Narashino no Sato Gyokusui - Adults Only

This ryokan is located in Higashiizu 東伊豆, at the famous Atagawa Onsen 熱川温泉, inside the hills and enjoying a quiet and peaceful surroundings. After the staff helped us take the luggage from the car, we were seated comfortably at the lobby lounge, and enjoyed matcha and local confectionery while the staff completed our registration. We booked the Japanese Style Modern Suite with Semi-open Bath (Type A), and the staff then led us to our room on the second floor (Room 205 高円). Along the way she told us to choose a fragrance oil for our relaxation in the room. This is the first time in my experience a ryokan offering such. The room is very spacious, with a traditional Japanese living room which can turn in a bedroom with futon for two people. On the other side there is the western style section with two beds, and a living room with sofa and coffee table. The room has a warm ambiance making us totally relaxed staying inside, and the nice choice of wood and fabric offers further comfort, with the large windows showing views of the trees and garden outside. And there were some snowflakes falling for a short while to make it even more beautiful. Inside the room we have our own cypress semi-open bath, with the water temperature adjusted by the professional caretaker to the right temperature of 42 deg C for guests to soak in. Apart from enjoying the onsen in the room, we could reserve the open-air bath in a separate cottage surrounded by bamboo. Each group is allowed a 50 minute session. The meal was another highlight for the ryokan. We had ordered the premium extra which included the additional local delicacies of lobster, abalone and splendid alfonso. The lobster is made into sashimi, while the lobster is grilled in front of us (a bit cruel looking at it writhing on fire) and the splendid alfonso made into sushi. The breakfast was equally impressive and no wonder this ryokan prides itself for the cuisine. All the different dishes were amazing in taste and beautifully presented. The total cost for spending a night here including the additional charge for the premium extra on the dinner was around 89,000 yen. A good deal considering the quality of the room, the nice onsen in the room and private one in the cottage, plus the really wonderful meals and great service. I truly recommend this ryokan.