Ochiairo
9,4/10 Exceptional - Based on 113 reviews
Ochiairo is a historic ryokan set beside the Kano River in Yugashima, Izu. Registered as a tangible cultural property, the property preserves Meiji–Taisho–Showa architectural elements across an intimate estate of gardens, ponds and riverside paths. Sixteen guest rooms and a standalone villa face the central garden; interiors pair traditional tatami, shoji screens and low furnishings with discreet modern comforts. As a ryokan with onsen in Izu, the layout and sightlines prioritise seasonal views and a calm, restorative rhythm throughout a stay.
Bathing facilities are varied: multiple public baths, open-air baths and payable private rental options sit within wooded terraces, and recent refurbishments added saunas and reorganised bathing flows to improve guest comfort. Some pools rotate between genders and a mixed-use area permits swimsuit entry for those who prefer it, while smaller private baths can be reserved for secluded use. The spring water comes from the local Yugashima source and the sequence of hot baths, cold or dry-sauna pauses and outdoor soaking is arranged to encourage measured relaxation; this ryokan with private onsen in Shizuoka therefore serves both solitary immersion and shared onsen experiences.
Dinners are presented as multi-course kaiseki meals that highlight Izu’s seasonal produce from mountain and sea, and a relaxed lounge service offers snacks and drinks between courses. Practical amenities include shuttle pickup from nearby rail hubs on request, quiet hours to preserve the atmosphere, and staff assistance tailored to traditional ryokan etiquette. The combination of carefully restored architecture, riverside gardens, curated bathing and regionally focused cuisine defines the stay for travellers seeking a measured, design-led experience in central Izu.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Ochiairo
Positive Reviews
Exceptional hospitality and attentive service
Staff consistently praised for being accommodating, providing pickup/dropoff, thoughtful touches, and making guests feel pampered throughout their stay.
Outstanding cuisine (kaiseki)
Many guests highlight beautifully executed, delicious multi-course dinners and breakfasts, with good beverage choices that enhanced the experience.
Superb onsen and spa facilities
Multiple public and private baths (including a scenic cave bath and open-air options) were described as calming, beautiful, and a major highlight of the stay.
Beautiful traditional setting and rooms
The ryokan’s architecture, gardens, millwork, tatami rooms, yukata, and overall atmosphere created an authentic, high-quality Japanese experience that guests found memorable.
Relaxing, restorative experience with useful amenities
Guests enjoyed quiet, restorative downtime in lounges, complimentary treats and drinks, spacious comfortable rooms, and additional services such as massage that contributed to a once-in-a-lifetime feeling.
Negative Reviews
Language barrier / limited English information
Several guests noted communication can be challenging for non-Japanese speakers and suggested bilingual information or patience; some recommended using a translator.
Remote location and limited accessibility
The property is fairly isolated and not very accessible; guests warned it can feel remote and recommended planning accordingly (some suggested shorter stays because of isolation).
Value for money concerns
At least one reviewer felt the ryokan, while traditional and pleasant, did not match the perceived high-end resort price point and questioned overall value for the cost.
Limited flexibility (late checkout)
A guest wished for the option of a later checkout, indicating limited checkout flexibility may be a downside for some visitors.
Minor room/amenity issues
A few small negatives were mentioned such as a dusty wooden bar behind the bed and that some private outdoor baths were not as appealing as the main baths.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ochiairo has 16 guest rooms, three of which have private open-air baths. Most rooms are designed for two guests; some rooms can accommodate an extra person, and the new private villa (Shakunage) sleeps up to 12.
The ryokan offers public indoor and open-air hot-spring baths, several themed baths (including a cave-like bath noted by guests) and reservable private hot-spring baths for guests who want extra privacy.
The property provides a complimentary pick-up service from Shuzenji Station; shuttle service to other points is subject to arrangement with the hotel.
Most guests travel by train from the Tokyo area to Shuzenji Station then use the ryokan’s complimentary pick-up; airport transfers are not listed, so reach the train network from Haneda or Narita and continue by rail.
Staff are friendly and service-oriented; English is available to varying degrees, but non-Japanese speakers should expect occasional language limits and may find a translation app helpful.
Ochiairo serves traditional multi-course Japanese dinners (kaiseki-style) and set Japanese breakfasts using local ingredients; meal style and timing are part of the ryokan experience.
The property is a registered tangible cultural property with historic architecture, traditional rooms, yukata robes and crafted interiors, offering a serene, authentic onsen ryokan atmosphere.
Standard check-in begins at 15:00 and check-out is by 11:00; specific requests for early arrival or late departure should be arranged with the property in advance.
A dedicated private villa (Shakunage) with its own open-air bath and sauna is available for group rental and private onsen can be reserved; pets are generally not accepted, so please contact the property to confirm any special requests.
The ryokan has an on-site souvenir shop and complimentary lounge refreshments, and staff can recommend or arrange nearby restaurants, local sights (such as a June firefly festival within walking distance) and transport to supermarkets or attractions.