A traditional inn is one that, like a rustic American inn, strives to maintain the heritage of the culture. These inns, called Ryokans, may not have many of the latest modern conveniences, but they are ideal for those travelers wishing to experience traditional Japanese culture. The hotels in Shimoda are Ryokans due to the rustic nature of the city itself. The Shimoda Central Hotel, Izo Oku Shimoda Onsen Kannon Onsen, Shimoda Prince Hotel, Village Izukogen, Seiryuso, the Shimoda View Hotel, Shimoda Yamatokan, the Kurofune Hotel, the Hotel Izukyu, the Hotel Yamadaya and Toutei the Japanese-Style are your hotel options for this small coastal town.
The price for a room at these Shimoda hotels is not outrageously expensive, but they are considerably more than the average roadside motel in America. In March of 2011, the cost of booking a room starts at a little over $300 and goes up to just over $600 per night. Being a beach city, most hotels offer views of the ocean. Another benefit of this ocean-based proximity is the readiness of fresh seafood. Hotels offer breakfast and dinner to their guests with fresh seafood being available at many.
Shimoda is rife with hot springs. Therefore every hotel in the city has access to a natural spring of hot, relaxing water. The sizes of the pools vary, but guests are invited for a pleasurable soak in both indoor and outdoor baths at their hotel of choice. Most of the hot spring baths are divided by gender. There are also private baths in many of the hotel rooms if soaking with strangers is not your cup of tea.
The rooms in Shimoda ryokans, called Washitsus, adhere to Japanese style and as such, may be slightly unfamiliar to Western guests. The tables are low to the ground as Japanese custom prefers sitting low to the ground on cushions during meals. Instead of maids, your room is attended to by a woman called a Nakai-San. She provides you with tea and snacks as well as makes up your bed every night. Also, instead of a terrycloth robe, you are provided with a kimono to wear after your baths. These customs, paired with the numerous hot springs and regional dining options, recreate the Japanese experience.
