Hoshi Meguri
9,6/10 Exceptional - Based on 133 reviews
Hoshi Meguri is a compact, family-run ryokan tucked into the Rendaiji area of Shimoda in Shizuoka Prefecture. The property is intentionally small — limited to just a handful of guest groups each night — and presents traditional tatami rooms with futon bedding, simple wooden furnishings and large windows that frame quiet mountain and valley views. Communal lounges and a home-like dining space create an informal atmosphere; practical amenities include free Wi‑Fi and on-site parking for self-driving visitors.
The bathing program is the ryokan’s defining feature: three reservable, family-use baths (two indoor and one open-air) supplied from a local source and managed as continuous-flow hot springs. Each bathing room is maintained for exclusive guest use during short booking slots, allowing for privacy and landscape sightlines from the outdoor option, so guests can unwind without communal crowds; this setup makes Hoshi Meguri a clear ryokan with private onsen in Shimoda and a focused example of a ryokan with private onsen Shizuoka visitors seek when prioritizing solitude and a hands-on bathing experience.
Meals are prepared by the owner-chef and emphasize seasonal local produce and seafood presented in modest multi-course sittings that reflect regional home cooking. The house enforces quiet hours in the evening, is non-smoking, does not accept pets, and children are not permitted, all measures intended to preserve a restful atmosphere for a limited number of guests. That combination of attentive, family-style hospitality, small scale and private bathing facilities makes Hoshi Meguri well suited to couples or solo travellers looking for an intimate onsen stay near the coastal attractions of Izu.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Hoshi Meguri
Positive Reviews
Exceptional hospitality and friendly hosts
Many reviewers praised the warm, attentive, family-run hosts who went above and beyond, spoke good English, and made guests feel welcome and cared for throughout their stay.
Outstanding food (dinner and breakfast)
Repeated compliments about the meals — from multi-course/kaiseki dinners and homemade curry to carefully served breakfasts — often described as some of the best food guests had in Japan.
Private onsens (multiple, indoor and outdoor)
Guests highlighted the three reservable private onsen, including a scenic outdoor bath, describing them as superb, relaxing, and beneficial (softening skin, relieving aches). Availability of multiple baths meant one was usually free.
Comfortable, well-decorated rooms and bedding
Reviewers noted spacious, clean rooms with tasteful, personalized decoration and very comfortable futons, pillows and bedding — many saying they slept exceptionally well.
Thoughtful extras and helpful service
Hosts provided useful touches such as complimentary bikes, transport to the station, accommodating dietary needs, and personalized attention — contributing to a calm, restorative experience and high perceived value.
Negative Reviews
Very few or no issues reported
The vast majority of reviews explicitly stated there were no problems or that everything was perfect; complaints were rare or absent.
Quietness can make small noises noticeable
One guest noted the extreme nighttime silence means occasional outside noises are very noticeable and suggested some form of white-noise option for sensitive sleepers.
Access from the train can be awkward with heavy luggage
A reviewer mentioned the ryokan is a short walk from the local train but can be a bit farther to walk or carry heavy luggage, making arrival less convenient for some.
Limited local public transport frequency
One review pointed out that the local train service is infrequent (about one train per hour), so connections may require planning or use of the bus.
Outdoor onsen may be less enjoyable in very hot weather
A guest observed that the outdoor onsen is likely more pleasant in cooler weather, implying hot conditions might reduce enjoyment (mentioned as an observational nuance rather than a complaint).
Frequently Asked Questions
Rooms vary by type and generally sleep up to 3–4 guests depending on the room; children are not accepted and cots/extra beds are not available.
Yes — the ryokan offers reservable private onsen (indoor and outdoor) that run from the local source and can be booked for exclusive use.
Station pickup from Rendaiji (and access from Izukyū-Shimoda) is available on request; the property is also walkable from the nearby station if you prefer.
Travel by train toward the Shimoda area (to Izukyū-Shimoda or Rendaiji) and then use the short walk or the ryokan’s station pickup; contact the ryokan for the recommended route from your arrival airport.
Yes — the hosts speak English and Japanese and guests report English-language communication is generally possible.
Dinner and breakfast are provided by the owner-chef using local ingredients and seafood; please notify the ryokan in advance for dietary requests.
Nearby highlights include Shimoda Aquarium, Perry Landing Monument and local beaches, and the area is well known for clear night skies and stargazing.
Free on-site private parking is available but limited (small number of spaces), so inform the ryokan if you plan to arrive by car; trains to Izukyū-Shimoda/Rendaiji are the main public transport option.
Check-in is from 15:00 and check-out is until 10:00; guests should inform the ryokan of their expected arrival time in advance.
Pets are not allowed and parties/events are prohibited; the ryokan operates as a small property with a limited number of guest groups per day rather than offering full buyouts.