Sanyo-so in Izu: Your Timeless Ryokan Experience + Over 5% Off

A Luxurious Hot Spring Ryokan Experience in Izu

Picture courtesy of Sanyo-so

The Izu Peninsula in Shizuoka, a longtime popular destination for those seeking to rest and rejuvenate, is famous for its hot springs and geopark.

Located in the serene hot spring town of Izu Nagaoka Onsen, Sanyo-so is an elegant ryokan built on the grounds of a former business tycoon's villa. This remarkable inn has hosted members of the imperial family and prime ministers, offering an exquisite experience of Japanese culture.

Sanyo-so is easily accessible from Tokyo via Mishima Station, a stop on the Shinkansen line. Its rooms, each with a private hot spring bath, are nestled within the splendid Izu landscape, making it an ideal retreat. The ryokan is perfect for relaxing family getaways or group trips focused on cultural immersion.

*The exclusive 5% discount is visible on the reservation page only after you select your dates.

• Table of Contents
• Sanyo-so: A Story-Filled Hot Spring Ryokan in Izu
• Guest Rooms with Private Hot Spring Baths and Inner Gardens
• Kaiseki Cuisine Featuring the Best Seasonal Ingredients from Izu
• Leisure and Cultural Activities at Sanyo-so
• Places to Visit Near Sanyo-so

Sanyo-so: A Story-Filled Hot Spring Ryokan in Izu

Picture courtesy of Sanyo-so

Sanyo-so was designed to provide a "blissful stay that feels like being in a private retreat." Its architecture, cuisine, hot springs, and scenic garden all immerse guests in the charm of Izu and Japanese culture.

The ryokan's history dates back to 1929, when its main building was constructed as a private vacation villa for Iwasaki Hisaya (1865-1955), the third-generation head of the Mitsubishi conglomerate.

Iwasaki was a cultured businessman remembered for his significant contributions to Japanese culture. He donated the Kiyosumi Garden and Rikugien Garden to the Tokyo metropolitan government for public enjoyment and founded the Toyo Bunko, a large research library dedicated to Asian history and culture.

The architecture of Sanyo-so's main building, which was inspired by the refined simplicity of traditional tea ceremony rooms, reflects Iwasaki Hisaya's appreciation for subtle Japanese elegance.

Picture courtesy of Sanyo-so

The expansive garden was created by Ogawa Jihei, a renowned landscape architect from Kyoto. The design is a tribute to Kyoto, with the eastern mountains serving as a metaphor for the Higashiyama mountain range, a nod to the Higashiyama culture.

This period in the 15th century saw the flourishing of arts like the tea ceremony, Noh theater, and ikebana (flower arranging) in Kyoto under the patronage of the shogun. Due to its cultural significance, the main building has been designated as a Tangible Cultural Asset of Japan.

Sanyo-so first opened as a ryokan in 1947 and has since expanded. In 1988, a new wing designed by the celebrated architect Murano Togo was completed. This modern sukiya-style building, which features wood and other natural materials, has tatami rooms connected by corridors, fully immersing guests in elegant Japanese culture.

The rooms in the new building are named after chapters of "The Tale of Genji," while those in the main building are named after classic Noh plays, each with subtle art displays that allude to its story.

Picture courtesy of Sanyo-so

Beautiful artifacts are displayed throughout the corridors, which also offer scenic views of the garden's stream, trees, and flowers. With a pond, a waterfall, small bridges, and stone lanterns, the garden itself is just a step away.

The scenery changes not only with each season but also throughout the day, providing a constantly evolving view. The blend of the natural beauty outside and the cultural stories within makes for a truly immersive Japanese experience.

*The exclusive 5% discount is visible on the reservation page only after you select your dates.

Guest Rooms with Private Hot Spring Baths and Inner Gardens

Japanese Deluxe room. Picture courtesy of Sanyo-so

All guest rooms at Sanyo-so are spacious, offering garden views and private onsen baths. Some rooms even have small inner gardens or natural elements at the entrance that seamlessly blend nature, art, and living spaces.

Standard Western-Japanese suites start at approximately 63.5 m² and consist of two connected rooms. For a complete cultural experience, guests can choose to sleep on traditional futons on the tatami floors, or they can opt for regular beds.

Deluxe rooms are either Japanese-style, spanning 83 square meters, or a hybrid Western-Japanese style with 91.5 square meters of space.

The Japanese VIP Suite Hatsune. Picture courtesy of Sanyo-so

For larger groups, the Japanese VIP Suite Hatsune offers three rooms across 178 square meters and can accommodate up to eight guests.

The Japanese VIP Suite Miyuki is a three-room suite designed for the ryokan's most distinguished guests. Perched on an elevation overlooking the garden, this suite is connected to the main building by a 50-meter corridor, providing a sense of privacy.

The Takasago annex. Picture courtesy of Sanyo-so

Located within the garden are two annex buildings, Takasago and Kagetsu, each 97.5 square meters, that allow guests to feel fully immersed in nature and enjoy the garden's subtle, ever-changing beauty throughout the day.

Last but not least, Fujinouraba is a spacious room specifically designed for guests with dogs. It provides direct access to the garden, allowing pet owners to play with their dogs outside. Even the bathing area is dog-friendly, ensuring a comfortable stay for both you and your furry companion.

With their classic Japanese design and tranquil ambiance, the rooms at Sanyo-so are ideal for guests seeking a peaceful retreat in nature. They provide a space to relax and savor the elegant and refreshing spirit of Japanese culture.

Picture courtesy of Sanyo-so

All rooms at Sanyo-so have spacious bathing areas with free-flowing hot spring water. A large communal bath is also available, featuring an open-air bath for an authentic Japanese onsen experience.

The alkaline spring water is gentle on the skin and is said to improve skin health.

*The exclusive 5% discount is visible on the reservation page only after you select your dates.

Kaiseki Cuisine Featuring the Best Seasonal Ingredients from Izu

Picture courtesy of Sanyo-so

At Sanyo-so, breakfast and dinner are served in the spacious on-site restaurant, which features a stage and occasionally hosts traditional theater, dance, and music performances.

Guests can enjoy kaiseki cuisine--luxurious Japanese course meals that highlight the natural flavors and nutritional value of seasonal ingredients.

Izu is rich in seafood and mountain delicacies. Sanyo-so serves Kaiseki cuisine incorporating local ingredients. This region is especially renowned for its wasabi, shiitake mushrooms, wild boar, and sweetfish.

Picture courtesy of Sanyo-so

Each course is a culinary experience that reveals the geographical features of the Izu Peninsula, from its dramatic, rugged coastline to the geopark, home to mikan orange and wasabi farms. You'll learn so much about Izu through its flavors, as well as the history of Sanyo-so, which dates back almost a century.

Picture courtesy of Sanyo-so

The high-quality plates, pottery, and lacquerware used are decorated with traditional and seasonal motifs, further enhancing the cultural aspect of the dining experience.

Vegan and vegetarian guests can choose the shojin ryori course, which is based on the principles of Buddhist cuisine. This course features Izu's specialty tofu prepared in a variety of ways, including a tofu steak, along with other flavorful vegetables like eggplant, mushrooms, and pumpkin.

Just like with the regular kaiseki courses, the ingredients and dishes in the vegetarian course change with each season. (*Please reserve the vegetarian course at least five days before your visit.)

*The exclusive 5% discount is visible on the reservation page only after you select your dates.

Leisure and Cultural Activities at Sanyo-so

In addition to relaxing walks in the expansive gardens and rejuvenating hot spring baths, guests at Sanyo-so can enjoy a variety of other leisure activities. We've highlighted some of them below.

Stylish Drinks at Bar Kanogawa

Bar Kanogawa is an elegant, classic space where guests can enjoy sophisticated drinks crafted by the ryokan’s bartenders. You can enjoy this elegant space on the evening before holidays, between 8:00 p.m. and 10:30 p.m.

This bar was originally part of the residence of former Tokyo Governor Goto Shinpei and was relocated to Sanyo-so in 1950. With its serene wooden interior, classic Japanese art, and garden views, Bar Kanogawa is the perfect place to unwind in the evening with a friend, family, or a loved one.

Tea Ceremony Experience

Upon request, guests can take part in an authentic tea ceremony held in the on-site tea room. A tea ceremony master from Izu will prepare matcha green tea for you, which is served with seasonal sweets. Please note that a prior reservation is required to enjoy the tea ceremony experience.

The serene composure of the master performing each step of the ritual, the tranquility of the room (decorated with carefully selected calligraphy and seasonal flowers), the subtle sounds of water and the chasen (tea whisk), and the deep aroma of the matcha tea all combine to create an unforgettable experience of Japanese culture.

After the ceremony, feel free to ask questions about the tea containers and bowls, the wagashi sweets, or the decorations for a deeper understanding of this unique ritual that has become synonymous with Japanese hospitality.

Japanese Performing Arts and Geiko Entertainment

Izu Nagaoka, a hot spring resort with a rich history of welcoming visitors, is renowned for its geiko culture. Sanyo-so offers a special plan that includes a two-hour dinner accompanied by zashiki asobi, traditional games and entertainment where guests can interact with the geiko.

The geiko will also perform classic dances and music, their grace enchanting you and transporting you to the early days of Japan's modernization. Their performances, which have long embodied traditional Japanese elegance and values, have inspired countless beautiful stories and songs.

Picture courtesy of Sanyo-so

Sanyo-so occasionally hosts performances of traditional Japanese arts, like Bunraku puppet theater, and jazz events for guests. These cultural activities provide a deeper insight into Japanese culture and enhance the overall experience of your stay.

Places to Visit Near Sanyo-so

Photo by Pixta

Guests staying for consecutive nights at Sanyo-so have several options for sightseeing and amusement near the ryokan.

Located just one kilometer away, Izu Panorama Park is a resort facility that includes a terrace at the summit of Mt. Katsuragi, a shop and restaurant area at the foot of the mountain, and a ropeway that connects the two areas. Both the terrace and the ropeway offer breathtaking views of Mount Fuji.

Photo by Pixta

Although it's a bit farther away in Mishima, the impressive Mishima Skywalk is a must-visit. This 400-meter-long, pedestrian-only suspension bridge is a landmark located between Izu and Hakone, offering splendid views, including Mount Fuji.

Those who visit in autumn should definitely include Shuzenji Temple in their itinerary, as it is renowned for its beautiful fall foliage.

The Sanyo-so staff will be happy to offer additional information on nearby tourist destinations, so don't hesitate to ask!

A Blissful Retreat in Izu Nagaoka Onsen

With its expansive garden, excellent hot springs, and simple yet artistic rooms, Sanyo-so is the perfect choice for travelers seeking tranquility and an immersive experience of Japanese culture.

Book your stay to create lasting memories in Izu, a region rich in natural beauty and local stories.

*The exclusive 5% discount is visible on the reservation page only after you select your dates.

Main image courtesy of Sanyo-so
Sponsored by Sanyo-so
Written by Ramona Taranu