Ogawa Ryokan
8,6/10 Excellent - Based on 850 reviews
Ogawa Ryokan sits in Izu Shimoda and has operated since 1975, offering a straightforward renovated ryokan experience. The property blends traditional tatami rooms and futon bedding with modern touches such as air conditioning and complimentary Wi‑Fi. Public areas include a small coffee shop, a modest library and a limited selection of craft beer; staff-run reception hours and straightforward self-service arrangements suit travellers seeking a calm base near beaches and local markets. Practical features include free on-site parking and bike rental, useful for exploring the nearby bay and coastline.
Guest accommodation ranges from tatami-futon layouts with shared bathing facilities to rooms with private showers; the layout favours natural light and ventilation. The ryokan operates an onsen hot spring on site and maintains set bathing hours, while guests note the option to reserve a small private bath at certain times, making it a good match for visitors searching for a ryokan with onsen in Shizuoka and for those who prefer a ryokan with private onsen in Shimoda, Shizuoka. A communal laundry, vending machines and basic in-room kettles add everyday convenience for multi-night stays.
Located within walking distance of the local train station and shoreline attractions, the property suits walkers, cyclists and day-trip itineraries along the Izu coast. The service model is low-key and cleanliness is a recurring feature in guest accounts; on-site amenities focus on comfort and practical benefits rather than luxury frills. For planning purposes check the ryokan’s stated check-in/check-out windows and reception hours, and consider reserving bath slots in advance during busy periods.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Ogawa Ryokan
Positive Reviews
Private onsen access
Multiple guests praised the small/private onsen(s) available; reviewers found them very clean and relaxing, and appreciated being able to use a bath alone with a lockable door.
Clean, comfortable traditional rooms
Many reviewers highlighted clean, well‑kept rooms with tatami and futon bedding, often noting comfortable futons, pleasant décor and, in some rooms, nice views of the port.
Friendly and helpful staff
Staff are frequently described as kind and helpful — giving local restaurant tips, assisting with recommendations and providing welcoming service.
Convenient location for Shimoda and transport
Guests liked the hotel’s location close to the station, bus stops for beaches, restaurants and local sights, making it easy to explore the area.
Useful on‑site amenities
Reviewers appreciated extra facilities such as coin laundry (washer/dryer), bike rental, good Wi‑Fi and a café on the ground floor, which made longer stays more convenient.
Negative Reviews
Noise and sound insulation issues
Some guests reported road noise or noisy neighbouring rooms (vibrations from adjacent rooms), so sound insulation quality appears variable depending on room and location.
Room size and limited storage
A number of reviews mentioned smaller twin rooms where luggage and storage space are tight, and limited hangers or shelving; couples with a lot of belongings may prefer a larger room type.
No elevator / stairs only
The property has no elevator; several guests noted stairs only, which may be inconvenient for those with mobility issues or heavy luggage.
Limited services / timing (no breakfast, late check‑in)
A few reviewers mentioned there is no breakfast offered and that the standard check‑in time (around 16:00) felt late for some travellers.
Isolated service problems reported
There are isolated but serious complaints about staff handling of an incident (a bicycle rental problem) and subsequent communication; while most guests praised staff, a small number experienced poor dispute resolution.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most rooms are sized for one to two adults; some allow one child. Extra beds and baby cots are not provided, so please include accurate guest numbers when booking.
The property has on‑site hot spring baths; there are two source-fed baths that guests commonly use on a private (reserved/first-come) basis. Ask staff at check-in about availability and any booking rules for private use.
The ryokan does not advertise an airport shuttle. Guests typically arrive by train to Izukyū‑Shimoda Station (about 700 m away) and then walk, take a short taxi, or use local buses.
Booking lists Shizuoka Airport at roughly 72 km as a nearby airport; many visitors instead travel via Tokyo (Haneda) or by train to Izukyū‑Shimoda Station and walk about 9–10 minutes to the ryokan. Taxis are available from the station and major airports.
Staff assistance in English is limited but the ryokan accommodates international guests; contacting the ryokan in advance is recommended for special requests or if you need language help. Email or phone contact before arrival will help ensure smoother check‑in.
Ogawa Ryokan is a renovated, modest ryokan with a mix of Japanese and modern touches, simple bedding (futons), complimentary Wi‑Fi, and basic in-room amenities like a fridge and kettle. Stays are primarily room‑only, focused on a local, low‑frills Japanese ryokan experience.
Shimoda Floating Aquarium is about a 14‑minute walk and Shirahama/Ohama beaches are nearby (around 2–3 km). Shimoda Port, local shops and restaurants are all within a short walk or a quick taxi ride.
The ryokan is roughly 700 m from Izukyū‑Shimoda Station so walking, local buses and short taxi rides are common ways to get around. Free on‑site parking is available if you plan to drive.
Standard check‑in is from 16:00 (4:00 PM) with the latest arrival around 21:30, and check‑out is by 10:00. The ryokan asks guests to notify their arrival time in advance and will typically accept luggage storage before check‑in or after check‑out.
The property generally operates as a room‑only ryokan, and there is no full-service on-site restaurant; staff can recommend nearby eateries. Convenience stores and local restaurants are within walking distance for groceries and meals.