Gardenvilla Shirahama — Hotel in Shimoda

Pros:||- AMAZING views of the ocean-- you are literally perched right over it.||- WONDERFUL kind family that runs the hotel and goes out of their way to make sure you have a great experience. (We were waiting for the bus and one of the workers saw us as he drove by, and turned around to pick us up and drive us to town, just to be nice.) ||- Really beautiful, high-end onsen baths, easy to reserve, very private, clean, and enjoyable (no additional cost)||- Very nice full breakfast served each day, with a range of sides-- something for everyone-- and great pancakes.||- Fun mini pool table and nice living room for hanging out||- Easy walk over to Shirahama beach, which is an amazing, beautiful sandy beach with great waves for surfing or boogie boarding. Also, right by Shirahama beach is a 7-11 and a few little restaurants and a surf shop where you can rent things, so that was helpful. ||||Cons:||- We had chosen this hotel because of the pool, because our kids prefer the pool to the beach, but during our stay the pool was drained and being redone. (Not their fault, but a bummer they were doing this in July.)||- We had also chosen this hotel because of the on-site chef that people really seemed to enjoy, but he was on vacation during our stay. ||- The rooms could use a little fresh paint and general freshening up. (The rooms are clean, tho.)||- It's a long walk to town and the bus doesn't come...

Garden Villa Shirahama in Shimoda, Japan, is a serene retreat that offers a perfect balance of relaxation and nature. Tucked away in a lush hillside with stunning views of Shirahama Beach, this boutique hotel provides an intimate and peaceful escape for travelers seeking tranquility.||||The villa-style accommodations are cozy and well-appointed, blending traditional Japanese aesthetics with modern comforts. Tatami-matted rooms, sliding doors, and private balconies give guests an authentic yet comfortable experience. Some rooms also feature private open-air baths (onsen), which enhance the relaxing ambiance.||||The staff at Garden Villa Shirahama are attentive and hospitable, ensuring every need is met with a smile. They’re always willing to recommend local attractions or provide assistance, making the stay even more enjoyable. The breakfast, which features fresh, seasonal ingredients, is delicious and offers a variety of Japanese and Western options.||||The hotel’s proximity to Shirahama Beach is another highlight, allowing easy access to crystal-clear waters and soft white sands. Nearby attractions, like Shimoda Aquarium and the historic Perry Road, are also worth exploring.||||Overall, Garden Villa Shirahama is an excellent choice for anyone looking to experience the beauty of Shimoda while enjoying a calm and comfortable stay. It’s a hidden gem perfect for couples, families, or...

We stayed at Gardenvilla Shirahama for 2 nights and it was overall a very relaxing and enjoyable experience. The property is easy to reach by bus or private car from Izukyu-Shimoda station, and the owners can arrange transportation to and from the station as well. The property is in a scenic location, conveniently just a few minutes walk away from Shirahama beach. Our room was a "non view" one, and although it was a little "old fashioned" and the bathroom was just a business hotel type, everything was clean and functional. You're not supposed to spend too much time in your room anyway, with so much gorgeous nature and perfect beaches outside! The open baths were both very nice, with a gorgeous scenic view. There's a small but nice swimming pool that is ideal for kids. The breakfast/restaurant ares serves also as relaxing area with free drinks 24/24. The breakfast was very satisfying, all ingredients were fresh and well cooked...the small but excellent pancakes were definitely the highlight. There are a few other restaurants in the area but we only tried the BBQ at the property restaurant, which was nothing to write home about but it was ok. The owners are lovely people and really make an excellent job in helping guests relax and enjoy their holidays....