Watei Kazekomichi
9,5/10 Exceptional - Based on 263 reviews
Watei Kazekomichi is a small, adults-only ryokan set on a hillside in Atami, offering a quiet, private atmosphere across eight guest rooms. The property balances traditional Japanese design with contemporary comforts: tatami guest rooms, terraces that frame sea and mountain views, and in-room service including kaiseki-style dinners prepared from local seafood and seasonal produce. As an intimate ryokan with private onsen in Shizuoka, every room features its own open-air bath so guests can enjoy the hot spring in privacy.
Rooms are deliberately few and varied; some combine Western beds with traditional living areas while all provide private terraces and open-air baths filled from the local hot spring. Standard amenities include yukata, toiletries, climate control and complimentary refreshments; staff can arrange in-room check-in, a shuttle from the station and small-group services such as private dining or massage by reservation. Meals follow a seasonal kaiseki format emphasising local ingredients, presented in thoughtfully arranged courses that mirror the changing flavours of the region.
Located within easy reach of coastal sights, gardens and lookout points, the ryokan is about fifty minutes from central Tokyo by shinkansen and serves as a compact base for day trips to nearby coastal trails, museum gardens and viewpoint passes. Its limited scale, private bathing and considered meal service suit travellers seeking a quiet, restorative stay rather than an activity-packed itinerary. Positioned as a ryokan with private onsen in Shizuoka prefecture, it emphasises privacy and seasonal cuisine while maintaining practical guest services such as luggage handling and parking assistance.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Watei Kazekomichi
Positive Reviews
Outstanding staff and service
Multiple guests praised extremely friendly, attentive and helpful staff who provide smooth check‑in, remember requests (e.g. dietary needs) and create a welcoming experience throughout the stay.
Private onsen with superb views
Private outdoor baths (rotemburo) and in‑room onsen were repeatedly described as beautiful, relaxing and offering stunning views of Atami/the Pacific—many called it a highlight or once‑in‑a‑lifetime experience.
Excellent meals (kaiseki style)
Dinner and breakfast were frequently noted as outstanding: well‑presented, high quality Japanese/kaiseki cuisine with generous portions and thoughtful menus, sometimes available in English.
Clean, traditional and well‑appointed rooms
Rooms were described as clean, traditionally styled and carefully designed for comfort; amenities (yukata, toiletries, soft water) and little touches (fridge drinks, tea and wagashi) were appreciated.
Convenient shuttle and station pickup
Although the property sits above the city, guests valued the complimentary shuttle/taxi pickup and drop‑off to Atami Station, which makes arriving and departing easy.
Negative Reviews
Property is somewhat remote / hard to locate
Several guests noted the ryokan is a little outside Atami city centre and can be tricky to find; while shuttle service helps, distance from shops and the town was a downside for some.
Small or cramped public spaces and some rooms
At least one guest reported small common areas, a small garden and a cramped/staircase area with an aged feel; a few guests also found some rooms or bathrooms compact and lacking natural light.
Dining booths can feel confined
A few guests mentioned dinner being served in very small private booths (closed, windowless), which felt claustrophobic until reassigned to a room with a view.
Limited on‑site convenience options
Guests wished for more immediate access to snacks, water or the ability to order simple items on‑site, noting nearby amenities are a bit far from the property.
Isolated concerns about value and wear
One reviewer felt the overall quality/space did not match the price and noted visible wear (scratches, tired furniture) in their room; this was not a widespread comment but was mentioned.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most rooms are arranged for two adults; some suites can accommodate up to four guests with extra futons. Children under 12 are not accepted and the minimum check‑in age is 18.
Every room includes a private open‑air onsen for exclusive use. There is no regular communal bath listed for guests.
The property offers shuttle/station pickup on request; please notify the ryokan in advance to arrange timing. Many guests use the shuttle when arriving from Atami Station.
There is no regular airport shuttle; the common route is Shinkansen or train to Atami Station (about 50 minutes from Tokyo Station), then a short taxi or the hotel shuttle to the ryokan. From Haneda or Narita, take trains to Tokyo and transfer to the shinkansen or express services to Atami.
Staff primarily speak Japanese; English assistance may be limited and is not guaranteed. Printed information on the property is available in English.
The ryokan serves multi‑course kaiseki dinners and Japanese breakfasts in its restaurant, often in semi‑private seating. Special meal requests may not be accommodated, so please advise the property in advance.
Nearby sights include Kinomiya Shrine, Atami Plum Garden, Atami Sun Beach and Jikkoku Pass for views of Mt. Fuji, and Hakone is reachable in about an hour by train. The hotel’s location on a hill offers coastal and city views.
Atami Station is the main rail hub for the area; taxis and local buses serve nearby attractions. The property offers free private parking off‑site for guests who drive.
Standard check‑in begins at 3:00 PM and check‑out is by 11:00 AM. Please inform the ryokan if you expect to arrive after 9:00 PM, and note the entrance is closed between 23:00 and 07:00.
Pets are not allowed. Each room’s onsen is private for guests, but there is no advertised option to privatize the entire property; convenience stores and supermarkets are located in central Atami and require a short taxi or walk from the ryokan.