We stayed atItsukiri, an onsen resort in Isumi, Chiba Prefecture.
Itsukiri opened in July 2023and is surrounded by the peaceful countryside of the Boso Peninsula.
The resort is known for its natural black hot spring water, private villas, BBQ dining and spa facilities.
According to the current official information,
all accommodation types include access to natural hot spring baths,
while some villas also feature private pools and saunas.
Our stay was in one of the resort’s large two-story private villa-style suites
created by renovating a traditional Japanese house.
The villa included
natural hot spring baths,
an open-air bath,
a private pool,
and a sauna.
For travelers in their 60s and beyond,
families, or multigenerational groups,
the spacious private setting makes it easy to relax at your own pace.
Check Itsukiri rates and availability on Ikyu.com
Check Itsukiri rates and availability on Rakuten Travel
Welcome Drinks at Itsukiri
When we stayed at Itsukiri in 2023, we were welcomed with champagne.
We mixed ours with orange juice, which made the start of the stay feel especially relaxing.
Wine and other drinks were also available during our visit.
There was also a coffee machine.
Because we visited shortly after the resort first opened, everything felt especially new and clean.
Ice cream was also available during our stay,
which was a nice treat on a hot summer day.
Amenities and complimentary services can change, so check the latest details when booking.
Inside Our Two-Story Private Villa
We stayed in one of Itsukiri’s large private villa-style suites.
The current resort lineup includes premium two-story suites
created by fully renovating traditional Japanese houses.
These high-end villas are designed for groups and can accommodate several guests.
Our living room had a long sofa with plenty of space to relax.
The bedroom had a pleasant natural wood scent.
Our villa had multiple beds, making it suitable for
families or groups traveling together.
The beds were comfortable, and we slept well.
There was also a loft-style room
where futons could be laid out.
It had air conditioning, so it could also be used comfortably for sleeping.
The vanity area was spacious enough
for several people to use at the same time.
Private Pool and Sauna
Our villa included a private pool and sauna.
Itsukiri currently offers several different room types,
and some villas include private pools, saunas or both.
Because the pool was for our group only, we could enjoy it without worrying about other guests.
Our villa also had a private sauna.
As with any sauna, travelers with medical concerns
should follow appropriate medical advice and avoid overexertion.
BBQ Dinner with Chiba Ingredients
Itsukiri currently offers both restaurant-style dining and BBQ plans.
During our stay, we enjoyed a BBQ at the villa.
The meal included fresh meat, seafood, vegetables, and other local ingredients.
Chiba is especially known for fresh seafood and agricultural products,
so the meal felt closely connected to the region.
We cooked everything on the BBQ grill.
The bone-in sausage was especially delicious.
There was also paella.
Of course, there was plenty of meat.
We were also happy to have seafood included.
We especially enjoyed the abalone and sazae shellfish.
Itsukiri’s current BBQ menus continue to feature local ingredients
and may include items such as Japanese spiny lobster, turban shell, seasonal vegetables and paella.
Menus change with the season.
Natural Black Onsen in the Villa
One of the biggest attractions of Itsukiri is its natural black hot spring water.
The resort draws its hot spring water from underground sources and currently lists the spring type as
sodium bicarbonate spring water.
The dark-colored water is one of the distinctive features of the resort.
Our villa had both indoor and open-air hot spring baths.
Being able to soak while looking out at the forest and night sky was one of the most relaxing parts of the stay.
Public Bath, Open-Air Bath and Sauna
In addition to the private villa baths, Itsukiri currently also has a shared public bathing area.
The official facilities include an indoor bath, open-air bath, sauna and cold-water bath.
The indoor bath felt comfortable during our stay.
Our favorite was the open-air bath.
Soaking while looking up at the night sky was incredibly peaceful.
The morning bath was equally enjoyable.
The surrounding countryside made the resort feel quiet and far removed from everyday city life.
Breakfast During Our Stay
During our 2023 stay, we prepared fried eggs and heated hot sandwiches using the BBQ grill.
The hot sandwiches were already prepared, so we only needed to warm them.
It was simple and convenient.
We also enjoyed Itsukiri’s original coffee.
The resort’s current breakfast options may differ from what we had in 2023,
so check the latest plan details when booking.
Is Itsukiri Good for Families and Multigenerational Trips?
For us, Itsukiri worked especially well because of the amount of private space.
The resort’s larger villas can accommodate groups, making them suitable for families, friends and multigenerational trips.
Depending on the room type, guests can enjoy natural hot springs, private pools, and saunas without leaving their accommodation.
The resort also currently offers both BBQ dining and more refined auberge-style meals,
so travelers can choose the style of stay that suits them best.
If you want a quiet countryside escape with Japanese hot springs and plenty of private space,
Itsukiri is an interesting option within Chiba Prefecture.
Visit the official Itsukiri website
