Want to See Japan’s “Matcha Mountain”? 5 Reasons to Stay at Laforet Ito Onsen Yunoniwa! 🍵✨
A dreamy blend of traditional Ryokan vibes and modern luxury in the heart of Izu 🌿
Hey everyone～It’s Hattie 💛 When people think of Japan, they usually picture the neon lights of Tokyo or the temples of Kyoto. But if you’re like me and occasionally need to escape the city madness to find some zen in the “Japanese countryside,” you need to put the Izu Peninsula on your radar.
I visited during the summer to see Mount Omuro—which literally looks like a giant, fluffy bowl of Matcha—and it was absolutely breathtaking. But let’s talk about the real star of the show: my hotel, Laforet Ito Onsen Yunoniwa.
Even though I was there in the summer heat, this place is a total gem year-round, especially for the cozy winter months.
👉 [Check out the latest rates and availability for Laforet Ito Onsen Yunoniwa here!]
♨️ Why I Picked Laforet Ito Onsen Yunoniwa?
Let’s keep it real: Izu is gorgeous, but it’s the country. That means shops close early and the streets get super quiet once the sun goes down. My partner and I had one rule for this trip: “The hotel has to be amazing.” We wanted a place where we could actually enjoy hanging out at night without feeling like we were stuck in a boring room.
The second I saw the photos of Laforet, I was sold. It’s this perfect mashup of traditional Japanese tatami style and modern boutique hotel design. You get that old-school Ryokan soul but with the bright, clean comforts of a luxury stay. And let me tell you, soaking in a hot spring filled with that signature Hinoki wood scent? That is the ultimate self-care move. 🛀
🚃 Location & Getting Around: A Lazy Girl’s Dream
If you don’t have a car in Japan, rural travel can be a bit of a struggle. My secret strategy? “Pick a big station and stay right next to it!”
We chose Laforet because it’s super close to Ito Station. It’s the main hub in the area, meaning more trains and fewer chances of being stranded for an hour because you missed your ride. Plus, for my fellow foodies, the area around Ito Station has way more restaurant options than the smaller stops. No “hangry” moments here!
The location is a total travel hack:
• Northbound: Easy day trips to Atami (for fireworks) or Fujisawa/Kamakura (to find that famous Slam Dunk railway crossing).
• Southbound: A straight shot to Kawazu for the early cherry blossoms.
• Local: Right in the backyard of the adorable “Matcha Mountain” (Mt. Omuro).
Pro tip: There’s a MaxValu/AEON supermarket nearby. We went late and scored some “clearance” sashimi—basically 50% off high-quality fish! We paired it with some local sake back at the hotel, and honestly, that’s the peak of travel happiness. 🍣🍶
🛏️ Room Tour: Japanese Traditions & Surprises
We stayed for two nights and decided to be “science-y” about it by booking two totally different rooms.
1. The “Budget-Friendly” Authentic Experience
This room was so fun—there was literally no bed! You have to channel your inner Doraemon and lay out your own Japanese futons.
The hotel gives you this adorable hand-drawn instruction guide. My son thought it was the coolest thing ever to sleep on the floor. It felt like a giant sleepover!
While this room didn’t have a full bathroom (just a toilet and sink), the public baths are so good you won’t even miss it.
2. The Private Onsen Suite (My Absolute Favorite)
Okay, I have to give this room 1,000,000 stars ✨! It was huge—like, you could actually run around in it. One side had two super comfy twin beds, and the other side was a beautiful tatami area that led right to our private hot spring bath (Onsen).
Compared to those tiny “you-can-barely-open-your-suitcase” rooms in Tokyo, this felt like a palace. Sipping drinks and staring out the window from the tatami mats… my soul was officially recharged.
👉 [Want that Private Onsen room? Book it here before it’s gone!]
🛁 The Onsen Experience: Rules, Rituals, & Relaxation
On our first night, we hit the communal baths on the first floor. Along with the large public baths, they have “Private Family Baths”! This is a total lifesaver for families with kids. You get your own private space to soak and chat without worrying about the kids being too loud or splashing strangers. It’s so wholesome.
The hotel provides these high-quality Yukatas (robes) and cute little baskets to carry your gear. Walking to the bathhouse feeling all “official” is such a vibe.
They even have a “How to Onsen” guide with cute illustrations. I learned so much about the culture just by reading the rules! 😆
The second day, we just lived it up in our private room bath. You can adjust the water temperature yourself, so the kids can play comfortably while the adults sit nearby with a glass of wine. That’s the “parental vacation” dream right there. 🥂
They even have a foot bath (Ashiyu) by the koi pond in the lobby. If you’re feeling shy about the full nude public bath experience, you can just soak your feet and watch the fish. It’s so chill.
🍳 Breakfast: The Fish I’d Wake Up Early For
I’m usually the type to skip hotel breakfasts and sleep in, but the photos of their restaurant looked too good to pass up. We added the buffet, and wow—no regrets!
The spread was incredible, featuring tons of local Izu specialties.
My #1 recommendation? The “Flash-Poached Fish.” You take these paper-thin slices of fresh fish and dip them into hot broth for a few seconds. It’s so tender and fresh! I probably went back for five refills (the chef definitely thought I was obsessed)😆
There was also this green bean cake that was so unique and delicious.
🌟 Hattie’s Final Thoughts & Booking Tips
Laforet Ito Onsen Yunoniwa is a total win for families or anyone looking for a modern, kid-friendly stay in the heart of the Japanese countryside. The staff at the front desk even speaks English (and Mandarin!), and the in-room tablets have English guides, so you won’t be lost in translation.
One last thing: If you’re planning to visit for the Kawazu Cherry Blossoms in February, you need to listen to me—this is peak season! The flowers don’t wait for anyone. If you see a room available now in January, grab it immediately! Whether you’re coming for the pink blossoms in winter or the green Matcha mountains in summer, this is the place to be.
👉 [Click here to book your stay at Laforet Ito Onsen Yunoniwa]
Happy planning, guys! 💛🌸
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