Shinpachiya

Seeing Mt FUJI from our room was the surprise that made this stay unforgettable. We could admire it from the lobby too, and my husband and I felt incredibly lucky to have that view. Before booking, I’d read all the glowing reviews about the scenery, location, food, and service, so we came with high expectations. This unexpected sight surpassed them.

The hot spring was peaceful, the meal was delicious, and the room had a perfect view. Our attendant was so welcoming and made the stay even better. I hope they keep it up, and people should really support this small place by the Toba Seaside.

Our room faced the sea, with local birds around that we loved watching. The public onsen was roomy, and the private one had a lovely tub and view. The water felt so smooth. The meals were excellent, with lots of fresh local seafood and rice, and a different menu each night. We stayed two nights, with two breakfasts and two dinners included. Our host was patient and friendly, as were all the staff, and the service made us feel pampered. We also really liked their ume-chu, which you can ask for over ice. There are two shuttle runs each morning and evening, making it easy to get downtown. A few details for English-speaking visitors: the room with a private onsen is on the 1st floor, so it may not suit you if a good view is important. The shuttle leaves Toba station at 3:30 pm and 4:40 pm, and the car has no English lettering, so remember the ryokan's Japanese name. They only speak Japanese, but some Japanese helps; our friend's beginner level was enough to understand them generally. It’s worth reading up on how a traditional onsen ryokan works so things feel less awkward for you and the host. Staff make your bed after dinner and again in the morning, so you don't have to. Book the private onsen at 4:30pm before dinner or 8:00pm after dinner. Breakfast and dinner are served in the room, and most dishes are seafood because Toba is a major fishing and oyster town. Weekends get busy with local tourists, but on quieter days you may have the public onsen to yourself in the morning. It’s open 6:00 am - 10:30 pm. Bring cash, since it’s still the main way to pay for almost everything in Toba, though there is an ATM at the station.

The staff were so kind and understanding when our travel delays piled up. We missed the shuttle from Toba, but the manager came to get us after 6+pm, and the team even used Google Translate to communicate and make us feel welcome. We don't drive, so we'd emailed about transport beforehand. The ryokan runs buses to Toba Station at 9,10am and from the station at 3.30,4.30pm. They thanked us for coming all the way, but we were the ones who owed them thanks for such a wonderful stay. Our fourth-floor room was amazing. The seafood at both meals was fresh, and everyone was incredibly polite and helpful. Dinner arrived around 7pm, breakfast around 7 or 8am. We missed the sunrise, which comes before 6am. The floor bedding was warm and comfortable. Dinner had 15+ courses, with sashimi, crab, clam, octopus, prawn, sea urchin, fish, cooked seafood, beef sukiyaki soup, rice, and dessert. A meal like that in my country would cost as much as one night at the ryokan, haha. We couldn't use the private onsen because we checked in late, but the public bath was amazing even around 10pm. The outdoor bath had a pretty cool view, the area was clean, and there were free massage chairs outside. We also noticed that private-onsen rooms seem to be on the 1st floor and have limited sea views, while the 3rd and 4th floors look better. Afterward we went to Ise Jingu and the Married Rocks; figuring out the bus from Toba station was easy. I've already started planning a family trip back. Thanks for an amazing visit!