Ito Kowakien

We booked two nights at the last minute after unexpectedly getting some time off. The hotel was much farther inland than we had imagined, next to a large supermarket in a residential neighborhood. Even so, our stay exceeded expectations and felt like a true summer getaway. It has a distinctive charm that sets it apart from other hotels in the Kowakien group.The shuttle from Ito Station did not fit our schedule, so we walked. Along the way, we passed inviting eateries, restaurants, and cake shops, making it an enjoyable stroll. The streets retain a nostalgic Showa-era atmosphere, and it felt as though we were stepping back in time to a summer retreat from that period.As we had read beforehand, the hotel appeared suddenly amid the town, but stepping inside was a surprise. The lobby was quiet and spacious, with windows overlooking a Japanese garden and pond backed by lush trees, creating a world completely sheltered from the surroundings. The hotel was just the right size—intimate and peaceful. Its charming Showa-era retro atmosphere made us look forward to a relaxing stay.The outdoor pool also had plenty of retro charm. A lifeguard was on duty, which would be reassuring for families with children. Beyond the pool, we could see Ito Line trains passing between the trees. It was a wonderfully soothing setting, like a summer resort from decades past.We had dinner on both nights and were delighted to be served a different menu each evening.The nostalgic streets around the hotel, apart from the supermarket, combined with the hotel's old-fashioned Showa-era charm to make this a truly memorable stay. We would love to return in summer when the pool is open. Thank you for your wonderful hospitality.

Ito Kowakien is a place I was taken to as a child.I visited again for the first time in 30 years, this time with my wife, and every staff member we encountered was wonderful—their smiles, their words, and their service. After returning home, it made me want to be kinder to others.Thank you for continuing to be here just as you always have. I hope to visit again on another special occasion.