Kouyurou Ikawa
8,3/10 Excellent - Based on 313 reviews
Kouyurou Ikawa is a mid‑scale ryokan set in the Izu Nagaoka area of Izunokuni, Shizuoka, built around the concept of “five senses” to shape a calm, sensory stay. The property offers a compact collection of guest rooms across several floors, combining traditional tatami spaces with modern comforts such as in‑room climate control, bath amenities and complimentary Wi‑Fi. Meals focus on seasonal produce from sea and mountain sources and the dining operation includes a selection of original small‑plate dishes designed to complement the local ingredients and the relaxed rhythm of a Japanese inn.
The onsen facilities are a defining feature: the ryokan operates its own hot spring source and provides multiple bathing options, including public baths with views and three dedicated private bathing suites that can be reserved for exclusive use. A recent addition branded as a multi‑sensory bathing space presents distinct layouts—standing and reclining thermal experiences—so guests can choose a different mood for each visit. These private options and the larger baths make the property appropriate for travellers seeking a ryokan with private onsen in Izu as well as visitors looking for a ryokan with onsen Shizuoka.
Public spaces are arranged to support relaxation and family stays, with a lounge, a post‑bath relaxation area furnished with massage chairs, a children’s play room and a staffed guest assistance desk. Practical details such as standard check‑in and check‑out hours, on‑site dining, optional massage treatments and on‑demand reservation of private baths help shape the daily rhythm; nearby draws include classic Izu attractions and the wider Fuji‑Hakone‑Izu parklands, all within a short drive, positioning the inn as a convenient base for regional sightseeing.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Kouyurou Ikawa
Positive Reviews
Excellent onsen and spa facilities
Many guests highlighted the onsen as the stay’s best feature — private and public baths are described as beautiful, very relaxing, well maintained and offering pleasant outdoor views.
Highly rated meals (especially dinner)
Several reviews praise the food as delicious and memorable (notably the evening meal and dessert offerings), with some guests calling the dinner ‘incredible’ or ‘tremendous’.
Helpful, friendly staff and service
Multiple guests noted attentive, friendly staff who try to assist even with language barriers; front-desk staff were singled out for working to resolve issues.
Comfortable, spacious rooms and attractive design
Reviewers mention roomy, comfortable accommodations and a pleasing blend of modern and traditional design; some found rooms larger than typical for Japan and liked the lobby/overall atmosphere.
Family- and group-friendly extras
The property offers family-friendly features and extras that guests enjoyed — private-bath booking, kids’ area, ping-pong room, drink stations and small hospitality touches (e.g., beer offered in some areas).
Negative Reviews
Private onsen booking limitations
Guests report restrictive onsen booking: you must reserve a single timeslot (often at check‑in), slots can be limited or inconvenient (late-night times assigned) and choice of bath may be limited.
Cleanliness and housekeeping issues
Several reviews mention problems with cleanliness or upkeep — dirty rooms, damp/worn bedding cupboards, mouldy or smoky smells in halls/elevators, clogged vents, dust and missing replenishment of amenities.
Aging facilities and mismatch with photos
Multiple guests felt the property or some rooms are older or more worn than advertised, with dated fixtures and furniture that reduce the overall impression compared to online images.
Food inconsistency and rushed dining
While many praised the food, others found meal quality uneven, unusual/average tasting dishes, or problems with service such as rushed dinner times and limited meal choices (heavy seafood focus).
Access and location drawbacks
A number of guests found the hotel tricky to reach — narrow approach streets, a long/awkward walk from the train station with luggage, so taxis or buses are often recommended.
Frequently Asked Questions
Rooms range from twin rooms to Japanese-style rooms with up to six futon beds; the property has 28 rooms in total, so confirm specific occupancy when booking.
Kouyurou Ikawa has natural hot spring baths including male and female viewpoint baths (rooftop open-air) fed by its own source, plus indoor public baths and specialty private baths.
Yes — the ryokan offers several bookable private baths (the GOKAN BATH units and other貸切 baths); reservations are limited so book early or use the property’s app or ask at check-in.
There is no regular hotel shuttle; the easiest route is to take the train to Izu‑Nagaoka (or Izunagaoka) and then a local bus to Kona Onsen Minamiguchi, which is about a one‑minute walk, or take a short taxi ride.
Tokyo Haneda is the most common gateway (roughly two hours to the Izu area by car or train), while Mt. Fuji Shizuoka Airport is another option; from either airport take trains or buses to Izu‑Nagaoka and then local transport to the ryokan.
Staff commonly assist English speakers and make efforts to help non‑Japanese guests, but Japanese is the primary language for most on‑site communication.
The on‑site restaurant serves Japanese-style meals for dinner and breakfast, typically multi‑course dishes that highlight local seafood and regional produce; special dietary requests can be accommodated if advised in advance.
Nearby highlights include Shuzenji Temple, Mount Daruma, coastal sights on the Izu Peninsula, and access to parts of Fuji‑Hakone‑Izu National Park and local beaches for day trips.
Standard check‑in starts at 15:00 (the property’s last check‑in is usually around 19:00) and check‑out is by 10:00; reception can typically hold luggage before check‑in and after check‑out, but confirm with the ryokan if you need this service.
Pets are not allowed at the property; private baths and private dining options are available by reservation, and convenience stores/supermarkets are available in the Izu‑Nagaoka area a short drive or bus ride away.