Izu Peninsula Hotels, Onsen & Ryokan: Honest Advice for Where to Stay
Looking for a tried-and-tested guide to onsen and hotels in the Izu Peninsula? Located between Tokyo and Kyoto but bypassed by most tourists on bullet trains, there isn’t much first-hand information about where to stay in Izu… After my recent visits, I decided to put together this guide to help make it easier for you!
While other websites have collated lists of hotels in Izu, I personally find these disingenuous. How can any author speak honestly about the properties if they haven’t stayed in them all?
Here’s where I’m different because I’ve actually done it.
Over the past decade, I’ve been regularly visiting Japan. From the experiences and accommodation I’ve personally stayed in, I share my findings here on my Japan blog to remove the guesswork for you.
Whether you’re wanting to stay in a traditional onsen town or Izu hotel with views, my quick guide to where to stay in the Izu Peninsula will provide you with the insights you need to decide where to rest your head. Read on for more!
This post contains affiliate links, at no extra cost to you. I may earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase.
How to select Izu Peninsula accommodation
Izu is known by locals for its five onsen resort towns – and being only 2 hours from Tokyo, it’s perhaps one of the country’s best-kept secrets!
From my two trips to this underrated area, I’ve put together this massive Izu Peninsula itinerary for one to seven days to help inspire your visit, so take a look once you’re done here.
Your mode of transport during your visit will determine where you’re able to stay. Some Izu hotels are close to train stations as per my map above, but just as many properties aren’t. The properties in this guide are easier to reach with a rental car.
- Coming from Osaka or Kyoto? Hire and pick up your car from Mishima Station.
- Coming from Tokyo? Hire and pick up your car from Atami Station.
TIP: Read my guide to driving in Japan for tourists for everything you need to know.
If you’re spending longer than three days in Izu, you may wish to have two bases to stay in different areas on the peninsula. This will save you long days of driving back and forth.
Where to stay in Izu Japan: North, East & Central Areas
Down the page are my pros and cons for three properties I’ve stayed in so far around the Izu Peninsula. They include Northern Izu, Eastern Izu, and Central Izu. I’ll add to this over time as I’m sure I’ll be back again — twice in six months from Australia isn’t enough for me!
| • Northern Izu | Ooedo Onsen Monogatari Hotel Suiyotei → |
| • Eastern Izu | Kamenoi Ryokan Hotel in Izu Kogen → |
| • Central Izu | Laforet Shuzenji Sanshisuimei → |
Disclaimer: I paid for each of these hotels with my own money and am reviewing them unbeknownst to the hotel owners, management or staff.
Northern Izu: Atami
Easily accessible with a station along the Tokaido shinkansen line and a beautiful seaside vibe, Atami is known for onsen and is a popular weekend trip for locals.
It’s easy to spend a few nights in Atami on the way to or from Tokyo to experience the full omotenashi of a Japanese onsen resort other than Hakone (which is crowded with tourists).
Wondering where to stay in Atami? I stayed at the Ooedo Onsen Monogatari Hotel Suiyotei, which is about 5 mins drive from Atami Station. I loved watching the gorgeous sunrise out my window. It was one of the more affordable Atami hotels.
While no photos are permitted in the onsen (birthday suit reasons), my room and the open-air onsen view were the same to give you an idea!
Pros of Ooedo Onsen Monogatari Hotel Suiyotei
I booked the Superior Japanese-Style Ocean Side High Floor room.
- Beautiful open-air onsen for guests overlooking one of Atami’s most stunning views
- View of the sunrise over the ocean from high floors and corner rooms
- Buffet breakfast and dinners included each day (depending on room plan)
- Other facilities include indoor onsen, table tennis, karaoke room, claw machines and arcade games.
- Wear yukata around the premises and for meals in the common dining area
- Free on-site parking for guests (limited, ask to reserve in advance)
- Shuttle to the station (need to check timetable and reserve a spot at reception)
- 20 mins walk to Atami Sun Beach, where fireworks festivals are held a few times per year (I was SO lucky the lady at reception told me this was on during my stay!)
Cons of Ooedo Onsen Monogatari Hotel Suiyotei
- There are two properties with VERY similar names and the same logo! I actually went to check into the wrong one closer to the station, whoops. This one is up a hill.
- TIP: This hotel has a different name on Google Maps, so type either Atami Izusan Hotel Mizuhotei or 水葉亭湯山館 when navigating.
- The property feels dated, but the amenities and view make up for it.
- Limited on-site parking, you may need to reserve in advance.
- 15 mins walk to Atami Station, which is ok if you’re not wheeling luggage uphill. However the hotel will call a taxi for you, and it costs around 1200 yen (pay cash).
- The meals are buffet style. This is fine as some hot items are cooked fresh, however I noticed some of the fruit for breakfast was put out frozen – not great. Additionally, some of the hot options are luke warm if you arrive later into the meal service.
Eastern Izu: Izu Kogen
Where to stay near the Jogasaki Coast? I spent three nights at the incredible Kamenoi Ryokan Hotel in Izu Kogen. It’s about 15 mins walk from Jogasaki Kogen Station and is my overall favourite of the properties in this Izu accommodation guide.
Its reflective water feature to mirror the incredible sunrises over the ocean was a beautiful highlight! While I didn’t try the segregated onsen, it looked amazing. This feels like one of the more luxury hotels in Izu.
I actually booked this property for its location and views, but didn’t realise a 7 course dinner and buffet breakfast were included with my room option (so double check when you book). The meals were delicious and adopted many fresh local ingredients from the peninsula. I highly recommend staying here if you’re wanting to relax!
Pros of Kamenoi Ryokan
I booked the Universal Twin (With Private Bath) – Sea View room.
- Meal options are incredible, book your dining time slot in advance at reception
- Watch the sunrise over the ocean from your room or by the pool
- Free on-site parking for guests
- A good base for exploring eastern Izu
- Public onsen for guests as well as private balcony options
- Family friendly property, where children visit the onsen with their parents.
Cons of Kamenoi Ryokan
- Very limited restaurants and no konbini nearby, so prepare in advance
- Situated in between Izu Kogen and Jogasaki Kaigan Stations, so it’s not close to either (15 mins walk to Jogasaki Kaigen Station is doable if needed).
Central Izu: Shuzenji Onsen
Where to stay in Shuzenji? While you can stay in a traditional ryokan within the onsen town, I decided to splurge a little for one night on a bigger room atop the mountain with views of Mt Fuji. The mountainside services two hotels, the Lafloret (which I chose) and the Marriott.
My room at Laforet Shuzenji Sanshisuimei was very spacious with tatami flooring in the living area. As I was eating breakfast, I was so lucky Mt Fuji did allow me a few glimpses between the clouds!
TIP: Booking a room here also allows access to the Marriott’s Onsen Spa, where swimsuits are allowed if you’re not comfortable in just your birthday suit.
Pros of Laforet Shuzenji Sanshisuimei
I booked the Twin Room with Tatami Area and Terrace room. I chose it to enjoy the private open-air onsen on the balcony.
- Some top floor rooms have views of Mt Fuji in clear weather
- Private open-air onsen on the balcony in some rooms, the water is so silky and inviting!
- Plenty of space for families or groups
- Breakfast and dinners included each day (depending on room plan)
- The common dining room directly overlooks Mt Fuji (if she decides to show!)
- Facilities include common open-air onsen for guests, sauna, stone sauna, tennis courts, zipline, nature trails, e-bike rental, golf.
- Free on-site parking for guests
- There is a shuttle to the town (check timetable).
Cons of Laforet Shuzenji Sanshisuimei
- Only accessible via a winding road, with signs for deer and boars so be careful if driving.
- There are no lifts to the higher floors, stairs only, so do keep this in mind regarding carrying luggage up.
- No konbini or other restaurants nearby, however the hotel does have a small gift shop.
- When I booked I didn’t realise that the apartments are in completely separate buildings over the mountainside, which means driving up the hill to dine at the restaurant for breakfast and dinner.
Notable mentions for Izu ryokan
In my Japan Off the Beaten Path Facebook Group the topic of hotels in Izu and accommodation has been discussed a number of times. While I have not stayed in these Izu properties as yet, they are recommended highly from both tourists and my local contacts so I recommend taking a look.
- K’s House, Ito Onsen →
Traditional ryokan hostel with shared facilities, beautiful preserved building along the river, about 10 mins walk from Ito Station. - Hanafubuki, Izu Kogen →
A traditional Izu ryokan with onsen, still run by a family. I did consider staying here during one of my visits but ended up selecting the Kamenoi instead. Hanafubuki is 9 mins walk to Izu Kogen Station, so it’s ideal if you won’t be using a rental car during your time in Izu.
Concluding my favourite hotels in Izu Peninsula Japan
I hope I’ve helped you decide on a base or two to help you better explore the Izu Peninsula! Based on my many hours of research and time I’ve spent enjoying these properties, I’d say these are the best hotels in Izu whether you’re travelling solo, as a couple, group or for families.
Consider selecting two bases to do day trips from if spending longer than 3 days in the peninsula, and don’t forget to check my guide for things to do in Izu for ideas!
Do you have any questions about these Izu hotels or ryokan? Which appeals to you most? Let me know in the comments below.
If like me, you enjoy finding offbeat places and hidden gems to “blend in” and avoid crowds, you’ll love my Japan travel blog full of inspiration and everything you need to know when planning a trip:
- Honest Advice for Where to stay in Tokyo
- Tokyo Itinerary to “Blend In”
- Mt Favourite Ryokan & Hotels in Gion, Kyoto
- Kyoto Itinerary to “Blend In”
- Underrated Day Trips from Tokyo
- Unforgettable Things to do in Fujinomiya
- Do’s and don’ts in Japan: Crucial Etiquette Guide
- Useful Phrases in Japanese for Tourists + Free PDF Cheat Sheet
- What to pack for Japan
And see my other guides & itineraries for more offbeat locations like Izu:
- Kawazu Seven Waterfalls: Hiking the Nanadaru in Izu
- 10 Day Japan Travel Itinerary to Avoid Crowds
- 3 Week Japan Itinerary: Cities, Alps & In Between
- 7-10 Day Kyushu Itinerary: Underrated Island Gem
- Unique Things to Do in Okinawa: Island Paradise
- Romantic 10-14 Day Japan Honeymoon Itinerary
Feeling social? You can also come and join me on Facebook, my Japan Off the Beaten Path Facebook Group, Pinterest, YouTube, Instagram and TikTok for more Japan inspiration!
Until next time,
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This guide to onsen & hotels in Izu contains some affiliate links, at no extra cost to you. I may earn a small commission if you decide to make a purchase and if you do, thanks for your support! This helps with the costs of running my blog so I can keep my content free for you. As always, I only recommend a product or service that I genuinely love and use myself!
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