Yamabiko-so Inn｜Review of a Unique Hot Spring Stay in Nishi-Izu, Shizuoka

If you’re planning a trip to Nishi-Izu on the western side of the Izu Peninsula and want to stay somewhere a little out of the ordinary, Yamabiko-so is the perfect choice.

♨️ This hot spring inn was once an elementary school until 1973, later renovated into a Japanese-style inn. Staying here feels nostalgic, almost like stepping back in time.

What makes Yamabiko-so truly unique is the experience it offers: soaking in natural hot spring baths, swimming in a warm onsen pool, hearing mealtime announcements over the school’s PA system, and eating simple, home-style Japanese meals in what used to be the school cafeteria.

It’s affordable, family-friendly, and definitely a hidden gem in Shizuoka Prefecture.

✏️ In this article, I’ll give you the most detailed review of Yamabiko-so you’ll find online: from the Public hot spring baths and onsen pool to the meals, rooms, and even the total cost of our stay.

If you’re planning a trip to Japan and want a unique family experience in Nishi-Izu, this guide will be useful.

(Travel date: Late August 2025)

About Yamabiko-so – A Nostalgic Hot Spring Inn in a Former School

Yamabiko-so is one of the most unusual hot spring inns in Japan. The building was originally constructed as an elementary school in 1892.

The school was eventually closed in 1973, but thanks to strong requests from local residents who wanted to preserve their beloved school building, it was renovated and given a second life as a Japanese-style inn.

Today, what used to be a place of learning now welcomes travelers. Walking through the hallways or sleeping in what were once classrooms gives the entire stay a nostalgic, almost retro atmosphere that you won’t find at ordinary hotels or resorts.

⚠️ Please note: Staff at Yamabiko-so Inn primarily speak Japanese, and English support may be very limited.

 A Former Elementary School Renovated into an Inn

The moment you step inside Yamabiko-so, you can still feel traces of its former life as an elementary school.

👟 At the entrance, there are rows of old-fashioned wooden shoe lockers, a common feature in Japanese schools where children change from outdoor shoes into indoor slippers.

The hallways have been neatly renovated, but the polished wooden floors retain their warmth, making you feel as if you’ve slipped back in time.

The building has two stories, and the guest rooms are named just like classrooms once were — for example, “Grade 1, Class 1” or “Grade 3, Class 2.”

On the first floor, the rooms are labeled for grades 1 through 3, while the second floor features grades 4 through 6. In total, there are 10 rooms of different sizes, accommodating groups from small families to larger gatherings, much like how classrooms once varied in size and use.

Outside, there are no playground structures anymore, but the spacious schoolyard remains just as it was. Today, it serves as the parking area for guests.

⛰ Walking across the yard, surrounded by nature, it’s easy to imagine children once running and laughing here.

That sense of nostalgia, mixed with the quiet of the countryside, is one of the most unique charms of staying at Yamabiko-so.

🚗 Access & Location

Yamabiko-so is located deep in the mountains of Nishi-Izu Town, surrounded by nature. Because of its remote setting, access by public transportation is very limited and not recommended.

💡 The most practical way to get there is by car. The typical route is to drive inland from the coastal area of Nishi-Izu Town, taking winding mountain roads until you reach the inn.

🚙 If you are driving from Numazu Interchange (IC) on the Tomei Expressway (or Shin-Tomei Expressway), the route is as follows:

🍚 A Stay That Feels Like a School Camp

Staying at Yamabiko-so is more than just spending the night — it feels almost like being on a school camp.

The old wooden school building, combined with the wide open schoolyard outside, creates an atmosphere that is both nostalgic and out of the ordinary.

For Japanese guests, the setting may bring back memories of childhood field trips or after-school club training camps.

For international visitors, the experience is equally fascinating — a chance to step into the atmosphere of a traditional Japanese school building from decades ago.

Spending a night here, surrounded by the charm of an old-fashioned school, offers a rare and unique travel experience you won’t find at regular hotels or inns.

Yamabiko-so’s Hot Spring Experience｜The Onsen Pool Stays Warm Even in Spring & Fall

At Yamabiko-so, hot spring water is used not only for the baths but also to fill the swimming pool. This so-called “onsen pool” allows guests to enjoy warm, comfortable swimming not just in summer, but also in spring and fall.
(Note: the pool is closed during the coldest months from December to February.)

This makes Yamabiko-so a truly unique place to stay — you can relax in a traditional hot spring while also enjoying the rare experience of playing in a warm pool outside the usual summer season. It’s something you won’t easily find at other inns or hotels in Japan.

♨️ Men’s & Women’s Public Indoor Baths – Features and Water Quality

The public indoor baths at Yamabiko-so are separated by gender and use 100% natural hot spring water drawn directly from the source.

The spring is mildly alkaline, giving the water a slightly silky, almost slippery feel. In Japan, this type of water is often nicknamed “beauty water” because it feels gentle on the skin and leaves it smooth. It’s the kind of bath you want to soak in for a long time.

The bathing areas retain a rustic, old-fashioned charm. The changing rooms have been partially renovated and feel neat and clean, but the bathhouse itself still shows its age in places, which adds to the nostalgic atmosphere.

🚿 The showers have somewhat weak water pressure, but the luxury of soaking in real hot spring water makes up for it.

Importantly, the baths are supplied directly from the natural hot spring source with no added water or chemicals. Only during winter is the water slightly heated to maintain a comfortable temperature. This makes it a genuine onsen experience that hot spring enthusiasts will appreciate.

🏊 The Onsen Pool – Details on Temperature & Size

Yamabiko-so’s onsen pool is a full-sized 25-meter swimming pool, about five lanes wide, preserving the authentic look of an old Japanese school facility.

The water depth is around 1 meter, which reaches about waist level for adults — shallow enough that elementary school children can play safely.

The water temperature stays at a comfortable level, probably just above 30°C (about 86°F). It never feels too hot in summer, yet in spring or autumn it feels pleasantly warm, making it enjoyable even outside the typical swimming season. The pool still has showers and changing rooms, all of which keep the retro atmosphere of an earlier time.

👧 For reference, my six-year-old daughter (about 120 cm / 3’11” tall) could just barely stand with her face above the water, so she was able to enjoy it safely. Floaties and kickboards are allowed, which makes it especially family-friendly.

On a personal note, I used this pool during a middle school swim training camp years ago, and standing poolside again instantly brought back memories of those tough practice sessions — a mix of nostalgia and a little bit of trauma, haha.😂

👧 How Our 6-Year-Old & 3-Year-Old Enjoyed It

For my kids, this pool was pure paradise. The shallow depth gave us peace of mind, and the convenience was unbeatable — they could change into swimsuits in our room, head straight to the pool, and afterward simply towel off before walking back.

We swam on the afternoon of check-in (around 4–5 PM) and again briefly the next morning before check-out. Even when the air was a little cooler, the warm water kept the kids comfortable. My three-year-old floated happily with a swim ring, while my six-year-old used both a float and a kickboard, which were available in the changing room.

Meals at Yamabiko-so｜Simple but Heartwarming, Like a Japanese School Lunch

Meals at Yamabiko-so are served in a nostalgic, no-frills style that feels very different from a luxury inn. Before each mealtime, an announcement is made over the school’s PA system in Japanese: “Dinner is ready. Please come to the cafeteria.”

Even if you don’t understand the words, the chime and the announcement add to the playful atmosphere, making you feel like you’ve stepped back into a Japanese elementary school.

In this retro setting, guests enjoy handmade dishes that are warm, simple, and comforting — not the elaborate multi-course meals of an upscale ryokan, but food with genuine heart.

🍲 Home-Cooked Meals by Local “Mothers”

All meals are prepared by local women — affectionately called “okāsan” or “mothers” in Japanese — who cook everything by hand. Each dish is simple but carefully made, and it carries the warmth of home cooking.

■ Dinner menu :

• Grilled whole squid, capturing the flavor of the nearby sea

• Simmered kiriboshi daikon (dried shredded radish)

• Fresh salad

• Chilled tofu

• Assorted pickles

• Seasonal vegetable and mountain herb tempura

🦀 The highlight was the miso soup made with crab stock, a specialty of the Nishi-Izu region. The rich flavor of the crab turned this humble soup into something surprisingly special.

For children, the squid was replaced with a handmade hamburger steak — juicy, tender, and cooked with care. My daughters devoured it without leaving a bite. This kind of “simple but nostalgic and delicious home cooking” is something you rarely experience at restaurants or traditional inns, making it a true highlight of the stay.

🍵 Self-Service Rice & Tea, and Tidying Up After

Yamabiko-so’s dining style includes some self-service elements that add to the charm.

🍚 Guests serve themselves rice from large communal pots. Tea is available at the side counter, along with condiments and dressings to season your meal as you like. It feels almost like an extension of Japanese school lunch culture (kyūshoku).

🍽 After eating, guests are expected to bring their trays and dishes to the designated area. You don’t need to wash them yourself, but stacking and returning them neatly is part of the routine.

👧 Watching my kids take the lead in carrying everyone’s plates was heartwarming, and it turned an ordinary meal into a little lesson in responsibility.

😌 A Different Kind of Satisfaction

No, the meals at Yamabiko-so are not luxurious. But given the low room rates, the quality and warmth behind the food felt more than satisfying.

Instead of lavish presentation, the value comes from the simplicity of the dishes and the nostalgic atmosphere of eating in what used to be a school cafeteria.

Seeing my children not only enjoy their dinner but also take part in tidying up afterward made the experience even more special.

💡 At Yamabiko-so, meals are not just about eating — they become part of the travel memory, blending the charm of summer camp with the nostalgia of Japanese school life.

Check availability and prices
on “Rakuten Travel”

⚠️ Please note: Staff at Yamabiko-so Inn primarily speak Japanese, and English support may be very limited.

Guest Rooms & Facilities｜Old but Comfortable Enough

The guest rooms and facilities at Yamabiko-so are not shiny or modern, but they carry a nostalgic charm that makes the stay relaxing in a different way. Because the building was once a school, many of the facilities are shared, but that also creates the playful feeling of being on a school camp.

🏨 Tatami Rooms, Futons, and Air Conditioning

All guest rooms are traditional Japanese-style rooms with tatami flooring. There are six rooms on the first floor and four on the second, with sizes ranging from standard four-person rooms to large rooms that can accommodate up to 17 guests.

This flexibility makes the inn suitable not only for families but also for groups traveling together, much like a training camp.

Instead of Western-style beds, each room has futons (Japanese floor bedding) stored in a closet called oshiire. Guests lay out the futons themselves on the tatami floor when it’s time to sleep.

While it may feel unusual for international visitors, this self-service style helps keep the lodging affordable. In our case, even the children enjoyed helping spread out the bedding, which added to the fun, camp-like atmosphere.

✅ Air conditioning is available, but there is an extra charge of 1,000 yen per night per room. This small fee reflects the inn’s low-cost operating style and helps keep the base room rates affordable. In summer or winter, it’s well worth paying the extra to ensure a comfortable night’s sleep.

🪥 Amenities & What to Bring

⚠️ Amenities at Yamabiko-so are very basic. Toothbrushes and bath towels are not provided, so you’ll need to bring your own or purchase them on-site.

Futon sheets and covers are supplied by the inn, and yukata (light cotton robes) are available, but only for adults.

🧴 In the baths, there was rinse-in shampoo, but surprisingly no liquid body soap (despite what the official website indicated). Only solid soap was available.

It’s best to buy your own toiletries in advance at a convenience store or drugstore in Japan if you prefer liquid soap or specific brands.

Hair dryers are placed in the changing rooms, but with only one per room, bringing your own is a safer option.

For small needs, guests can use the shared microwave or hot water kettle located in the hallway.

📚 Interestingly, there’s even a small gakkyū bunko corner — a “classroom library” shelf with a few children’s picture books and novels, a charming reminder of the building’s school days.

💡 If it’s not there, bring it yourself.
But this simplicity is part of why the rates are so low, making it a good fit for travelers who don’t mind a no-frills stay.

🚻 Shared Facilities (Toilets, Sinks & More)

Because Yamabiko-so was once a school, many facilities are shared, which adds to the nostalgic, camp-like atmosphere.

■ Toilets & sinks:
All are shared, but they’ve been renovated in recent years and are clean and comfortable. The sinks even have small step stools for children, showing that families are taken into consideration. Brushing teeth is done here as well.

■ Refrigerator:
A single shared fridge (with freezer) is located on the first floor. Guests store their items in bags labeled with their names.

■ Laundry:
A washing machine is available, but you must bring your own detergent. Note that guests cannot use it after 10 AM, as it becomes reserved for staff.

■ Lobby & vending area:
Near the front desk, there are sofas to relax on and vending machines selling drinks, including beer. You can even buy nostalgic bottled milk and coffee milk — a classic Japanese post-bath treat.

■ Free Wi-Fi:
Despite the mountain setting, mobile signal (at least on SoftBank/Y!mobile) worked fine, and free Wi-Fi is also available inside the facility.

■ Extras:
・Handheld fireworks are allowed in the schoolyard — just use the buckets of water provided for safety.
・There’s also a barbecue area available for a small fee. The equipment is old, but it’s perfect for groups wanting a lively outdoor meal.

Value for Money｜Why Yamabiko-so Is Cheap but Still Worth It

One of Yamabiko-so’s biggest appeals is its price.

In Japan, the school summer holiday season — from late July through August — is when hotel rates peak nationwide. Staying in Nishi-Izu during this time is no exception, but Yamabiko-so remains surprisingly affordable for families.

💴 Our Stay in August 2025 – About ¥23,000 for a Family of Four

When we stayed in late August 2025, our family of four — two adults and two preschool-aged children — paid a total of ¥23,360 (about USD $150 at the time) for one night with dinner and breakfast included. That’s remarkably low for peak season in Japan.

🔽 Breakdown of costs:

In the off-season, the rates drop even further, making Yamabiko-so something of a hidden “family travel lifesaver” when it comes to budgeting a trip.

Check availability and prices
on “Rakuten Travel”

⚠️ Please note: Staff at Yamabiko-so Inn primarily speak Japanese, and English support may be very limited.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👧 More Than the Price – A Unique Stay That Creates Memories

Of course, there are reasons why the rates are so low. Amenities are minimal, so you’ll need to bring basics like towels and toothbrushes. Toilets and sinks are shared, and the building’s layout means you’ll often cross paths with other guests.

💡 But instead of feeling inconvenient, these details actually enhanced the “school camp” atmosphere.

Our kids loved running around the schoolyard, playing in the onsen pool, and hearing the cafeteria announcements before mealtimes. Those little quirks made the stay memorable in a way that fancy hotels can’t replicate.

In the end, Yamabiko-so gives you more than just a cheap night’s stay.

👍 It gives you the priceless experience of memories — the kind that you and your family will talk about long after the trip is over.

Who Should Stay at Yamabiko-so?

Yamabiko-so is not your typical ryokan or hotel. What makes it special is the chance to enjoy a quirky, one-of-a-kind stay.

Here’s who we think will love it most:

✅ Travelers who want to stay in a unique inn converted from an old school
The building is a former elementary school, carefully repurposed as a guesthouse. It’s rare even in Japan, and perfect if you want to say, “I’ve never stayed anywhere like this before!”

✅ Anyone looking for a budget-friendly hot spring inn without the frills
You won’t find lavish kaiseki meals or polished luxury here, but what you do get is simplicity and affordability. If you want a casual stay at a natural hot spring inn without breaking the bank, this place is for you.

✅ People who can embrace quirks and enjoy unusual experiences
Amenities are minimal and many facilities are shared, but if you can see those details as part of the charm, you’ll have a wonderful time. It feels more like a camp than a hotel — and that’s exactly what makes it memorable.

Conclusion｜A Hidden Gem in Nishi-Izu That Offers More Than Just Low Prices

🏫 Yamabiko-so is more than just an affordable place to stay — it’s a travel experience in itself.

From sleeping in former classrooms and soaking in the onsen pool, to eating simple home-style meals announced over a school PA system, every part of the stay feels nostalgic, quirky, and unforgettable.

While the facilities are basic and some amenities are things you’ll need to bring yourself, the charm lies in exactly that simplicity. Families can enjoy unique experiences together, and solo travelers or groups will find the school-camp vibe refreshing compared to ordinary hotels.

💡 One important note: Yamabiko-so does not accept reservations through its official website. The only way to book online is via Rakuten Travel.

Check availability and prices
on “Rakuten Travel”

⚠️ Please note: Staff at Yamabiko-so Inn primarily speak Japanese, and English support may be very limited.

If you’re planning a trip to Nishi-Izu and want something budget-friendly yet full of character, Yamabiko-so is truly a hidden gem worth considering.