Izu Kogen Ocean Resort, Ito Villa-TOKI-

You know what struck me first about Villa-TOKI? The moment you pull up that winding road in Yawatano – and honestly, you’ll want to GPS this one because it’s tucked away from the main Ito strips – there’s this immediate sense that you’ve found something special. It’s perched up there overlooking Sagami Bay, and I mean really overlooking it, not just some distant glimpse through trees like a lot of places claim.

The whole property feels like someone’s incredibly well-designed private estate that just happens to take guests. Each villa (and they really are individual villas, not just fancy hotel room marketing) has this perfect balance of traditional Japanese elements and modern comfort that actually works – you know how sometimes that fusion can feel forced? Not here. The onsen facilities are what really sold me though. There’s something about soaking in those outdoor baths while watching the sunrise over the ocean that makes you understand why people travel halfway around the world for this experience. The water’s genuinely therapeutic too – comes from natural hot springs in the area, and you can tell the difference from the resort places that just heat up regular water. Pro tip: early morning sessions are way less crowded, and the staff mentioned that’s when the water temperature is most consistent.

What I really appreciate is how they handle the whole ryokan experience without making it feel like you’re performing in some cultural theater. The kaiseki dinners are exceptional – and I’m picky about this stuff – with a lot of local Izu Peninsula ingredients that change with the seasons. In October when I was there, they were featuring fresh wasabi from nearby farms and some incredible local fish that our server said was caught that morning. The rooms have those floor-to-ceiling windows that slide completely open, so you’re basically sleeping with the sound of waves below (which, honestly, beats any white noise machine). Parking’s included and actually spacious – not one of those situations where you’re playing tetris with your rental car. The 8.9 rating makes sense when you add it all up, though I’d say it’s really more about the location and natural setting than flashy amenities. This isn’t the kind of place where you’ll find a massive pool complex or kids’ club – it’s designed for people who want to disconnect and actually experience the Izu Peninsula’s hot spring culture. If you’re coming during cherry blossom season or autumn, book way ahead because this area gets discovered more every year by both domestic and international travelers who are moving beyond the usual Tokyo-Kyoto circuit.