Yoritomonoyu Honjin

The baths are small, cute, and authentic, and the regional food was delicious. It’s a family-run hotel with only 15 rooms, warm hospitality, and very reasonable prices. It’s a great choice if you want a local, intimate experience. This isn’t a big ryokan with every service, and things aren’t polished everywhere, but I felt welcomed and was able to relax.

Moriyama summit lookout was a great spot for views of Mt Fuji, and there are other attractions and local produce to explore nearby. We only stayed two days and could easily have spent longer. The food was amazing, even dishes I normally wouldn't choose or try were somehow delicious, and you could tell a lot of care went into each one. The staff were attentive and sweet. Many spoke very little English, but that didn't get in the way of our stay at all. The facilities and onsens were very clean and more than satisfactory. There was construction going on, though we weren't affected by it. I think things will be even better once it's finished. Free tea, coffee and ice cream were available too.

The property has a nice shrine and quarry to explore, and there's free parking nearby. You'll need a car to get there, though the Izu peninsula is well worth exploring. Our room was huge, with a comfy futon and a gorgeous view from the window. It's an older place and not all shiny and new, but the atmosphere was wonderful. The kaiseki dinner and breakfast were the best food and service we had across our two trips to Japan. The onsens were clean and pleasant. There was one indoor bath and one outdoor bath, and they switched them in the morning, so we got to try all four. The women at reception and in the restaurant didn't speak English, but they were patient, and Google Translate made communication easy. I'd love to come back and stay longer.

The cave hot spring was a real highlight for me. It was relaxing and had a sense of history that made the experience feel special. My room was spacious and traditional, with modern comforts mixed in. The staff were friendly and polite, though English was limited in this less tourist-focused area. I also really enjoyed the traditional Japanese breakfast and dinner. They were excellent, but might feel adventurous if you're not used to Japanese food. It was a quiet, relaxing stay, and I had a great time.