Looking for a hot spring near Tokyo that’s perfect for a family trip? We found a hidden gem in Izu, Shizuoka—Kira no Sato, a luxury ryokan that blends traditional Japanese charm with modern comfort. It was the perfect mix of relaxation, nostalgia, and fun for both kids and adults.
Izu is easily accessible from Tokyo, making it an ideal destination for those searching “hot spring near Tokyo” from the U.S. West Coast. Surrounded by nature, this family-friendly ryokan offers a safe, peaceful environment where children and parents alike can unwind and make unforgettable memories.
Check-In and Pure Relaxation
🛌 Comfortable Traditional Rooms 🏨 Kira no Sato is part of the Kyoritsu Resort group, known for its consistently high-quality hospitality, meals, and accommodations. This reliability really showed during our stay.
🪑 Our room was exceptionally cozy, featuring a heated kotatsu table and an electric massage chair—perfect for unwinding after a day of travel. 🍵 After arriving, we immediately relaxed with some green tea and traditional Japanese sweets, ebisen and macha cookies while warming up under the kotatsu. It was the perfect welcome.
👘 Once we had a moment to settle in, we changed into yukata and headed off to explore the onsen. 🎮 On the way, we passed through a retro game zone with nostalgic activities like shooting games and marble rollers.
🌿 Our room was a spacious tatami-style suite with a view of a beautifully landscaped Japanese garden. The scent of fresh tatami and the quiet surroundings instantly helped us relax. Yukata (casual kimono) and a woven bag for the onsen were provided, so we could head straight to the bath without packing extra things.
Onsen Experience
♨️ Onsen Bliss (Sorry, No Photo!) 🛀 In addition to the main public baths, Kira no Sato offers three private open-air baths that guests can use without any reservation or extra fee. These are a great option for those who feel shy about sharing a bath with strangers, providing a more intimate and relaxing experience for families or couples. 🛁 The onsen area includes an indoor bath, an open-air bath, and a sauna. Despite the number of guests, the facilities never felt crowded—we never had to wait for a shower stall, which made for a truly stress-free experience.
🍨 After a relaxing soak, we visited the post-bath lounge where complimentary ice cream is available in the afternoon and yogurt drinks are offered in the early morning. These thoughtful touches really elevated our stay.
🌌 We forgot to take pictures of the hot spring—our bad! But the open-air bath with views of bamboo groves and the garden was absolutely magical. At night, soaking under the stars felt surreal. If you’re searching for an “onsen tokio” experience, this is a great nearby alternative where you can enjoy a true Japanese hot spring.
Dining at Kira no Sato
🍽️ Dinner: A Local Feast 🍣 Dinner was a kaiseki-style meal made with fresh seafood from the region. One special touch was the freshly grated wasabi—we were given a real wasabi root and a traditional grater to prepare it ourselves. This rare experience added an authentic and memorable flavor to the sashimi course, and it’s not something you often get to try even at other ryokans in Japan. One highlight was the rich, flavorful beef stew served with crusty bread. The sashimi—especially the turban shell and tuna—was incredibly fresh. The meal ended with a comforting hot pot filled with fish and seasonal vegetables in a light kombu broth.
🍢 Snacks Worth the Wait 🕒 In addition to dinner and breakfast, Kira no Sato offers delightful complimentary snacks between meals. We tried Shizuoka-style oden—darker in color than typical Japanese oden, but incredibly tasty and full of umami. There was also roasted sweet potato grilled over an open fire—crispy on the outside, sweet and soft on the inside. These snacks are only available at specific times, so be sure to check with the front desk so you don’t miss them!
Family Fun and Exploration
🎯 Nostalgic Games and Hidden Surprises 🧸 In the courtyard, there were retro games like marble rolling and a traditional shooting gallery (shateki). Our 10-year-old, who usually loves video games, couldn’t get enough of these classic Japanese games. It was fun to wear yukata and enjoy these activities together.
🐾 We also joined a fun activity where we explored the spacious grounds in search of hidden maneki-neko (lucky cats) and secret keywords. It was a great excuse to walk around the nostalgic, open-air property with our child. Both kids and grown-ups were all smiles—perfect for family bonding during your trip.
Relaxation and Access
🍵 Tea Time and Chill 🛋️ The lounge offered complimentary green tea and sweets—perfect for winding down after a soak or while waiting to check in. The calm atmosphere made it easy to sit back and enjoy a quiet conversation.
🚗 Easy to Reach, Surrounded by Nature 🗺️ Kira no Sato is a convenient stop even for those joining a bus tour from Tokyo. It’s far enough to feel like an escape, yet close enough for a short trip from the city.
Final Thoughts
🌟 Why Kira no Sato is Worth It 🎌 Kira no Sato is a luxury ryokan that brings together the elegance of traditional Japan with the comfort of a resort. If you’re planning a family trip to Japan and looking for a hot spring near Tokyo, this is the perfect place to unwind and create unforgettable memories.
✨ Ready to book your stay at Kira no Sato? 👉 Check availability and book on Agoda
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Whether you’re a West Coast family planning your first visit or a Japan-loving traveler returning for more, Kira no Sato is a destination full of relaxation and discovery.
