Kissho Caren
9,1/10 Exceptional - Based on 122 reviews
Kissho Caren sits on a quiet coastal bluff in Higashiizu, Shizuoka, presenting an adult-oriented seaside retreat with panoramic views of the Sagami Bay and Izu Ōshima. The property’s accommodation is primarily Japanese-style, arranged across roughly thirty rooms and suites; a small number of guest rooms include private in‑room baths or terrace spaces that look directly to the ocean. Public areas are designed to emphasise the view—lobby lounge, restaurant and several observation points offer sunrise and evening vistas—while staff services include multilingual reception and small, guest-focused touches such as afternoon tea and light snacks.
The ryokan centres its offering on thermal bathing: multiple onsen areas are fed from two natural springs, with a prominent outdoor infinity bath and a selection of communal and guest-level bathing spots supplied by continuously running spring water. Some room categories provide a private bathing option, making Kissho Caren a practical choice for travellers searching for a ryokan with private onsen Higashiizu as well as for those looking more broadly for a ryokan with onsen Shizuoka. A dedicated spa on the second floor complements the baths with treatments and hydrotherapy options, and accessible facilities include a footbath and small relaxation library.
Culinary programming combines regional seafood with Western techniques, typically offered as multi-course French‑style kaiseki and teppanyaki menus served in sea‑view dining spaces or private dining rooms; breakfast options are tailored to guest preferences. Practical amenities include free parking and complimentary Wi‑Fi, and the overall tone of the property is calm and service-driven, suited to couples or small groups seeking a quiet coastal onsen stay that pairs sea views, considered dining and a variety of hot‑spring experiences.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Kissho Caren
Positive Reviews
Attentive, professional staff
Guests repeatedly praised the friendly, helpful and professional staff who anticipate needs, communicate well (including some English-speaking team members) and provide smooth service from welcome to farewell.
Excellent food and dining options
Meals received consistently high marks — teppanyaki, French kaiseki and western breakfasts were described as delicious, well presented and above expectations for the price; daily lunch boxes and varied breakfast choices were also appreciated.
Outstanding onsen experience and ocean views
Multiple reviewers highlighted excellent hot springs (including private baths and open-air rotenburo) with spectacular ocean/infinity-like views, often uncrowded and very relaxing.
Very good facilities and amenities
Guests liked the spacious, spotless facilities and extra amenities — spa, massage chairs, 24-hour coffee/tea, afternoon cocktails/nightcap service and a convenient shuttle — which added to the pampering experience.
Relaxing atmosphere and overall value
Many described the property as a peaceful, high-quality retreat (a ‘paradise’), noting the traditional Japanese style, comfortable accommodation and strong overall value given service, food and extras.
Negative Reviews
Limited accessibility by foot
The property is best reached by car; reviewers noted it can be inconvenient for pedestrians (expressway nearby) and some found the location somewhat remote.
Room condition and view limitations
A few guests mentioned that some rooms could use light refresh or deeper cleaning in corners, some rooms have structural pillars that limit ocean views, and some guests would prefer western beds rather than only tatami/futon.
Communication and administrative lapses
There were isolated complaints about slow or missing follow-up on administrative matters (for example invoices not issued or not received) and lengthy pre-arrival correspondence to confirm special requests.
Initial handling of special diets and young children
Some guests experienced unclear or prolonged arrangements regarding vegetarian menus and child needs (e.g., sleeping space/meal for a toddler) that were eventually resolved but caused inconvenience.
Not all dining seats have ocean views
Although the hotel promotes ocean-view dining, some reviewers noted that not every restaurant table offers a full ocean view, which may disappoint expectations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most room types accommodate up to four guests (many with space for up to four futons); some suites list explicit 4-person capacity and extra beds for young children may be available on request.
The property has ocean-view outdoor onsen and public baths that alternate by gender, and many rooms feature private baths; the spa also offers private treatment suites for couples.
A shuttle service runs between Izu‑Atagawa Station and the ryokan; check the hotel timetable and notify the property of your arrival to confirm pickup arrangements.
From Haneda, take ground transport to Tokyo/Yokohama then the Odoriko/limited express to Izu‑Atagawa followed by the hotel shuttle; similar train-and-transfer routes apply from Narita, Chubu and Kansai airports—allow several hours for travel.
English-speaking staff are available and guests report helpful English communication at reception; staff also use translation tools when needed.
On-site dining includes French‑Japanese kaiseki, teppanyaki and a main restaurant with private dining rooms, with breakfast offered as either an iron-plate or a Japanese set meal.
The ryokan sits on the Izu coast near Atagawa hot springs; popular nearby attractions include local hot‑spring areas, Izu Shaboten Zoo and other coastal sightseeing spots and museums within a short drive or train ride.
Check‑in is from 14:00 to 18:00 (please inform the hotel of your arrival time) and check‑out is until 11:00.
Some rooms include private baths and the spa offers private treatment suites, but public baths are generally not fully privatized on demand; pets are not permitted on the property, and convenience stores/local shops are available nearby with larger supermarkets a short drive away.
Guests with visible tattoos may be denied access to public baths; please shower before entering baths, do not wear swimsuits in onsen, and follow staff guidance to respect local onsen etiquette.