UMEGASHIMA DRIVEーIN & SAUNA VILLA

8.8
This Ryokan has an overall rating of 8.8/10, based on 4 reviews. ? Our score combines two signals: 50% based on traveler sentiment and guest feedback found online, and 50% based on our internal on-site evaluation plus ratings from verified travelers on our platform, who must provide proof of stay.
? This ranking compares properties in the same region. It is based on the overall rating and the number of reviews, using a weighted score so properties with more review data are ranked more fairly.
Check-in from 3:00 PM
Mountain Setting Forest Surroundings Countryside Escape Hot Spring Town Private Onsen Open-Air Bath
Staff 9,0/10
Facilities 9,5/10
Cleanliness 9,0/10
Comfort 8,5/10
Value for money 8,5/10
Location 8,5/10

Ryokan highlights

A secluded Okushizu retreat in Umegashima blending private villa stays with distinctive sauna experiences.

Private Sauna VillasTwo standalone villa styles center the stay around fully private sauna time.
Rare Sauna VarietyChoose a tea-room-inspired sauna or a wood-fired sauna with different atmospheres.
Mountain HideawaySet deep in Umegashima, it suits travelers seeking quiet nature and escape.
Local Hot Spring WaterThe property highlights bathing with water from Umegashima Konya Onsen.
Natural Water BathsCold baths use natural Abe River water for a more distinctive sauna circuit.
Easy by CarAround 40 minutes from Shin-Shizuoka IC and 60 from JR Shizuoka Station.

Who is this ryokan best for?

Recommended stay1-2 nightsSauna privacy and the remote mountain setting are the main stay-length drivers: arrive early, settle into your private villa, do multiple sauna and bath rounds, sleep in, have breakfast, then add a second night only if you want a slow onsen-area walk or a waterfall outing without rushing the drive.
Trip-planning verdict: Best used as a one-night or relaxed two-night mountain wellness stop for travelers with a car who want private sauna time more than dense sightseeing.

Know before booking

Car strongly helpsThis is deep in Umegashima in Okushizu, not a station-area ryokan. It suits drivers far better than rail-first travelers.
Limited local densityThe area is scenic but not packed with restaurants, shops, or major sights. Staying too long can feel repetitive.
Not classic ryokanThis is a sauna-villa style stay, not a traditional full-service inn focused on tatami ritual and elaborate ryokan hospitality.

Food & drinks

This Shizuoka sauna villa has on-site casual dining with BBQ, local wasabi breakfast, sweets, coffee, and drinks, plus a few useful nearby meal spots in Umegashima.

Dining Room (on-site)
on-site

Meal-plan dining with local Shizuoka ingredients.

  • BBQ dinnerfoodGrill meal in the open-air space.
  • Wasabi rice bowlspecialtyFreshly grated local wasabi breakfast.
  • Hot sandwichfoodSimple breakfast option.
  • Seasonal vegetablesfoodShizuoka-grown produce.
General Store Cafe (on-site)
on-site

Shop cafe with sweets, coffee, and local snack foods.

  • Original coffeedrinkHouse-blend coffee by Pearl Street Coffee.
  • Original sweetsfoodLimited sweets for the drive-in.
  • Wasabi burgerspecialtyBurger using local wasabi.
  • Amago karaagefoodFried local trout.
  • Shiitake karaagefoodFried local mushrooms.
Cafe kokorade (nearby)
nearbyabout 40 m

Lodge-style cafe close to the villa area.

  • Hot coffeedrinkHand-dripped coffee.
  • Wasabi ice creamspecialtyVanilla ice cream with fresh wasabi.
  • PastafoodLight lunch option.
  • Katsu curryfoodCafe-style curry rice.

Access, transport and nearby sights

This mountain retreat in Umegashima is most practically reached from central Shizuoka by JR train plus bus or by taxi/rental car for the final approach.

Distances are approximate and calculated from the ryokan coordinates. Travel times may vary depending on route, traffic and schedules.

Should you choose this ryokan?

This is a distinctive sauna-focused villa stay in the Umegashima area of Aoi Ward, Shizuoka City, built more around private wellness, design, and nature than around classic ryokan tradition. It is a strong pick for travelers who want a stylish remote escape, but less ideal if you want easy access, a conventional inn atmosphere, or lots of surrounding conveniences.

5 reasons to choose this ryokan best points
  • Private sauna stay with real personalityThe property is centered on private sauna villas rather than a standard hotel setup, which gives the stay a more special, destination-style feel. It suits travelers who want a wellness-focused escape instead of just a place to sleep.
  • Two different room-and-sauna stylesThe accommodation offers distinct Japanese-style and Western-style stays with different sauna concepts, so the experience feels curated rather than interchangeable. That makes the choice more appealing for couples or repeat visitors who care about design.
  • Deep nature setting in UmegashimaIt sits in the mountain side of Shizuoka's Okushizu/Umegashima area, giving you a more secluded atmosphere than city hotels. The drive into the area adds to the sense of retreat if you enjoy remote scenery.
  • Good fit for small groupsThe villa-style layout is better than a typical ryokan room if you are traveling with friends or family and want shared private time. The setup appears especially suited to guests who want to relax, sauna, eat, and stay in one place.
  • Drive-in concept feels local and differentThe property blends lodging with a drive-in identity, which makes it feel more rooted in the area than a generic resort. That unusual concept can make the stay more memorable for travelers looking for somewhere with character.
5 reasons not to choose this ryokan watch-outs
  • Remote location requires planningThe property is far from central Shizuoka and is best reached by car, so it is not convenient for travelers relying on trains and easy last-minute transport. The journey is part of the experience, but also part of the effort.
  • Not a classic ryokan experienceIf you want tatami hospitality, kaiseki, and a traditional inn rhythm, this place may feel too modern and concept-driven. It is closer to a private sauna villa stay than a heritage ryokan.
  • Limited around-it options nearbyBecause it is in a quiet mountain area, you should not expect the density of shops, cafes, or nightlife you would get in a city or larger resort town. This works for unplugging, but can feel restrictive for longer stays.
  • Best value depends on loving saunasA big part of the appeal is the sauna experience, so travelers who are not especially interested in private sauna time may not get the full value from the stay. In that case, a more conventional onsen inn could feel more rewarding.
  • May feel isolated in bad weather or at nightMountain access and the secluded setting can make the arrival feel less easy after dark or during poor weather. Travelers who prefer effortless check-in logistics may find it less comfortable than staying in town.

Ranking around this ryokan in Shizuoka

Showing 5 above and 5 below the current ryokan. The full ranking loads only when you click or hover over this block.

Current position: 101st out of 168 ryokans in Shizuoka.

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100th Amakawa Ryokan, Kawazu 9.3/10 2
101st UMEGASHIMA DRIVEーIN & SAUNA VILLA Current ryokan 8.8/10 4
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