Isohara Seaside Hotel

What a gem. This old seaside hotel has been carefully refurbished (but not "renovated") resulting in a quirky and personal blend of older "distressed" furniture/decor and new basic comforts. I stayed in both a double room (highly recommended) and then a single room (not as nice). The view is outstanding and falling asleep to the sound of the ocean is a dream. The dinner is gourmet feast featuring local ingredients and a creative menu. The sake menu is top notch. The souvenir shop features local goods. The staff are all helpful and friendly adding to the personal feel of the place. The outdoor onsen is a perfect way to unwind. Someone has really thought this out. Kudos to them, the management and the staff.

The food was excellent and the evening kaiseki menu was very carefully put together to present a variety of textures and flavours with ingredients sourced from the fields, mountains, and ocean of Ibaraki. They ryokan prepares their own food and drink. In the 10+ years that I've traveled around Japan, their aka shiso umeshu is the best I've ever tasted. The view from the rooms is spectacular. The lounge and onsen facilities are also in very good shape.

Breakfast and Dinner were excellent. The lounge was very clean with nice decorations and the view was great with the island. They are next to the start of a boardwalk going along the foreshore that was excellent for an early morning walk while the sun was rising.

Food and location

Onsen on top floor, room with sea view