Kichimu
8/10 Excellent - Based on 464 reviews
Kichimu is a coastal ryokan set on the Pacific-facing shore of Kamogawa’s Kominato district in Chiba. The property occupies multiple wings and presents a mix of Japanese-style and Western-style room configurations, many with unobstructed sea or harbor views and large windows that frame the coastline. Common areas are arranged to emphasize the ocean outlook, and the location places guests within easy walking distance of the nearby temple gate and the small fishing port that defines this neighborhood, making the ryokan a measured choice for visitors seeking a seaside stay with local character.
The bathing facilities are a defining feature: large communal baths on an upper floor alternate by gender so every guest gets access to the different stone and wood-lined bathing spaces, while a rooftop open-air onsen offers panoramic views of the Pacific and can be reserved for private use. The property promotes itself as a ryokan with onsen in Chiba and also provides options to book a ryokan with private onsen Chiba — the rooftop “Hoshi” bath is specifically offered for private rental, and a sauna and hydrogen carbonate spring-type facilities are part of the thermal program. Bath schedules and private-reservation details are managed by the front desk to accommodate guest preferences and privacy needs.
Meals center on seasonal seafood and regional ingredients presented in multi-course Japanese dinners and a buffet-style breakfast, with dining plans tailored to parties of different sizes. Practical conveniences include station pickup on request, onsite parking and luggage support, and a 24-hour reception to assist with local activities such as short walks to the temple, nearby beaches, and family attractions a short drive away. The overall tone is coastal and measured, suited to couples and families who prioritize ocean views, thermal bathing options and straightforward service.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Kichimu
Positive Reviews
Onsen (rooftop/rotenburo) with great views
Multiple reviewers praised the hotel’s onsen facilities — rooftop and open‑air baths — and the excellent views from the baths. Guests described the bathing areas as a highlight and particularly enjoyable for relaxation and scenery.
Excellent breakfast and food selection
Breakfast is repeatedly called outstanding, with a wide variety and plentiful local/seafood options (sashimi mentioned). Several guests cited the breakfast buffet as one of the best parts of their stay.
Friendly, helpful and accommodating staff
Staff service is frequently mentioned as very polite, multilingual and accommodating (help with wet swimwear/wetsuit drying, taxi/station transfers, photo at departure, and special occasion service). Guests appreciated prompt, kind responses from reception and front‑of‑house teams.
Clean, comfortable rooms and good amenities
Many guests found rooms tidy, newly decorated or well maintained, with comfortable beds and pleasing amenities (snacks in the room, clean toilets). Onsite conveniences such as free parking, free washer/dryer in the bath area, good Wi‑Fi and useful toiletries were also noted positively.
Attractive location and memorable extras
The hotel’s seaside/temple location, sea‑facing rooms and occasional events (fireworks, birthday services) created memorable stays. Several guests mentioned scenic views, easy walking distance to the station (for some room types) and helpful shuttle service.
Negative Reviews
Some rooms lack private bathrooms
A number of guests were assigned rooms without in‑room baths or showers and had to use the shared onsen (9th floor). Some reported not being informed at check‑in about the lack of private bathroom access.
Inconsistent onsen temperature and facility condition
Comments mention variability in onsen temperature (either a bit too cool or too hot) and that parts of the bathing area felt a little run down compared with better onsens some guests have experienced.
Remote location and limited off‑site activities
Several reviewers noted the hotel is in a rather remote fishing‑port area with little to do outside the property and no organized evening activities, so the stay relies heavily on hotel facilities.
Accessibility and annex layout issues
Guests reported difficulties reaching annex rooms (long distances, many stairs, no direct elevator to some annex floors) and inconvenient intercom placement, which can be problematic for elderly visitors or those with mobility needs.
Occasional billing and extra‑fee concerns
At least one reviewer experienced confusion or dispute over charges (late checkout fee, per‑day bath charge). Other small service disappointments mentioned include pay-for items (e.g., ice) and occasional operational inconsistencies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Room types range from twin and western rooms for two up to Japanese-style and family rooms that can sleep up to five guests using futons.
Yes; the ryokan has large indoor baths and a rooftop open-air onsen with ocean views, plus a sauna and rotating gender access for the public baths.
Yes; a private bath can be reserved in advance for exclusive use.
Guests with tattoos are advised to use the reservable private onsen to ensure a comfortable, private experience.
The property offers a shuttle service (please contact the ryokan to arrange); JR Awa‑Kominato Station is about a 15‑minute walk, and the nearest major airport is Narita (by road).
Standard check-in is 15:00 and check-out is 10:00.
Some room types include private bathrooms and showers, while traditional Japanese rooms may rely on the public onsen facilities; basic toiletries and yukata are provided.
Yes; staff are known to assist in English and provide local information and activity suggestions.
Dinner is offered in traditional multi‑course style or in restaurants and rooms, and a buffet breakfast is served; dietary requests can generally be accommodated with advance notice.
Kichimu sits by Kominato Onsen and a fishing port within walking distance of Tanjoji Temple; Kamogawa Sea World and local shops/small supermarkets are a short drive away, and the hotel provides bicycle rental and free parking.