Hanairotei

We had a really restful stay, and would love to come back. The open-air bath in our room was just the right temperature and had a lovely view. Since the inn takes only two groups a day, we could unwind together without worrying about other guests. Our one-year-old had toys, stuffed animals and picture books from the kids’ room, and we could bring them back to our room, so there was plenty to keep them busy. The staff were kind and polite, and took thoughtful care with our meals. The Izu seafood dishes were delicious. They also gave us free diapers, wipes, tea and water for our child, and even had maternity supplies for me. I was pregnant, so this was our last trip as a family of three. The inn is tucked into a quiet, hilly mountain area and can be a little hard to find, but it’s a lovely place. I’d recommend it to families with children who want a calm, relaxing stay.

The morning at the plateau was a highlight: cool air, Japanese bush warblers calling, and sunrise lighting up the sea beyond our open-air bath. It was a memorable first family trip, and I’d love to return. Our baby had only just learned to hold his head up, so we were glad to find a baby futon and such a wide range of amenities on the website. Because he cried a lot, having meals and bathing in our private room made things much easier. Breastfeeding schedules meant we couldn’t enjoy Izu’s local specialties while out and about, so it was lovely to have seafood, wasabi and other local dishes at dinner. The breakfast sides were delicious too. I usually don’t have seconds, but kept eating. We didn’t use the kids’ area because of our baby’s age, though it looked fun for children old enough to stand and play.

We found the inn through its MIKIHOUSE Baby-Welcome Inn certification and brought our four-month-old. The stay was pricey, but worth it. My wife and I talked on the way home about coming back, and we definitely would. The staff greeted us at the car and carried our bags to the room, a thoughtful touch when bellboys are rare outside luxury hotels. We were able to park easily despite a small step at the lot entrance, since the inn takes only two groups a day and there was plenty of space. The exterior is stylish, like a renovated old villa or pension. Izukogen is a bit far from Tokyo, but the quiet location made for a relaxing stay. Dinner and breakfast used local Shizuoka ingredients, and the seasoning was delicious. Dinner coincided with my baby’s feeding time, but the staff told me to start with the warm dishes and said they’d leave anything I couldn’t eat right away for later. That consideration meant a lot. The website says most baby supplies are provided or available to rent. We only needed to bring powdered milk, and they prepared diapers after asking our size in advance. The room, food, bath and facilities were all fantastic. To mention a couple of drawbacks, the washing area smelled a little, probably because it’s old, and I noted that on the inn’s questionnaire. It could also be cold there in winter with a baby. My son was so chilly he cried hard.

With just two groups staying each day, the villa-area setting felt peaceful and almost like having our own place. We had a very satisfying, relaxing trip. Our 11-month-old enjoyed a first hot spring experience in the private open-air bath in our room, which was at a comfortable temperature and became a lovely memory. The baby-friendly rentals and play areas were really convenient for our family of three. From the warm welcome and room tour through the meal arrangements and goodbye, the staff were attentive and kind. Thank you!