly wooded slope of southern Izu, Kagiya presents itself as a single-house style ryokan that balances traditional Japanese craft with recent refurbishments. The property underwent renovation in 2017 and now offers ten distinct room types across twenty rooms, eight of which feature their own open-air baths. Interiors favor tatami and restrained wood finishes, while public spaces include a lounge, a small shop and treatment rooms for spa services. Practical conveniences for contemporary travellers — free in-room Wi‑Fi, on-site parking and a station shuttle — are also provided, making it straightforward to use the inn as a base for exploring the peninsula.
The hot spring at Kagiya is a source-fed salt spring supplied without circulation, a characteristic the property highlights as part of its thermal offering. Guests can choose between the main communal bathing area and rooms with private open-air baths; the latter makes this a ryokan with private onsen in Minamiizu for travellers seeking solitude. The spring is described locally as a food-salt (chloride) type with a long history, traditionally valued in the area for warming and restorative qualities and often recommended by the house for soaking after coastal walks or fishing excursions.
Dining centers on seasonal seafood and carefully prepared local produce, with evening meals served in an intimate dining area designed to reflect the region’s tastes and rhythm. The inn also arranges esthetic and reflexology treatments and can assist with local outings — coastal walks, boat-based snorkeling and quiet beaches are all within easy reach. With attentive service, on-site bathing options and a coastal hinterland to explore, Kagiya functions well as a calm ryokan with onsen in Shizuoka for travellers prioritizing relaxation and regional cuisine.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Kagiya
Positive Reviews
Friendly, attentive staff
Multiple guests praised welcoming, polite and helpful staff; several noted particularly courteous service at reception and attentive対応 that made their stay comfortable.
Excellent food
Many reviews highlighted very tasty meals—especially fresh sashimi and a warm, plentiful breakfast (noting hot tamagoyaki)—and overall strong praise for the cuisine.
Clean, comfortable and calming atmosphere
Guests described the ryokan as clean, comfortable and relaxing, with a cozy traditional feel that reminded some of Kyoto townhouses.
Good onsen facilities (especially indoor baths)
Visitors enjoyed the onsen, frequently mentioning that the indoor baths were pleasant and relaxing; the property’s bathing facilities were seen as a strong point.
Helpful extras and personalised touches
Guests appreciated small personalised services such as arranging a larger room, private dining, and helpful return-transport stops (e.g. a detour to a local shop), which enhanced the stay.
Negative Reviews
Outdoor bath temperature too low at times
Several guests reported the open-air (rotenburo) bath felt too cool, especially in the early morning, and suggested raising its temperature.
Mosquitoes / window screens issues
Some guests experienced many mosquitoes because window screens did not close properly; one guest used mosquito mats to cope and asked for better measures to allow enjoying fresh air.
Staffing / service delays during busy periods
A few reviewers noted staff appeared busy and service (especially at meal times) could be slow, creating occasional frustration and a negative atmosphere; one guest suggested improving staffing or service flow.
Small / hard-to-see signage
At least one guest had trouble locating the ryokan because of small, hard-to-read signage and recommended clearer directions/markers.
Old/firm taps in rooms
One guest reported that the room taps felt old and required excessive strength to close, indicating maintenance or fixture replacement would improve guest comfort.
Frequently Asked Questions
Room capacity depends on the room type (typically 2–5 guests); many rooms list futon counts in the description. Children are not permitted at this property.
Kagiya offers a public onsen using a local salt spring with a long history, and several room types include private open-air baths for in-room use. Note that visible tattoos may restrict access to the public baths.
A complimentary shuttle service from Izukyū-Shimoda station is available but must be reserved in advance; contact details appear on your booking confirmation. Airport transfers are typically arranged via train or car to Izukyū-Shimoda first.
Travel time from Tokyo is roughly three hours by public transport and car; take trains to Izukyū-Shimoda station and use the ryokan’s scheduled pick-up. Travel from Haneda usually combines train and local transport to Shimoda.
Staff provide guest assistance and can accommodate international visitors on request; English support is available but it’s best to request language help in advance. The team has a strong guest-service record.
Check-in is from 15:00 until 18:00 and check-out is by 10:00. If you plan to dine at the ryokan, you should arrive by 18:00 to be served dinner.
Pets are not allowed at the property and parties or large private events are not permitted. Some rooms with private baths can be booked for a more exclusive stay, but the property itself is not available for full privatization.
The onsite restaurant serves traditional Japanese cuisine focused on seasonal and local seafood (kaiseki-style); breakfast is offered in an Asian style. Dinner service requires timely arrival and is tied to your reservation, so notify the ryokan if you wish to dine on the property.
Kagiya sits in Minamiizu near coastal highlights such as Hirizo Beach, Irozaki Cape and other Shimoda-area beaches and coastal trails; the ryokan can advise on local sightseeing and fishing excursions. Seasonal nature walks and beach visits are common nearby activities.
Free Wi‑Fi is available on the property and complimentary private parking is provided. Small shops and convenience stores are within a short drive, with larger supermarkets accessible by car.