An incredible experience in the Japanese countryside, on the Izu peninsula. Beautiful, traditional architecture (apparently in place since 1872!), in lush greenery, set on natural thermal baths (you bathe in so called onsens, in natural warm water). Stay includes preset breakfast and dinner menus, which are Michelin quality and would cost you 100s $ in Europe or America. So value for money is great too, even if the sticker price may seem high. Plus, staff is extremely attentive and polite.

It really isn’t a negative point, but something to consider: most staff do not speak any foreign language and you need to communicate with a smartphone or a tablet. It’s a bit of a beaten path and takes time to get to from Tokyo or Kyoto. But still absolutely worth it. Food is spectacular but they do not compromise: either you eat their Japanese cuisine or there is little alternative.

Staying in ryukan is a must of my trip to Japan and Arai Ryukan doesn't make me disappointed. Starting from the location of the ryukan which is very easy to reach. You get off to check in and the staff will bring your car to the parking. Checking in is my first impression. The staff is willing to answer your questions and will show you all facilities available. You will have your own personal caregiver. The dinner and breakfast are included in the price and they are very excellent. The onsen both indoor and outdoor are the unforgettable experience. The town attractions are located within the walking distance..

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Everything was exceptional. The traditional building was beautifully maintained and every corner was photo worthy. The staff were friendly and took very good care of us. Our room was beautiful and spacious, we had a wooden tub in our bathroom to soak in and amazing garden views from the windows. The food was beautifully presented and delicious. Onsens were wonderful and each one had its own charm and feel. The place is a short walk from the bus stop and next to the bridges and bamboo grove, allowing easy access in the evening. The stay at this ryokan was definitely a highlight of our Japan trip and we’d love to stay here again.

Beautiful ryokan, very traditional Japanese, has a beautiful garden and pond with Koi inside. The outside baths were really nice. Food was delicious and for a really good price. Staff were so nice and caring, they really made our stay memorable. Thank you ❤️

The property itself was amazing. One thing that was unfortunate is that the walls are very thin, and some very loud people were stomping around on the 2nd floor from 6 am, so we couldn’t get a good sleep….

Stunning ryokan with beautiful onsen. The kaiseki meal was spectacular although as we were a family group, they served us in a dining hall of sorts, which had bright lighting and little atmosphere. Definitely would have been nicer to dine in our beautiful rooms. A beautiful ryokan all round. We reserved the private family onsen as our kids were laggy about bathing with strangers, and it worked perfectly.

This ryokan is huge with several onsen baths. We were served dinner and breakfast right next to our rooms. Staff helped us a lot in getting a large taxi to take us for a day trip to a museum. The ryokan is convenient and a short walk to the shrine, bamboo forest, shopping, etc.

Both dinner & breakfast were outstanding, and the location also got things around to see.

Everything was fine. I can't pick something I didn't like. If we stayed more than two nights, then maybe I will find things, but I am not sure if they changed their menu; I wonder if I stay again, will I get the same menu and food?

I booked this ryokan to celebrate my partner's 30th birthday. This is the first time we have stayed at a ryokan, and the stay has exceeded our expectations! The ryokan itself is a national cultural asset, indeed the interior is absolutely stunning, with lots of nature and a pond where you can feed the koi. Our room was Japanese style with a river view, the view is impressive. The onsens inside the ryokan are very comforting, as well as the kaiseki dinner and the hearty breakfast. Staff was very friendly and helpful.

Beautiful Ryokan in a lovely little town. Our stay could not have been better and we highly appreciated how accommodating and welcoming they were to foreigners and babies.

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Staying at Arai Ryokan was like traveling back in time to a place where you can experience the true meaning of "omotenashi" (traditional Japanese hospitality). The service was absolutely outstanding and dinner and breakfast (served in our room) was just amazing and made with fresh ingredients from the local area. Our room faced the river and we enjoyed a foot onsen on our balcony while taking in the view. We also enjoyed trying the various onsen baths available in the ryokan complex. We are very much looking forward to staying again.

Its not really a complaint, but despite not being very thick the futon was so warm it was actually hot.