Uminohana
9,1/10 Exceptional - Based on 83 reviews
Uminohana occupies a steep, layered site above Atami Bay, where rooms and terraces step down the hillside to open views of the water. The property combines traditional Japanese materials with modern fittings: tatami areas, futon and Western bed options, and private balconies that frame sunsets and a bamboo-clad slope sometimes lit after dark. Public facilities include outdoor bathing areas and compact communal spaces designed to emphasize the shoreline panorama while maintaining a quiet, intimate atmosphere.
Guest accommodation ranges from compact tatami-style rooms to larger villas, and several room types feature private open-air hot spring baths on the balcony or within the suite; the property also advertises two additional reservable private hot-spring baths on site and villa rooms with saunas and extra living space. Rooms are equipped with air conditioning, a refrigerator, coffee-making facilities and flat-screen televisions; linens and towels are provided, and many rooms are arranged to maximize the bay view. This configuration makes Uminohana a practical choice for travellers seeking a ryokan with private onsen Atami, Shizuoka.
Meals follow a seasonal Japanese format with multi-course dinners prepared by the house kitchen and a morning breakfast service; staff frequently receive mentions for attentive service and multilingual support is limited, so translation tools may help non-Japanese speakers. Practical amenities include free on-site parking, a shuttle service on request and complimentary Wi-Fi across the property. The ryokan sits within easy reach of Atami’s coastal attractions and offers a focused, adult-friendly stay that highlights bathing and coastal views typical of a ryokan with onsen Shizuoka.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Uminohana
Positive Reviews
Attentive, welcoming staff
Many guests praised the service—staff are friendly, helpful and patient, assist with check‑in/out, offer shuttle pickup from the station, and accommodate requests (including dietary needs). They make non‑Japanese speakers feel welcome, often with translation apps or patient support.
Excellent food (kaiseki/omakase)
Repeated mentions of beautifully prepared, high‑quality dinners and breakfasts (kaiseki/omakase). The kitchen is accommodating for allergies and portions/flavours were highly regarded by multiple reviewers.
Private and varied onsen options
Guests loved the onsen experience: private in‑room baths, reservable private baths on the property and large public baths available for private use. Terrace/open‑air baths offer great views and relaxing temperatures (some baths can be hotter and some guests preferred different temperatures).
Beautiful location and views
The ryokan sits in attractive natural surroundings with bay and mountain views. Reviewers highlighted the peaceful setting, scenic architecture built on the slope, and that it’s a relaxing escape from the city.
Clean, spacious rooms and good amenities
Rooms were described as clean, comfortable and spacious, often with tatami areas and good privacy. Several reviewers appreciated extras such as free drinks, private saunas in some villas, and overall property cleanliness and upkeep.
Negative Reviews
Challenging access and many stairs
Multiple guests warned the property is hard to reach on foot or by rental car—roads up to the ryokan are steep, narrow and winding and there are many steps on the site. Shuttle or taxi is recommended, and walking with luggage can be difficult.
Language barrier and Japanese‑only information
Some menus, QR‑code ordering and extras are provided only in Japanese, which made ordering additional items or baths harder for non‑Japanese speakers; guests relied on translation apps or staff help.
Seasonal insects around open‑air baths
Several reviews mentioned mosquitoes or other insects in outdoor/private bath areas at certain times of year, which made evening use uncomfortable for some guests and suggests a need for improved pest control.
Bedding comfort and minor room issues
A number of guests found mattresses or pillows too hard or lumpy and some reported slight musty smells in rooms. A few noted missing items in certain rooms (for example no hairdryer) or that futons were used to improve comfort.
Booking, availability and occasional maintenance issues
Guests noted the need to reserve popular private baths (late slots possible), extra services can be costly, and there were occasional maintenance hiccups (e.g. private bath heating/filling problems, older massage equipment, limited wine choices).
Frequently Asked Questions
Rooms range from twin and Japanese-style layouts for 2 up to villas that sleep up to 4 guests, with combinations of beds and futons depending on the room type.
Many room types include private open-air baths or in‑room hot-spring tubs, and the property also offers public onsen facilities and additional private baths on site.
The ryokan runs a shuttle service from nearby train stations by prior reservation; airport transfers are not regularly scheduled, so guests usually arrive by train then use the shuttle or a taxi.
Reach Atami (or the nearest local station) by JR train or shinkansen, then take the ryokan shuttle or a short taxi ride from the station; exact routing depends on your origin and booking details.
Staff are primarily Japanese; guests report helpful service even with limited English, and translation apps are commonly used for communication.
The ryokan serves traditional multi-course dinners and breakfast in semi-private dining spaces, focused on local seafood and seasonal ingredients, and can usually handle special-diet requests if informed in advance.
Convenience stores and local shops are a short drive away; the reception can point you to the nearest supermarket and provide directions.
There are reservable private baths in addition to in-room hot-spring baths; ask at booking or on arrival to check availability and make a reservation.
Standard practice is mid-afternoon check-in and late-morning check-out, but exact times can vary by plan, so please confirm the precise check-in/check-out times on your booking confirmation or with the ryokan.
The ryokan offers family-style rooms, but age rules and pet policies can differ by room type; confirm child-age policies and whether pets are allowed with your booking confirmation or by contacting the property.