Arai Ryokan — Hotel in Izu

This is a Ryokan which has a very good reputation. For me, the stay is perfect and I will recommend this Ryokan.||Even though you cannot value the location of the Ryokan, as Shuzenji is a very small place. The Rokan is right opposite to the bamboo forest, which is suitable for my personal view. However, you need to notice as it is close to the bamboo forest and near to the river, you will find many bugs here, especially at night. Don't forget to close the windows and doors.||When you first arrive at the Ryokan, don't forget to take a photo of the board at the door as you can find your name on it. If you have a name that can be written in Kanji, you can even email them to let them write in Kanji.||The Ryokan itself is large but the staff are very nice and friendly. They will introduce the whole Ryokan to you when you arrive and lead you to the most places so that you can find out the several Onsens and amenities' locations. I will recommend you to discover the Ryokan when you are free. The Ryokan even provides guided tours as most of the buildings here are cultural heritage. Moreover, the Ryokan will even provide umbrellas, so no worries when it rains.||The English of Ryokan staff is not ideal, as you might be able to guess. If you can speak Japanese, I will recommend you to use Japanese.||The food quality is very good and they will sometimes provide some very interesting dishes. For example, the lobster shell tempura, which shocked me at first but tasted not bad.||I have mentioned Onsen before but there are a few more you might need to know. Since the hotel has a long history, you might need to take a shower in your room first then go to the Onsen in different places as there are no shower places in Onsen like other Ryokan. However, the onsen is very good so I will recommend you try as many as you can.||Overall, the Rokan is expensive but absolutely worthy. I will recommend you to try it when...

This is a Ryokan which has a very good reputation. For me, the stay is perfect and I will recommend this Ryokan.||Even though you cannot value the location of the Ryokan, as Shuzenji is a very small place. The Rokan is right opposite to the bamboo forest, which is suitable for my personal view. However, you need to notice as it is close to the bamboo forest and near to the river, you will find many bugs here, especially at night. Don't forget to close the windows and doors.||When you first arrive at the Ryokan, don't forget to take a photo of the board at the door as you can find your name on it. If you have a name that can be written in Kanji, you can even email them to let them write in Kanji.||The Ryokan itself is large but the staff are very nice and friendly. They will introduce the whole Ryokan to you when you arrive and lead you to the most places so that you can find out the several Onsens and amenities' locations. I will recommend you to discover the Ryokan when you are free. The Ryokan even provides guided tours as most of the buildings here are cultural heritage. Moreover, the Ryokan will even provide umbrellas, so no worries when it rains.||The English of Ryokan staff is not ideal, as you might be able to guess. If you can speak Japanese, I will recommend you to use Japanese.||The food quality is very good and they will sometimes provide some very interesting dishes. For example, the lobster shell tempura, which shocked me at first but tasted not bad.||I have mentioned Onsen before but there are a few more you might need to know. Since the hotel has a long history, you might need to take a shower in your room first then go to the Onsen in different places as there are no shower places in Onsen like other Ryokan. However, the onsen is very good so I will recommend you try as many as you can.||Overall, the Rokan is expensive but absolutely worthy. I will recommend you to try it when...

We spend about five months a every year traveling, mainly in Europe and Asia, and have stayed in countless hotels, from the Alps to Mediterranean islands, and from Provence to Tuscany. In Japan, we’ve stayed at places like Hiiragiya in Kyoto and Hoshinoya in Tokyo, but Arai Ryokan in Shuzenji is our favorite.

First, their one-night, two-meal package offers excellent value for money, and the service is impeccable. The shrine bath (Chikurin no Yu) and the outdoor garden baths are true treasures, rare to find elsewhere. Compared to places we’ve stayed, such as two Michelin three-key hotels in the Black Forest or luxury options like Aman, Hoshinoya, and Four Seasons, many left little lasting impression. However, every time we leave Arai Ryokan, it feels bittersweet. Their breakfasts and dinners are never repetitive and are crafted with extraordinary care, reflecting the thoughtfulness of the hotel.

The staff deserve special mention for their warm and attentive care, often waiting early in the restaurant to greet us. They are genuinely friendly and kind, which enhances the overall experience. This time, we stayed in Yukino 1, a room with three sides offering different garden views, each mesmerizing in its own way.

Shuzenji itself has many subtle charms that make it hard to leave. This was our second visit to Shuzenji and Arai Ryokan, and I’m certain we will return again. In Japan, we’ve visited Kyoto the most, along with Shirakawa-go, Kanazawa, Niseko, Noboribetsu, and many other places, each with its distinct appeal. Shuzenji, however, stands out—not for any particular uniqueness, but for its captivating allure.

Although Arai Ryokan doesn’t offer modern luxury or extravagance, you can truly feel the deep cultural heritage and legacy of the family...