Yamashita Bekkan Kozushima

Yamashita Bekkan Kozushima, on Kozushima in Tokyo's Izu Islands, is the only onsen ryokan on the island. On Kozushima, handed down since ancient times as "the legendary island where the gods gathered," it makes a base for a family trip built around stars, sea and onsen.

The greatest draw, above all, is the night sky. Kozushima is certified as a Dark Sky Island, and the whole island is described as a natural planetarium. The ryokan sits where artificial light does not block the view, so the family can look up at a sky full of stars while listening to the waves and feeling the sea breeze. Time spent hunting for constellations and the Milky Way with your children becomes an island memory you will not forget.

The bath is a natural onsen that soothes body and mind. This is a rare place on Kozushima where you can soak in an onsen, and in some seasons you can watch the sunset from the communal bath. After a day of playing in the sea, the family can take a long, unhurried bath.

Guest rooms include 12-tatami Japanese-style tatami rooms for 1 to 5 guests, each with a toilet and a broad window-side space, as well as Japanese-Western rooms with twin beds. The roomier tatami rooms give families space to relax, and the broad window-side space looks out over the island scenery.

The cooking has a fine reputation, built around Kozushima's seasonal fish. The family can taste flavors particular to the island, such as rice dishes made with fresh local fish. The ryokan is also a handy base for leisure, fishing and diving.

It is about a 7-minute walk from Kozushima Port, and shuttle service from the port and the airport is available. Kozushima has many calm, shallow swimming beaches and beautiful white-sand spots, so summer brings plenty of time in the sea.

Please note that the sunset view from the communal bath and the conditions for using the onsen can change with the season, and that arrangements for babies should be confirmed directly with the ryokan when you book.