Japan | Century-Old Ryokan Izu · Ochiairo

Inn: Ochiairo Address: Izu Located on the Izu Peninsula of Japan, the historic ryokan Ochiairo has been welcoming guests since the 7th year of the Meiji era (1874). Its main building and the separate Nemunotei pavilion, including all guest rooms, have been designated as Japan's national tangible cultural properties. The main building is constructed with rare woods such as mahogany, exuding a sense of grandeur; while the Nemunotei pavilion offers a bright and soft atmosphere, built in the Sukiyabashi architectural style. This century-old ryokan has attracted countless Japanese literati and artists. Guest Rooms The ryokan has a total of 14 guest rooms, distributed between the main building and the two-story Nemunotei pavilion, with room sizes starting from 56 square meters. Each room's shoji paper doors are handcrafted by Japanese artisans, showcasing the intricate kumiko technique, reflecting the unique charm of this old ryokan. Dining The ryokan offers cuisine with fresh ingredients that change with the seasons, from spring bamboo shoots, summer reeds and vegetables, autumn's Izu specialties like Hime Tengu and log-grown shiitake mushrooms, to winter game, all carefully selected and prepared to create delicious dishes. Experience The ryokan's hot springs are sourced directly from the Amagi-Yugashima hot springs, known as 'the beauty skin bath'. It provides three different hot spring experiences: the cave bath 'Tengu no Yu', the open-air bath 'Hoshi no Yu', and the indoor bath 'Tsuki no Yu'. Bathing here, one can overlook the Kano River valley and blend with the surrounding natural scenery. Additionally, the ryokan offers a sauna room themed after a tea room and a tent sauna room by the Kano River, allowing guests to experience the outdoor wilderness life.