Arai Ryokan
9,5/10 Exceptional - Based on 107 reviews
Arai Ryokan occupies a cluster of historic buildings in the Shuzenji hot-spring district, preserving more than a century of traditional Japanese architecture while operating as a registered cultural property. The property offers 31 non-smoking rooms with tatami flooring, shōji screens and verandas that frame seasonal gardens and a riverside setting; interiors blend original Meiji–Taishō era elements with modern conveniences such as air conditioning, en-suite facilities and Wi‑Fi. The layout and scale — interconnected structures around courtyards and walkways — create a calm, low-density atmosphere appreciated by guests seeking quiet immersion in place.
Thermal facilities are central to the experience: the ryokan draws on naturally sourced, mildly alkaline Shuzenji waters traditionally prized for their skin-smoothing properties and offers multiple bathing options. Visitors can use two public indoor baths and an outdoor rotenburo, or reserve one of two small indoor private baths for exclusive use; these reservable baths make the property function as a ryokan with private onsen Shizuoka while its mix of communal and intimate bathing also typifies a ryokan with onsen in Izu. Bathhouse access is included for guests and the layout supports simultaneous choices of social or solitary soaking.
Culinary offerings emphasize local ingredients from the Amagi mountains and Suruga Bay, presented in seasonal multi‑course menus that showcase mountain produce, seafood and regional sake; breakfast is prepared with the same attention to regionality. Service is delivered in a manner that aligns with traditional ryokan hospitality—formal yet unhurried—and the grounds’ size and gardened spaces support short walks to a nearby temple and bamboo grove. For travelers who want a culturally rooted onsen stay with both communal and bookable private bathing options and regionally focused cuisine, the ryokan provides a measured, heritage-rich base for exploring Izu and Shizuoka.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Arai Ryokan
Positive Reviews
Exceptional, attentive staff and hospitality
Many reviewers praised the staff for outstanding, polite and thoughtful service (personal caregivers, helpful meal servers, front-desk assistance). Hosts were described as warm, professional and went out of their way to accommodate guests and special dietary requests.
Beautiful traditional setting and grounds
The ryokan’s historic architecture, immaculate Japanese garden, koi pond, riverside location and charming town setting were repeatedly highlighted as peaceful, picturesque and central to the experience.
Excellent onsen facilities
Guests appreciated multiple onsen options (indoor, outdoor and private family baths). Reviewers described the baths as lovely, relaxing and a key part of the stay, with some reserving private onsens for families.
High-quality traditional meals (kaiseki)
Many reviewers enjoyed the kaiseki/dinner and breakfast, calling the meals exquisite, varied and a unique culinary experience that added great value to the stay.
Clean, comfortable rooms and convenient location
Rooms were described as delightful, spotlessly clean and comfortable. The ryokan’s location was noted as convenient for walking to local attractions, shops and trails; additional services (bike rental, shop, transport help) were also appreciated.
Negative Reviews
Language barrier with staff
Several reviewers noted that most staff do not speak foreign languages and communication often relied on smartphones/tablets or limited English, which can make interaction more difficult for non-Japanese speakers.
Inconvenient transportation / remote access
Multiple guests mentioned that reaching the ryokan from major cities can take time and is somewhat inconvenient, so travel planning is needed.
Kaiseki may not suit all tastes / limited alternatives
While many loved the traditional meals, some found certain dishes less appealing and noted there are few alternatives—guests should be prepared to eat the set Japanese cuisine or request changes in advance.
Noise, thin walls and some older facilities
A few reviewers reported thin walls and early-morning noise affecting sleep; others described some onsens or facilities as older—though still generally well maintained.
Minor room/service issues
Occasional small complaints included un‑ironed yukata, cold room/bathroom temperatures, or the lack of daytime beds/chairs in rooms (which may be addressed on request).
Frequently Asked Questions
Room sizes vary from small tatami rooms to larger multi-futon rooms that commonly sleep 2–5 people; the property has 31 rooms with an overall guest capacity around 119.
The property has multiple hot-spring baths including indoor public baths, an outdoor rotenburo, and reservable/private baths; guests may use the public baths during operating hours and can request private-bath reservations at reception.
There is no dedicated airport shuttle; guests typically travel by train to Shuzenji Station and continue by local bus or a short taxi to the Shuzenji Onsen area.
Shuzenji Station on the Izuhakone Sunzu Line is nearest; from there take the local bus (about 8–10 minutes) or a short taxi ride to Shuzenji Onsen, then walk to the ryokan.
Dinner and breakfast are served, usually in a traditional kaiseki style using local mountain and seafood produce, and the ryokan accepts dietary requests if informed in advance.
The ryokan lists English support and also notes assistance in languages such as Chinese, Korean and Thai.
Private/family baths and some rooms with private baths are available to reserve through reception; public onsen follow usual Japanese bathing etiquette and tattoos can lead to restrictions, so request private options if needed.
Pets are not permitted; Shuzenji town has convenience stores and small shops within a short walk for basic supplies.
Standard check‑in begins at 15:00 and check‑out is by 11:00; the ryokan asks guests to notify them of arrival times and can usually hold luggage if you arrive before check‑in.
The ryokan is a short walk from Shuzenji Temple and a bamboo grove, with attractions such as Niji‑no‑Sato theme park, riverside walks and Izu peninsula hiking and coastal day trips easily accessible.