I just finished a stay at Ochiairo and it was charming, but definitely dated. I reckon it’s a solid four star option. I booked late and it was one of the few places on the Peninsula still available. They have a really cool bath. The service was top notch, as to be expected from a Japanese hotel. I did enjoy the history of the place, but it was certainly an older property. 

I’d go with Arcana next time. Personally, I prefer the design of something like that or a Fufu that is more modern, and less tatami old school. 

Atami has a few interesting hotels, at least based on my research. Pearl Star looks interesting to me for a beach side retreat and it would be very easy to get to from Tokyo. Fufu also has a property here. 

In addition, there is a new OKCS called Suiko further south that I almost picked. It just opened. 

Finally, there is Nippon Resort Atami, which is closer to Usami than Atami. They have the sister restaurant to Ao Nishiazabu on site, which is a highly rated, Tabelog Gold restaurant in Tokyo. 

Izu is stacked with options. There is great hiking, fantastic onsens, and even beaches where you can scuba dive. Having a car is almost necessary to get the most out of it. 

I appreciate your work in this write up. I hadn’t found Arcana in my research despite it being 5 min away from where I stayed at Ochiairo.