Soratoniwa Atami Izusan
7,8/10 Very good - Based on 159 reviews
Soratoniwa Atami Izusan sits on a wooded hillside above Sagami Bay in Atami, recently rebranded and renovated to refresh guest rooms and public areas. The property comprises 33 rooms in mixed Japanese and Western layouts, many with ocean views and terraces; public additions include a photo terrace and a footbath café. Dining centers on a teppan-style restaurant that focuses on seasonal, locally sourced ingredients for breakfast and dinner, while a small bar and a shared lounge provide relaxed evening options.
The property draws on the local Izusan Onsen tradition: a large bathing complex includes indoor hot springs, an open-air bath with sea views, and a communal sauna with cold plunge and rest terraces. Select suites and a limited number of villa-style accommodations feature private outdoor baths or terrace onsen and barrel saunas, allowing for an intimate "ryokan with private onsen in Shizuoka" experience; most guests use the shared hot-spring facilities typical of a ryokan with onsen in Shizuoka. The onsen water is described locally as a calcium–sodium sulfate type, suited to relaxation and recovery.
Practical facilities include free parking, Wi‑Fi throughout, spa treatments and a 24‑hour front desk; curated extras such as late-night parfait service and seasonal wellness programming are part of the guest offer. JR Atami Station is about a 20‑minute drive, with bus links and a reservation-based shuttle commonly used to reach the hillside site; the property maintains quiet hours and a relaxed schedule to preserve bathing etiquette. The modernized rooms and thermal program make this seaside onsen retreat suitable for couples and families seeking a restorative stay near Atami.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Soratoniwa Atami Izusan
Positive Reviews
High-quality food and inclusive drinks
Many guests praised the meals (dinner and breakfast) as very tasty and well-presented. Several reviews highlighted that drinks are included during dinner and the lobby offers free beverages and 24-hour coffee, which guests appreciated.
Relaxing onsen and bathing amenities
The onsen, foot bath, outdoor baths and related services (Yakult, ice pops after bathing, massage chair) were repeatedly mentioned as enjoyable and a highlight of the stay, offering a relaxing experience.
Attentive, polite staff and welcome services
Staff were described as courteous and helpful; guests liked the welcome drinks/afternoon tea, special requests (e.g. birthday plate), and the warm, attentive service throughout the stay.
Comfortable, quiet rooms with good beds and views
Many reviewers found rooms comfortable, spacious and quiet with large beds. Several noted pleasant sea or mountain views from terraces or rooms, which contributed to a restful stay.
Pleasant public areas and lounge atmosphere
The lobby and lounge were praised for a relaxing, upscale feel (compared to an airport lounge), with complimentary drinks, comfortable seating and a calm atmosphere that enhanced the stay.
Negative Reviews
Transportation, booking and check-in problems
Multiple guests reported issues with the remote location (20 min from station), shuttle and dining reservations that must be prebooked, broken booking links on check‑in receipts, taxis unable to find the hotel due to name/GPS changes, and frustrating self check‑in tablets that required staff intervention.
Onsen and spa facility shortcomings
Some reviewers noted the onsen/sauna were small or not hot enough, water temperature inconsistencies in showers, a noticeable chlorine smell for sensitive guests, and safety/door issues around outdoor bath access.
Limited in-room facilities and connectivity
Several rooms lacked en-suite showers/baths, had no Wi‑Fi, poor bedside plug placement, or felt dark. Guests expressed a desire for in-room baths or improved lighting and charging access.
Maintenance, cleanliness and equipment faults
There were reports of broken amenities (hair dryer, toilets on guest floors, playroom/table tennis equipment), worn interior elements (old elevator, scuffed floors), and occasional unpleasant room odors or door/lock problems.
Meal scheduling and menu concerns
Guests mentioned restrictive meal booking rules (must prebook dinner/breakfast by set times), fixed breakfast windows, and that some menu items were inconsistent in quality—several visitors asked for more flexible or simpler meal options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Room capacity varies by room type; many rooms are for 1–2 adults while family rooms and suites can accommodate larger groups—check the room description when booking.
Yes — the property offers public hot-spring baths, open-air baths and a meditation sauna as part of its spa facilities.
Tattoos may be restricted in public bathing areas; guests with visible tattoos should check with the hotel or use rooms with private baths where available.
Yes — the hotel operates a free shuttle from JR Atami Station by prior reservation; service typically runs in the mid-afternoon to early evening and can fill up, so book ahead.
Take a train to JR Atami Station (Tokaido Shinkansen or JR lines) and then use the hotel shuttle, a taxi or a local bus up to the property.
Yes — the property lists multilingual staff and can assist guests in English.
Dinner is a multi-course menu focused on Sagami Bay seafood and local Izu ingredients, overseen by an experienced chef, and breakfast is a balanced Japanese-style meal; dinner often requires prior notice and an earlier arrival to be served.
Nearby highlights include the MOA Museum of Art, Atami Sun Beach and Izusan Shrine, with coastal walks and local hot-spring spots a short drive away.
Local buses and taxis connect to the hotel from Atami Station; convenience stores and a supermarket are located near Atami Station for supplies before you head uphill to the ryokan.
Some room types include private open-air baths and the Soratoniwa Villa can be reserved for private use with its own sauna and BBQ facilities; guests with pet requests should contact the hotel in advance as standard pet policies are restrictive.