Ochiairo
Classic Japanese ryokan — unhurried, deeply traditional, warm without being precious. Tatami mats, river sounds, seasonal kaiseki, and a sense of stepping into Meiji-era Japan. No gimmicks, no design-hotel theatrics. Literary Japan at its most genuine — Yasunari Kawabata and Toson Shimazaki both wrote here.
Book at least 3–7 months out — popular dates sell out fast, especially cherry blossom season and autumn foliage
Why It Matters
One of Japan's most significant historic inns — seven of its buildings are nationally registered tangible cultural heritage properties. Awarded a Michelin Key in both 2024 and 2025 (among the first ever given). Its saunas were ranked in Japan's national Sauna Shuran list and received a SAUNACHELIN 2025 award. Famous literary figures from the Meiji through early Showa periods — including Nobel laureate Yasunari Kawabata — stayed and wrote here.
Ochiairo is a 150-year-old ryokan sitting at the confluence of two rivers deep in the mountains of central Izu, about two hours from Tokyo. Founded in 1874, its wooden structures are designated national tangible cultural heritage properties — and it shows, from the 2,000-year-old rosewood columns to the hand-carved transom work in each of its 16 uniquely designed rooms. Think nine-course kaiseki dinners served in your room, cave baths and open-air hot springs fed by three private sources, and a bar lounge where everything from beer to sake is complimentary.
Where You'll Stay
17 room types available
Akane
Japanese-style futon room with an indoor hot spring bath and a built-in terrace overlooking the mountain stream. River sounds fill the bath. Up to 3 guests.
Futon (Japanese-style) · 66.33 sqm
Annex Shakunage (Private Villa)
The entire 547 m² three-story former residence of the founding family, available for exclusive use. Three bedrooms, an open-air bath, a dedicated Irori (sunken hearth) sauna, a living room, and a private dining room. Fits 2–12 people. A registered cultural property itself, renovated for modern comfort. The most private and spacious option on the property by a significant margin.
Mixed (3 bedrooms) · 547 sqmAofuji
The largest room in the main building — two Japanese-style rooms with futons and an indoor hot spring bath fed by natural spring water. River-facing so you wake to birdsong and the sound of water. Sleeps up to four.
Futon (Japanese-style) · 82.63 sqmAoi
Spacious Japanese-Western room with a natural hot spring indoor bath. A wide bedroom overlooks the garden, giving it a nostalgic, almost country-house quality. One of the larger rooms, sleeping up to 4.
Bed (Japanese-Western) · 70.39 sqm
Aominawa
A one-room Japanese-style futon room with a semi-open-air bath along the Kano River. This room has literary history — Showa-era novelist Fumiko Hayashi stayed here, describing it as the 'Chrysanthemum Room' in her novel Onsen Yado. For two guests.
Futon (Japanese-style) · 61.57 sqmKiritsubo
An elegant Japanese-Western room with beds and a natural hot spring indoor bath. The standout feature is jewel-like stained glass and a transom carved with paulownia — the imperial symbol of authority. Up to 4 guests.
Bed (Japanese-Western) · 69.02 sqmKoubai
Japanese-Western room with beds and both flowing hot spring indoor AND outdoor baths — one of the few rooms with both options. The room features a Japanese quince floor pillar and carved plum blossom details. A wall of windows frames fresh summer greenery or winter plum blossoms. Up to 3 guests.
Bed (Japanese-Western) · 65.83 sqmMatsukaze
Japanese-Western room with beds and a private indoor hot spring bath. Lush green landscape surrounds the room — serene and comfortable, suited for two.
Bed (Japanese-Western) · 56.8 sqmRindou
One Japanese-style futon room with indoor natural hot spring bath. The garden here was cherished by poet Hakushu Kitahara — views of the lush grounds that inspired some of early Showa Japan's finest verse. 2 guests.
Futon (Japanese-style) · 47.68 sqmSawarabi
Garden-facing Japanese-Western room with beds and a natural hot spring indoor bath. Seasonal garden views — spring fern shoots and autumn leaves. A quieter, more contemplative option for two.
Bed (Japanese-Western) · 56.8 sqmSumire
The smaller of the futon rooms — a one-room Japanese-style suite with an indoor hot spring bath and seasonal garden views. Simple and atmospheric; good value entry point to the Ochiairo experience. 2 guests.
Futon (Japanese-style) · 47.68 sqmTokonatsu
Japanese-Western room with beds and flowing hot spring indoor and outdoor baths. Garden-facing main room with a distinctive morning glory relief carving — a summer-feeling room that works beautifully year-round. Up to 4 guests.
Bed (Japanese-Western) · 66.73 sqmTsubaki
One Japanese-style futon room with a natural hot spring bath and a terrace where you can hear and feel the river. Mountain wisteria in spring, fresh greenery in early summer. A good choice for two guests wanting full traditional immersion.
Futon (Japanese-style) · 68.18 sqmTsuyukusa
A Japanese-style futon room with an indoor hot spring bath and striking Kumiko lattice woodwork depicting a casting net (for wealth) and Mt. Fuji (for prosperity). Up to 3 guests.
Futon (Japanese-style) · 63.36 sqmUkifune
The largest standard room, facing the garden and a famous giant cherry tree that drops blossoms like snowflakes in spring. Japanese-Western with a private open-air bath — arguably the most dramatic of the open-air options. Sleeps up to four.
Bed (Japanese-Western) · 74.07 sqmYamabuki
Two Japanese-style futon rooms with a natural hot spring indoor bath. Towering oak trees frame the garden view. A room with literary gravitas — you can practically feel the presence of past authors. Sleeps up to 4.
Futon (Japanese-style) · 70.39 sqmYamazakura
Japanese-style room with beds and a private open-air bath — a spacious option for two that gives you the outdoor onsen experience without the crowd. The surrounding garden changes with each season.
Bed (Japanese-style) · 66.66 sqmThe Property
Eat & Drink
2 venues on property
Restaurant
Spa & Wellness
Treatment Menu
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
A downstairs games room with table games, board games, retro arcade machines, a video game system, movies, and music. Set beneath the lounge with river views — a surprisingly fun addition.
Bicycles available for exploring the surrounding Yugashima area and nearby Joren Waterfall (4 minutes by car).
The inn's traditional Japanese garden features a pond with koi, moss-covered stones, and trees that shift through every season. Riverside paths are available for quiet reading or walking along the Kano River.
A suspension bridge crossing above the confluence of two rivers, surrounded by the forested mountains of Izu. A short but memorable stroll — the views down to the rivers below are striking.
A square barrel sauna surrounded by the forest atmosphere. Made with Estonian thermowood that releases a gentle woody scent as it heats. Warms from feet upward.
Three types of communal hot spring baths: cave bath, open-air bath, and indoor bath. All fed by natural spring water. The sulfate springs are known locally as 'beautiful skin water' for their high moisturizing effect. Baths rotate between men and women twice daily (15:00–24:00 and 05:00–11:00) so guests can experience both during a single stay.
A private open-air hot spring bath that guests can book for exclusive use. Complimentary for guests — simply check in with staff to see available time slots. Ideal for couples wanting a fully private outdoor soak.
A barrel sauna set on the banks of the Kano River. After heating, step directly into the river for a natural cold plunge. Self-löyly set, vihta, aroma oils, and massage stones provided. Can be booked as a private 75-minute session.
A nationally ranked sauna designed by industry leader Dai Matsuo, built with the aesthetic of a traditional Japanese tea room. Ranked in Sauna Shuran's 'Top 11 saunas to visit right now' out of 5,000 facilities in 2019. Selected for SAUNACHELIN 2025.
Renovated in September 2025 into a mixed-gender swimsuit-style thermal spring. Features an open-air bath overlooking the Kano River and a cave bath. Cypress walls and hot spring water flowing through the sauna. Originally ranked in Sauna Shuran 2020.
A reading room stocked with novels from historically famous Japanese writers and nostalgic items from past eras. Fitting for a property that once hosted Yasunari Kawabata and Toson Shimazaki.
A guided walk through Ochiairo's nationally registered tangible cultural heritage structures, led by a knowledgeable staff member. Reveals historical artifacts, architectural details, and stories from the inn's 150-year history — including areas not normally accessible. Tour includes historical photos and documents preserved since the Meiji era. English-speaking staff available.
Matterport 3D virtual tour of the property available online for prospective guests.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
Complimentary WiFi throughout all rooms and common areas. Guests who want in-room WiFi should request it at booking. Note: connectivity in this remote mountain valley can be limited.
Gift vouchers available for purchase through the official website.
Rooms stocked with complimentary drinks and snacks. Lounge also fully complimentary for most beverages.
On-site shop selling Ochiairo original amenities and Izu regional gifts.
Helicopter plans available from Narita Airport and Tokyo Shinkiba Heliport for guests seeking a spectacular arrival over the Izu mountains.
Paid shuttle/private car service available from Mishima JR Station (Shinkansen), Shizuoka Airport, Haneda Airport, and Narita Airport.
Complimentary pick-up and drop-off from Shuzenji Station (Izu-Hakone Railway). Contact property at least 3 days in advance with arrival time.
EV charging available on-site. Must be applied for after booking.
Every room has its own private hot spring bath (indoor, outdoor, or semi-outdoor depending on room type), fed by natural spring water.
BUILD YOUR OCHIAIRO PLAN
Rooms, dining, spa, and resort experiences — organized into one trip plan.
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