Shirakabe
9,4/10 Exceptional - Based on 92 reviews
Shirakabeso is a traditional onsen ryokan tucked into the Yugashima valley on the Izu Peninsula, set beside the Kano River beneath Mt. Amagi. The property presents a measured vernacular character — white lattice walls, a red‑tiled roof and warm timber interiors — and offers exclusively Japanese‑style guest rooms: irori rotens and multi‑room suites as well as 8‑ and 10‑mat rooms, some of which include in‑room bathing. Several room categories are explicitly listed with open‑air or semi‑open‑air baths and the option to take meals in the room, which preserves privacy and a calm, small‑inn ambience framed by riverside woodland.
The ryokan draws its water from a natural hot spring source and provides both communal indoor and outdoor baths alongside room‑equipped hot spring facilities; this mix makes it straightforward to experience a ryokan with onsen in Izu or to select a ryokan with private onsen in Shizuoka when privacy is a priority. Cuisine focuses on seasonal, locally sourced ingredients presented in a multi‑course style, and practical amenities include free parking, luggage service and limited Wi‑Fi. The property is reachable by public transport from the Sunzu line via a local bus (roughly 25 minutes from Shuzenji Station) or by car, making it a convenient base for river walks and mountain trails.
Rooms opening onto river or mountain views emphasize quiet and traditional detailing — tatami, low tables and sliding screens — and choosing a room with an open‑air bath affords direct views of the woodland and night sky. Staff attention and the ryokan’s emphasis on classic hospitality are consistent features of the guest experience, and the scale and layout suit couples or small groups seeking a restorative, nature‑led onsen stay combined with short hikes, local sightseeing and seasonal dining. Reservations are recommended for specific room‑and‑bath combinations.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Shirakabe
Positive Reviews
Exceptional staff and hospitality
Multiple reviewers highlight extremely kind, attentive and helpful staff who go above and beyond, enhancing the overall experience and service throughout the stay.
Outstanding onsen and private baths
Guests praise the onsen facilities—clean, relaxing hot springs including private in-room onsen and unique outdoor baths that were a highlight of many stays.
Delicious, abundant kaiseki meals
The multi-course meals receive frequent compliments for being large, fresh and flavorful (notably local wasabi); many describe dining as an unforgettable, decadent experience.
Peaceful, secluded setting and nature
The ryokan’s secluded valley location, river views and surrounding nature are repeatedly described as tranquil, restorative and wonderfully off the tourist track.
Authentic, comfortable rooms and traditional touches
Rooms (tatami areas, futons, yukata) are described as authentic, spacious and very comfortable, contributing to a genuine and relaxing ryokan experience.
Negative Reviews
Remote location and limited nearby activities
Several guests note the property is a bit far off the main routes and that there is not much to do immediately around the ryokan beyond on-site offerings, so planning transport/time is necessary.
Some areas and rooms feel dated
A number of reviewers mention that parts of the hotel and some room fixtures (including in-room toilets) show age—though often described as charming rather than severely problematic.
Dispersed layout reduces use of communal terrace/lounge
One review observed that the spread-out arrangement of spaces makes the terrace and large lounge feel underused or a bit too private for social use.
Meal extras and cultural differences
At least one guest pointed out that beverages are not included with the traditional dinner and some Western guests may find breakfast dishes unfamiliar—something to expect rather than a fault.
Minor onsen/maintenance remarks
A few minor criticisms include wishes for slightly hotter bath water and occasional small maintenance-related notes; these are infrequent and generally seen as minor compared with the overall experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Room types range from small Japanese-style rooms for couples to larger multi-room or deluxe rooms listed for up to seven guests; check the specific room’s maximum occupancy when booking.
Yes — Shirakabe is an onsen ryokan with public hot-spring baths and outdoor bathing areas, and several room types include private hot-spring or open-air baths.
The ryokan can assist with local transfers on request; many guests arrive by bus from Shuzenji Station and staff can advise or arrange pick-up from the nearby village bus stop or terminal if notified in advance.
From Tokyo take the Tokaido Shinkansen to Mishima, then the Sunzu Line to Shuzenji Station and a local bus (about 25 minutes) to Yugashima; allow extra time if coming from major airports via Tokyo or Mishima.
Staff are known to be helpful to international guests and can assist in basic English, but services and signage are primarily Japanese—contact the ryokan ahead if you need specific language support.
Meals focus on traditional Japanese cuisine (kaiseki-style) with local ingredients; dinner and breakfast are typically offered as part of the ryokan experience and dietary requests should be communicated in advance.
The ryokan sits near the Amagi/Yugashima area with riverside walks, hiking trails and Shuzen-ji Temple (about 13 km); coastal and mountain sights in Izu are within day-trip distance.
Shirakabe offers free private parking and a bicycle-lending service; the property is in a small village so public buses and local taxis are the usual onward options.
Standard check-in is between 15:00 and 18:00 (please notify your arrival time) and check-out is between 08:00 and 10:30; note the property indicates restricted access between 19:00 and 22:00, so plan arrivals accordingly.
Some rooms include private open-air baths and there are communal onsen; for exclusive private use or pet requests contact the ryokan directly as pet policies vary; small local shops serve the village and a larger supermarket is available near Shuzenji station.