Shimoda Central Hotel
8,9/10 Excellent - Based on 74 reviews
Satoyama no Bettei Shimoda Central Hotel sits quietly in a wooded satoyama landscape near Shimoda on the Izu Peninsula, offering a measured blend of traditional Japanese design and contemporary comfort. The property’s low-rise architecture is arranged around planted gardens and a seasonal outdoor pool, with public bathing facilities and a sauna occupying a central role in the guest experience. Communal spaces include a relaxed lounge and on-site parking, and the hotel runs a scheduled complimentary shuttle from the nearest station to help bridge the rural setting with local beaches and museums.
Bathing is a focal point here: the property draws from its own Aitama Onsen source, an alkaline spring noted locally for its smooth-feeling water and steady flow, and presents both public baths and open-air options that look out toward garden or forest. Several room types feature private outdoor baths or in-room open-air tubs, allowing guests to reserve a more secluded soak; the hotel thus functions as a ryokan with onsen in Shizuoka while also offering accommodation suited to those seeking a ryokan with private onsen, Shizuoka. Rooms combine tatami areas and contemporary fittings, each appointed with amenities for relaxed, self-contained stays.
Meals emphasize seasonal mountain-and-sea produce from the Izu region, with multi-course kaiseki-style dinners that often highlight local specialties such as kinmedai (golden eye snapper). Service is geared toward restful, family-friendly stays rather than high‑turnover tourism: quiet hours are observed, and the property promotes a measured pace of life framed by nearby coastal attractions. Practical facilities include a restaurant, free parking, free Wi‑Fi in public areas, and the aforementioned shuttle for timed connections to the station, making it straightforward to combine an onsen-focused retreat with day trips around Shimoda and greater Shizuoka.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Shimoda Central Hotel
Positive Reviews
Attentive, friendly staff
Multiple reviewers praised polite, caring service and hospitality (help with luggage, umbrella assistance, personable room attendants), describing staff as a highlight of the stay.
High-quality onsen and bathing facilities
Guests enjoyed the hot springs—public baths and private open-air tubs—mentioning good water quality, convenient towel provision, relaxing baths and noticeable skin benefits.
Delicious meals and enjoyable dining
Many found the food very good—traditional Japanese dinners, in‑room dining options, well-prepared meals that met or exceeded expectations and were often cited as a strength.
Peaceful countryside setting and natural atmosphere
The quiet, rural location and calm vibe were repeatedly noted as ideal for relaxation; some guests enjoyed starry skies and felt the property provided privacy and a tranquil escape.
Clean, well‑maintained property and comfortable rooms
Reviewers reported spacious, tidy rooms with thoughtful details (tatami and western sleeping areas in some suites), excellent upkeep and an overall comfortable, relaxing environment.
Negative Reviews
Remote location and distance to town/station
Several guests noted the ryokan is several kilometres inland or a bit far from the station/town, which may be inconvenient for those relying on public transport or wanting quick access to Shimoda.
Unexpected surcharges and pricey drinks
Some reviewers mentioned minor extra fees for activities (table tennis, tennis) and were surprised by high drink prices at dinner, which felt out of line with room cost to certain guests.
Confusing layout and long internal distances
A number of guests found the property’s layout confusing or felt the walking distances inside the facility were long; requests were made for clearer maps/signage.
Aged fittings and occasional odors in some baths
At least one guest reported an aged hinoki (cypress) bath with a musty or mildew-like smell that might bother sensitive guests, indicating some parts feel older and need attention.
Comfort/room equipment issues (beds, pillows, TV/remote)
A few guests experienced discomfort with beds or high pillows, and some reported TV or remote control malfunctions, suggesting occasional maintenance or bedding comfort issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
Room capacity varies by room type; most standard rooms suit 1–2 guests while family suites and some tatami-style rooms can sleep up to 4 guests. Please select the correct number of guests when booking.
Yes — the property has a large public onsen and some rooms include private open‑air baths; the public baths use the hotel’s own source and are available 24 hours except during daily cleaning (midday). Tattoos may be restricted in the shared bathing areas.
A free shuttle runs between Izukyu‑Shimoda Station and the hotel by reservation; for airport travel, most guests transfer via Tokyo/Atami and take the Odoriko/Izukyu line to Izukyu‑Shimoda Station before using the shuttle or a short taxi ride.
Staff are primarily Japanese; English assistance is available at reception but may be limited, so please contact the hotel in advance if you need specific language support.
The hotel serves seasonal, seafood‑focused kaiseki dinners and a buffet breakfast with local ingredients, and certain room types offer in‑room dining. There is an on‑site restaurant and a small shop selling local products.
The hotel sits in a rural ‘satoyama’ area, so there are few nearby restaurants or supermarkets; most dining and shopping options are concentrated around Izukyu‑Shimoda Station, about a 15–20 minute drive or shuttle/taxi ride away.
Some rooms include private open‑air baths for exclusive use by your party; the large communal baths are shared, so please ask the hotel ahead of arrival about any private‑use requests or room‑type availability.
Pets are not accepted on the property.
Check‑in generally starts at 15:00 and you should notify the hotel of your estimated arrival time; check‑out is by 11:00. Note the property has restricted access during very late night/early morning hours, so plan arrivals accordingly.
Nearby highlights include Perry Road and its historic sites, Shirahama Beach, Ryugu/Dragon Palace cave, Shimoda Fish Market, and the Uehara Museum; many spots are reachable by shuttle, bus or a short drive from the hotel.