Ito Hotel Ryokufuen

The outdoor bath was really nice, and the onsen was lovely. It wasn't very big, but had everything I needed, and there weren't many people there on a Saturday evening. I also got a discount for staying at K’House.

The breakfast was a highlight. You grill delicious mackerel at your own table, with simple traditional Japanese sides from a buffet. There are pickles and other little vegetable dishes, miso soup, and the option to make tamagokakegohan. Staff were very sweet and helpful, including with our luggage, and suggested we try the Ramen Festa happening in town. They also left tasty sweets in the room when we arrived. Yukata and haori are provided, and the remodeled tatami floors were nice. The bathrooms still feel dated, though, and the plush furniture looks a bit worn. We had spacious private rooms, but both smelled strongly of cigarettes when we arrived. The smell came back now and then after hours of airing them out and using a whole can of freshener. It may have drifted in from nearby rooms. We slept with the windows open, even though the old screens let bugs in, because that felt better than being stuck with secondhand smoke. By the next morning, the cigarette smell was still strong. The shutters rattled in the wind all night and gave the room a haunted feel. The futons were so thin that I kept shifting uncomfortably against the hard floor, even after adding another futon underneath. Two extra blanket layers thankfully kept me warm. Internet access was also very unreliable and kept dropping out, which made planning activities a pain. I loved the traditional baths. The spacious outdoor bath has a rock-paved floor and stays toasty hot. The public relaxation room feels homey, with lots of manga, tea and water for guests, a TV, and a massage chair. You can't really walk to Ito's main station with luggage, since it's about 25 minutes away. Local bus stops are a quick 5-minute walk, and buses can take you around town, to Jogasaki coast, or to Mt. Omuroyama. They don't come often, though, so you may have to wait.

The hotel staff were very kind, and the rotenburo was clean and seemed well cared for. The outdoor hot spring was beautiful and relaxing, and 500 yen with your own towel is a great price. I thought the onsen seemed to use some chlorine, which felt a little odd, but I still had a great time. They welcome foreign guests with tattoos, though I think they might not accept a group with tattoos.

The room and bath were really nice, and the staff were very friendly and welcoming. One thing to keep in mind is that the hotel isn't the newest, and it's a 10-15 minute walk from the station. That's why I gave it 4 stars. I'd recommend booking the private bath if you're coming as a couple or family.