Bousui
9/10 Exceptional - Based on 150 reviews
Bousui perches above the Izu coast with uninterrupted views over the bay and a deliberate focus on horizon-facing design: rooms and terraces frame sunrise, sunset and the seasonal “moon road” that appears on clear nights. The property presents a mix of traditional tatami rooms and higher-floor suites with seating areas and large windows, intended to maximise the sea panorama. For guests who prioritise secluded bathing, the ryokan operates sheltered private gazebos and large communal thermal pools, making it positioned as a ryokan with private onsen Izu.
Room types span Japanese-style standard rooms through deluxe and suite categories, many configured for in-room dining and furnished with futons, air conditioning and basic kitchen or fridge facilities; upper floors are marketed for enhanced views. Onsite wellness facilities include a main hot-spring bath, outdoor rotenburo and a sauna, plus bookable private gazebos that function as intimate bathing pavilions. The property offers concierge and shuttle arrangements and is a short walk from the local rail stop, with English-speaking staff available to assist with transfers and local activities.
Meals emphasise Izu seafood and seasonal produce provided as set multi-course menus or served in-room, with a small selection of private dining rooms for quieter service. A dedicated spa complements the onsen programme with treatments and a relaxation salon, while lounge areas supply light refreshments after bathing. The accommodation layout and amenity mix make this a coherent coastal ryokan experience suited to couples and small parties seeking both ocean views and reserved bathing options, described in marketing as a ryokan with private onsen Shizuoka.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Bousui
Positive Reviews
Spectacular ocean views
Many guests praised the uninterrupted, magnificent sea views from rooms, the lounge and premium gazebo—several mentioned enjoying sunrise, sunset and full‑moon scenery from their rooms.
Excellent onsen and private baths
Multiple reviews highlighted the hot springs and private onsen rooms as a major highlight—described as fancy, luxurious and offering beautiful sea views; private baths were especially appreciated.
Outstanding food (kaiseki, breakfast and dinner)
Guests repeatedly complimented the dining: delicious kaiseki dinners, high‑quality breakfast and enjoyable in‑room dining. Several noted fresh ingredients and impressive presentation.
Attentive, professional and friendly staff
Reviewers reported warm, professional and flexible staff—helpful reception, attentive in‑room service, station pick‑up/drop‑off and staff interactions that made stays memorable.
Relaxing traditional atmosphere and comfortable rooms
The ryokan’s tatami‑style, traditionally designed rooms, relaxing atmosphere, lounge snacks and complimentary services were frequently mentioned as creating a very comfortable, restorative stay.
Negative Reviews
Service inconsistency
A few guests felt service could be more consistent and suggested improvements to match the high standards expected in Japan—examples included staff appearing too busy to fully assist during meal preparation.
Communal baths showing their age
At least one reviewer commented that the communal baths appeared quite old and could benefit from refurbishment.
Limited menu variety (few meat options)
One guest noted the breakfast and dinner menus were largely fish‑based and would have preferred more meat options for some members of their party.
Early check‑out time
A guest reported that the check‑out time felt too early, suggesting more flexible departure times could improve the experience.
Limited choice for private baths
A reviewer mentioned they could not choose the specific private onsen room they wanted, indicating limited availability or selection options for private bath reservations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Rooms are traditional Japanese style with futons and ocean views; capacities vary by room from about 4 up to 6 guests depending on the room type. Children aged 5 and over are welcome and no extra baby cots or rollaway beds are provided.
The property offers large communal baths, open-air baths, a sauna and a Jacuzzi; private open-air baths can be reserved (typically 50 minutes) free of charge at check-in, subject to availability. Note that guests with visible tattoos may be restricted from some public bathing areas.
The ryokan offers station pickup by prior arrangement, usually limited to certain afternoon/evening hours, but there is no regular airport shuttle. The nearest stations are Izu-Hokkawa (a short walk) and Izu-Atagawa (a short taxi ride); major airports are much farther away.
Staff provide service in Japanese and English, and English signage is available in public areas.
Standard check-in starts at 14:00 and the ryokan asks guests to notify their expected arrival time; check-out is by 10:00, with arrival windows sometimes specified for station pickups.
Yes — private-use outdoor baths are available and can be reserved at check-in for a set time slot, free of charge when available.
Pets are not permitted on the property. Families are accommodated: children aged five and older are accepted, family rooms are offered and children’s menus are available on request.
There are local shops around Izu Hokkawa Station for basic items; for larger supermarkets you will need to go to nearby towns and the front desk can advise or arrange transport.
The ryokan serves seasonal kaiseki dinners and Japanese-style breakfasts, often included with accommodation plans, and many meals can be served in your room. If meals are not included, on-site dining usually requires advance reservation (several days notice may be requested).
Local highlights include Atagawa hot springs, coastal viewpoints, Atagawa You Yu beach and small museums such as the Nosaka Automata and Izu Wax Doll museums. The ryokan is easily reached by train and short taxi rides from Izu Hokkawa and Izu-Atagawa stations, which also serve as gateways to nearby sights.