Exploring Izu’s Former Hotel Turned Onsen, Tokaikan

Situated on the Matsukawa River is the Tokaikan Hotel, one of Ito’s most stunning and historic landmarks. Opening in 1928, this impressive building was run as a ryokan up until 1997. During its peak the hotel was expanded twice, once in 1938 and then again in 1949. Today it’s no longer available for overnight stays but it’s still open to the public as one of the last few early Showa Period onsens in existence. Towering at three stories over the river it’s a fantastic reminder of the historical importance of the area’s stunning architecture.

Exploring Izu’s Former Hotel Turned Onsen, Tokaikan

After shutting down its accommodation facilities in 1997, the building underwent restoration and was reopened to the wider public in 2001 as an important historical and cultural sightseeing spot in Ito. These days guests can still explore the ryokan's former guest rooms, which feature intricate carvings made by some of Izu’s most talented craftsmen. There’s also a small exhibit open to visitors interested in learning more about the historical significance of the building.

Exploring Izu’s Former Hotel Turned Onsen, Tokaikan

Given that it’s positioned next door to the popular K’s House hostel, it’s definitely worth a visit even just to explore the history of the area through the building’s architecture. If you’re feeling hungry there’s also a traditional Japanese-style coffee shop and sweets restaurant located on the first floor that’s open from 10am until 5pm daily. Up a few levels on the third floor sits the building’s observatory tower, which amazingly enough is still open for exploration today.

Exploring Izu’s Former Hotel Turned Onsen, Tokaikan

Located just an easy 10-minute walk from Ito station, the Tokaikan is open from 9am until 9pm daily, though it does shut the third Tuesday of every month (unless that falls on a public holiday, which means it’ll shut the following day). Entry is cheap, costing 200 yen for an individual adult’s ticket or 150 yen per adult for a group over 20 people. Children are 100 yen or 50 yen if they’re part of a group to use the Tokaikan.

Exploring Izu’s Former Hotel Turned Onsen, Tokaikan

To bathe, the onsen is available from 11am until 7pm daily, with entry costing 500 yen per adult and 300 yen per child. Public bath times do depend on gender however so it’s best to double check, when you can go. Typically the times run like this: 11am until 1pm and 4pm – 6pm for men and 1:30pm until 3:30pm and 6:30pm until 8:30pm for ladies. However, the times can be subject to change so it’s best to call ahead and double check.

Exploring Izu’s Former Hotel Turned Onsen, Tokaikan

Tokaikan: Ito Onsen Tourism and Cultural Facilitity

Shizuoka Ito-shi Higashimatsubaracho 12-10

0557362004

9:00-21:00[Bathing]11:00-19:…

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