Izu Onsen Accommodation RecommendationsPilgrimage to Japan's Hot Spring Paradise! 3 Izu Onsen Hotel Reviews

The Katsuragawa Shuzenji Onsen Hotel, nestled in the mountains of central Izu, immediately struck Hermione as grand yet relaxing. Surrounded by peaks, the setting itself is ideal for a tranquil soak.

This Izu Onsen Accommodation is quite spacious. In addition to its hot spring facilities, it offers public entertainment areas like a game room, manga room, ping-pong room, and KTV. The rooms feature tatami flooring with mattresses, preserving Japanese style while offering a more comfortable sleep than traditional futons. Each room also has a private bathroom and toilet, making it very convenient to return for rest after a soak.

What truly made Hermione fall in love with this venue, however, was its thoughtful approach to the bathing experience. The hot springs are one of its biggest highlights, with seven free private onsens available for rotation. These operate on a first-come, first-served basis for 30 minutes per session, with clear queueing instructions to avoid confusion. While not large, each private onsen has a unique design, perfect for those seeking a quiet, undisturbed soak.

The rooftop public bath is equally impressive. The indoor pool is brightly lit and very clean, while the outdoor rotenburo offers distant mountain views. A morning soak is especially recommended, with fresh air and a peaceful atmosphere that makes you feel completely enveloped by the mountain forest. Plus, there's free ramen at night for a late-night snack—a truly comforting treat after a relaxing bath!

Hermione stayed at Atagawa Aiumi Onsen Hotel, and the biggest surprise was the excellent value: for about NT$3,000 per night, including breakfast, guests can enjoy an onsen experience facing the Pacific Ocean.

The hotel's public bath is free to use. When I visited in the evening, it wasn't crowded; it almost felt like a private session. Soaking in the hot spring while listening to the distant sound of waves was incredibly relaxing. The spring water itself maintained a stable temperature, offering good physical relief. However, the facilities clearly show their age. Both the poolside amenities and overall cleanliness were rather ordinary by Japanese onsen hotel standards, lacking that sense of meticulous refinement.

I had considered paying extra for a private bath, but the private baths were under maintenance that day and didn't offer sea views. The staff honestly advised against the upgrade, which left a positive impression! Overall, this Izu Onsen Accommodation isn't about luxury and refinement; its strength lies in its affordable price and the bonus of sea views. It's ideal for travelers who want a casual hot spring experience and simply wish to enjoy the ambiance of the sea and the onsen.

Hermione stayed at Umibe no Kakureyu Seiryu Ryokan, a hotel built directly into a cliff on the west coast of Izu. The lobby alone makes a striking first impression! The entrance is on the fifth floor, and the entire structure extends down the cliffside, creating a sense of harmony with nature.

The true soul of this Izu Onsen Accommodation is its hot springs. Whether you're in the public baths or your guest room, every view faces the expansive ocean. The most iconic "Seaside Open-Air Bath" feels almost connected to the sea, allowing you to clearly hear the waves crashing as you soak. It's especially breathtaking at sunset!

In addition to the public baths, guests can also reserve a private bath for 45 minutes free of charge. These are also ocean-facing, with equally stunning views! We highly recommend booking a sunset slot immediately upon check-in. The only minor drawback Hermione noted was that the water temperature in the morning felt a bit low, which slightly detracted from the experience.