Escape to Paradise: Ryokan Ebisuya Izu, Japan - Your Dream Getaway Awaits!
Escape to Paradise: Ryokan Ebisuya Izu – My Messy, Magical, and Maybe Slightly Obsessed-With-the-Sauna Review!
Okay, buckle up, because I just got back from Ryokan Ebisuya Izu, and let me tell you, my brain is still half-melted in the onsen. This place… it’s something. And I mean that in the best, most wonderfully chaotic way possible. If you’re looking for the PERFECT, clinically clean, everything-in-its-place kind of vacation, maybe scroll on. But if you're craving an authentic Japanese experience, a deep dive into relaxation, and a willingness to embrace a little bit of beautiful messiness, then keep reading because I'm about to gush!
First things first: Accessibility (Bless them!).
This is SUPER important to me. I'm not personally using a wheelchair, but I'm always keen to know about accessibility. Ebisuya Izu is seriously on the right track. They have facilities for disabled guests, an elevator, and I've heard good things about their efforts in making the property more accessible. I didn't get a chance to poke around the specifics (I was too busy contemplating the existential dread of my slowly wrinkling skin in the sauna), but the fact that they address this is a massive win. [Accessibility, Elevator, Facilities for disabled guests]
Arrival: From "Lost in Translation" to "Zen Master of the Robe".
The arrival was… well, character-building. Getting there involved a bit of a trek from the airport (options for Airport transfer are available, but I’m more of a public transit kind of person – for better or for worse), but by the time I stumbled into the lobby, I was ready for ANYTHING. The lobby itself is gorgeous, a mix of traditional and modern, a soothing palate of wood and light. [24-hour Front desk, Luggage storage, Concierge, Check-in/out [private]] The staff? Utterly charming. Their English was better than my Japanese (which is nonexistent), and they were patient with my jet-lagged babbling. They even had a [Cashless payment service] which was clutch because I didn't have enough yen on me. The [Doorman] welcomed me with a bow and the [Check-in/out [express]] felt seamless. They provided a detailed map, which I still managed to get lost with a few times, but hey, that’s part of the adventure, right?
Rooms: My Tiny, Luxurious Fortress of Solitude
Now, the rooms. Oh, the rooms! Mine was a haven. It was a non-smoking room, (thank goodness!), with [Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Blackout curtains, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, In-room safe box, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Seating area, Shower, Slippers, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free]]. Seriously, everything you could need. The bed was massive and comfy, perfect for sinking into after a long day of…uh…being pampered. The bathtub and separate shower? Glorious. The view from the window (that opens!)? Stunning. Looking out into the lush landscape of Izu, especially with the autumn colors, it was just bliss. There was even a little something about the [Room decorations] that made me feel like I wandered into a movie scene. The [Additional toilet] was such a bonus! I also REALLY appreciated the [Socket near the bed] - so important for charging the phone for pictures!
The Onsen: Where My Worries Melted Away (Literally).
Alright, let's talk about the heart and soul of Ryokan Ebisuya Izu: the onsen. This is the reason to come here. Forget everything else, just come for the onsen. The communal bath was the best part of my entire stay (let me have my hyperbole). I'm not gonna lie, the first time I stripped down and walked into the room (naked, of course!), I was a little… nervous. But the moment I eased into the hot water, surrounded by the sounds of the forest and the smell of cedar, pure, unadulterated bliss washed over me. [Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Foot bath, Pool with view, Swimming pool [outdoor]] They have multiple onsen, both indoor and outdoor, and the feeling of the cool air on your skin while soaking in the steaming water is pure magic. There was also a [Pool with view], but I spent almost every free moment in the onsen!
Food: From Beginner to Foodie in Record Time
The food. Holy moly, the food. Forget everything you think you know about Japanese cuisine, because Ebisuya Izu takes it to a whole new level. [Restaurants, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Western cuisine in restaurant, A la carte in restaurant, Asian breakfast, Breakfast [buffet], Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Desserts in restaurant, Poolside bar, Salad in restaurant, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Bar, Coffee shop, happy hour, western breakfast, international cuisine in restaurant, room service [24-hour]] From the [Asian breakfast] buffet with mountains of fresh fruit and pastries to the multi-course dinners that were an absolute work of art, every meal was an experience. There was a [Vegetarian restaurant], which was a HUGE plus for me, and the [Alternative meal arrangement]. I got to try things I’d never have dared to before. I am now officially obsessed with anything with yuzu in it. They also had a tiny little [Snack bar] which satisfied all my cravings. I still dream about the seafood!
Relaxation & Things to Do (Besides Being a Bathed Potato):
Okay, okay, I know, I spent most of my time in the onsen. But there’s more to Ebisuya Izu than just the baths. They offer a bunch of treatments, including [Body scrub, Body wrap, Massage]. I totally indulged in a massage after one particularly strenuous onsen session, it was AMAZING. They also have a [Fitness center, Gym/fitness] if you feel the need to atone for all that delicious food (I didn't). And the surrounding area is just stunning. You can explore the local temples, hike through the lush forests, or simply wander and soak in the atmosphere. The [Shrine] was beautiful, and if I wasn't afraid of sounding rude, I would have snapped some pictures.
Cleanliness & Safety: Feeling Safe and Sound
In these times, safety is paramount, and I was so impressed with Ebisuya Izu's attention to detail here. [Cleanliness and safety: Anti-viral cleaning products, Cashless payment service, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer, Hot water linen and laundry washing, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment]. They used [Anti-viral cleaning products] and had [hand sanitizer] everywhere, and everything felt exceptionally clean. The staff were all wearing masks and were diligent about hygiene. It really put my mind at ease, allowing me to relax and enjoy the experience.
For the Kids (and the Kid in You):
I didn't travel with kids, but I noticed that Ebisuya Izu is pretty family-friendly. They have [Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, and Kids meal].
Areas for Improvement (Because Perfection Doesn't Exist, Sadly):
Okay, I'm nitpicking here, but there were a couple of things that could be improved. The internet was a little spotty in my room at times. [Internet, Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!, Internet [LAN], Internet services, Wi-Fi in public areas] (Not the end of the world, since being disconnected from the real world was kind of the point, but still). Also, there was a small [convenience store] which was great, but it would have been nice to have a few more options. But honestly, these are minor quibbles.
Final Verdict: Do. It. Now!
Ryokan Ebisuya Izu is not just a hotel; it’s an experience. It’s a chance to disconnect from the chaos of everyday life and reconnect with yourself in a setting of unparalleled beauty and tranquility. [Couple's room, Proposal spot] I'm already planning my return trip.
Here's the Deal - Snag Your Escape to Paradise!
Ready to experience the magic of Ryokan Ebisuya Izu? I'm practically begging you to go! Here's why you absolutely NEED to book TODAY:
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into my Izu adventure! And let me tell you, after the last few months? I NEED this. Seriously, I probably haven't been more "human" than I will be in the next 72 hours. We're talking Ryokan Ebisuya, Izu, Japan – a place I've been dreaming of since… well, since I first SAW a picture of a steaming onsen. Prepare yourselves, this is gonna get messy, honest, funny, and hopefully, a little bit zen (or at least, attempted zen).
Ryokan Ebisuya Izu: The Great Un-Zen-ning (and some actual Zen)
Day 1: Arrival, Anticipation, and the Great Sock Debacle of '24
1:00 PM: Arrive at Tokyo Station. (Slightly late, thanks to the train being mysteriously delayed. "Japanese Efficiency" my foot! I actually saw a tiny rogue squirrel with a nut take precedence over the entire Shinkansen. Classic. I was hangry)
- Emotional Reaction: Panic. Utter, unadulterated panic. "Am I going to make it?! Will I find the right platform?! Will I buy the wrong ticket and end up in… Osaka?! ( shudders )"
- Observation: Everyone looks so put together on these crazy trains. Meanwhile, I'm wrestling with a backpack the size of a small car, my hair is a bird's nest, and I'm pretty sure I have an accidental stain on my favourite travel shirt.
3:00 PM: Bullet Train to Atami.
- Transportation: Ah, the Shinkansen. Smooth as butter. Comfortable as… well, a really comfortable seat. (This is crucial for a person who can nap standing up.)
- Anecdote: Found a seat near a lady who kept taking out a miniature bento box (with like, tiny sushi rolls) and eating them at lightning speed. I was secretly jealous and also terrified of accidentally making eye contact and being judged for my (rather large) bag of chips.
4:00 PM: Train Change, onto Izu-Kyushu Line, then a taxi to Ryokan Ebisuya.
- The Sock of Doom: This is where it all began. I managed to lose a sock somewhere between the train and the taxi. One sock. Seriously? How does this even happen?! I’m usually pretty good at this.
- Quirky Observation: The cab driver's rendition of smooth jazz. Seriously. Did I hallucinate that? Was it a siren song of happiness or an omen? I may never know, but I am sure the ryokan's silence will be comforting.
5:00 PM: Arrival at Ryokan Ebisuya. OMG, it’s actually real.
- First Impressions: The entrance is stunning and understated. The air smells of… well, Japan. Which is a good thing, I hope. The staff is incredibly polite. They bowed. I stammered. We’re off to a great start!
- Emotional Reaction: Pure, unadulterated joy. I've made it. I'm here. And they gave me a welcome matcha, which I promptly spilled on my… you guessed it… the other sock I was wearing. Okay, maybe I should just go barefoot for the rest of the trip.
6:00 PM: Check in, Tour the Ryokan, and Unpack. Attempting to find missing sock.
- Anecdote: My room is gorgeous! Tatami mats, sliding paper doors, a little private balcony. Oh, and the air conditioning is amazing. This is going to be a good trip. I'm still questioning whether I can take my own socks off without breaking a sweat.
- Observation: Am I a terrible guest if I accidentally leave the “do not disturb” sign up for, like, 2 days? I haven’t cleaned my room in a week.
7:00 PM: Dinner at the ryokan.
- Dinner Experience – The Kaiseki Feast: I am not exaggerating when I say this was a revelation. Course after delicate course of artfully arranged, mind-blowingly delicious food. Tiny fish, delicate vegetables, perfect rice. I’m pretty sure I accidentally ate a flower. It tasted amazing.
- Emotional Reaction: Pure, overwhelming bliss. Seriously. I've never experienced anything like this. I may need to lie down.
- Rambling Thought: Kaiseki is obviously the culinary equivalent of poetry. Or a really, really good hug. Or both. Also, I should probably learn how to use chopsticks properly. I think I've been using them as tiny swords up until now.
9:00 PM: First Onsen Experience – Public. (Bravely!)
- The Onsen – A Trial By Water: Okay, so this was… an experience. A naked, slightly awkward experience. The steam was blinding. The water was hotter than I expected. The other people were incredibly zen. I was pretty sure I was blushing from the heat and embarrassment.
- Emotional Reaction: Initially, panic. Then, a tentative relaxation. Then, blissful warmth. Then, I remembered I had to navigate the locker room naked. Then, RELIEF at the end of the ordeal.
- Quirky Observation: The ritual bathing before getting into the onsen is a very important and not-to-be-missed spectacle. If only I could figure out how to avoid splashing everyone.
- Messy Observation: I swear I saw someone with MORE wrinkles get in and out of the bath in 10 seconds. Was it just a dream? Was it an older version of myself sent back from the future? I may never know.
10:00 PM: Back to the Room. Crash. And. Attempt to find the sock.
- The Sock Remains at Large: I did not find the sock. My quest continues. This is a personal vendetta now.
Day 2: Zen, Seafood, and the Unbearable Lightness of Being (Possibly Barefoot)
7:00 AM: Wake up. (Miraculously not jet-lagged, which is a win.)
- Emotional Reaction: Elation! I'M ALIVE! And ready for more adventure (and maybe a little less awkwardness).
7:30 AM: Breakfast at the ryokan. Japanese breakfast is… an experience. (In a good way!)
- Anecdote: I'm pretty sure I became addicted to miso soup overnight. Also, I need to find out how to make Japanese omelets. They’re pure perfection.
- Opinionated Comment: Seriously though, why don’t we eat breakfast like this every day? It’s culinary poetry, I tell you!
9:00 AM: Private Onsen. (This is a game changer.)
- The Private Onsen – Bliss, Unleashed: This was pure, unadulterated heaven. A private bath overlooking a miniature garden. No awkwardness, no blinding steam (well, a little, but it was my steam). Just peace. Serenity. And the glorious feeling of being entirely alone (except for maybe, the resident spider building its web in the corner).
- Emotional Reaction: Utter, complete relaxation. For like, a solid hour. I think I may have even achieved a small moment of Zen. Success!
10:30 AM: Explore the local town. Visit the fish market!
- The Fish Market – Sensory Overload: The sights, the smells, the sheer energy! The fish were so fresh, they practically winked at me. Witnessing the vibrant sea-life up close was truly a unique experience.
- Anecdote: I saw someone bargaining successfully for a giant tuna the size of a small car! I'm not sure how it works, but I want to learn.
- Emotional Reaction: Hunger. Intense, overpowering hunger.
12:00 PM: Incredible fresh seafood lunch at a local restaurant.
- The Seafood Lunch – Unforgettable: Grilled fish, fresh sashimi, everything! The freshest seafood I've ever had. I feel like I might have to eat a whole sushi restaurant by myself.
- Opinionated Comment: Forget Michelin stars, this place needs a freaking supernova!
1:30 PM: Hike along the coast (somewhere scenic; I haven't decided yet).
- The Hike – Attempted Zen: The views are incredible. The air is fresh. I’m covered in sweat. Okay, maybe my zen is a little rusty.
- Rambling Thought: How do people look so effortless on hikes? Do they have special hiking genes? Or did they all wear the right socks?
4:00 PM: Return to Ryokan. Read in the garden.
- Rambling Thought: This is the
Escape to Paradise (or at Least, Izu!) - Ebisuya Ryokan FAQ - My Brain's Brainstorm!
Okay, spill it! Is Ebisuya Ryokan *really* as dreamy as the photos? Or is it just Instagram fluff?
What's the best way to get there? Train? Taxi? Helicopter (a girl can dream!)?
I'm a picky eater. Will I starve to death in Japan? (And specifically, at Ebisuya?)
Onsen time! What's the etiquette? Scared of the nakedness! Help!
What kind of rooms does Ebisuya offer? Do they have any with a private onsen? (Because, let's be honest, sharing is sometimes a pain.)
Activities! Beyond just, you know, *chilling*. What's there to *do* in Izu?
How's the service? Are the staff friendly? (Because nothing ruins a vacation like bad service!)
What's the wifi situation? Can I Instagram my breakfast? (Priorities, people!)
Is it child-friendly? (Traveling with a small human is a whole different ballgame.)
