What is Iki Retreat by Onko Chishin?

Iki Retreat by Onko Chishin is a Selected hotel located in Iki Island, Japan. It has been recognized by the Michelin Guide for its exceptional hospitality and unique experience.

How many Michelin Keys does Iki Retreat by Onko Chishin have?

Iki Retreat by Onko Chishin has been awarded Selected by the Michelin Guide, indicating a very special stay.

Where is Iki Retreat by Onko Chishin located?

Iki Retreat by Onko Chishin is located in Iki Island, Japan, in the Asia region.

What makes a Selected hotel special?

Selected hotels provide very special stays with excellent service and a unique sense of place.

How do I book Iki Retreat by Onko Chishin?

You can view more details and booking information for Iki Retreat by Onko Chishin through the Michelin Guide website. Each Michelin Keys hotel offers a unique booking experience tailored to their guests.

Iki Retreat by Onko Chishin | Selected in Iki Island, Japan

Name: Iki Retreat by Onko Chishin
Address: 528 Katsumotocho Tachibanaura, Iki, Nagasaki 811-5503, Japan, Iki Island, Asia, Japan
Rating: 4.5

Iki Retreat by Onko Chishin, a Michelin Key Selected property on the serene Iki Island, Japan, consistently garners high praise for its exceptional service, breathtaking ocean views, and exquisite culinary offerings, providing a truly immersive traditional Japanese ryokan experience with luxurious touches.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

Iki Retreat by Onko Chishin enjoys an overwhelmingly positive sentiment, with guests frequently describing it as a "Zen retreat" and a "five-star luxury ryokan." It boasts impressive overall ratings, including an 8.9/10 based on reviews, with specific accolades for cleanliness (9.7), comfort (9.9), and staff performance (9.6). The consensus highlights a peaceful hideaway offering a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently laud several aspects of Iki Retreat:

Service & Hospitality: The staff's "impeccable" and "wonderful" service is a recurring highlight, noted for being attentive, courteous, and delivered with "care, grace, and passion." Even with potential language barriers, the staff's kindness and dedication effectively convey everything guests need.
Location & Views: Nestled against Yunomoto Bay, the retreat offers "breathtaking views" of the sea, particularly spectacular sunsets. Its tranquil and serene setting provides a perfect escape from city life.
Design & Ambiance: The design harmoniously blends modern amenities with traditional Japanese aesthetics, featuring minimalism, natural wood tones, and low furnishings. Floor-to-ceiling windows are strategically placed to maximize the stunning sea vistas, making guests feel connected to the outside beauty.
Amenities: A standout feature is the private open-air onsen baths in every room, fed by natural spring water, allowing for private enjoyment of the changing seascape. The property also offers communal indoor and outdoor hot spring baths, a full-service spa, a fitness room, and a lounge with complimentary drinks and snacks.

3. Room Quality

The retreat offers spacious, traditional Japanese-style rooms that blend with modern comforts. All rooms feature unobstructed ocean views and private open-air hot spring baths. Interior elements include tatami flooring, plank beds, enveloping chairs, Japanese-style dining tables, and natural wood finishes, creating a calming atmosphere. While generally well-regarded for comfort (9.9 rating), some guests have noted that the rooms appear "a little old." Specific suites, such as the Kairi/Nautical suite, offer private onsen with adjustable water temperatures. Guests can also expect amenities like pillow menus and laptop-friendly workspaces. Some rooms are designed with a Japanese-style living area and a separate bedroom, though not all rooms include an indoor bath, only a shower booth.

4. Dining Experience

The dining experience at Iki Retreat is consistently praised as "incredible" and a "culinary treat." The restaurant, Gen, specializes in authentic Japanese and Asian cuisine, with a strong emphasis on fresh, local, and high-quality ingredients sourced from Iki Island, including prized Iki Beef, sea urchin, and abalone. Guests are treated to exquisite kaiseki dinners, artfully presented, and a delightful Asian breakfast, both offering panoramic ocean views from the dining area. Iki Island is renowned as the birthplace of barley shochu, and the ryokan offers a pairing service to enhance the meal.

5. Service & Staff

The hospitality at Iki Retreat is a significant draw, with guests frequently commending the staff as "impeccable," "attentive," and "very helpful." Even if not all staff are fluent in English, their genuine kindness and dedication to customer service ensure guests' needs are met and communication is effective. Individuals like Katano have been specifically mentioned for their exceptional care and passion. The staff consistently receives high satisfaction ratings (9.6 for staff performance). Multilingual staff and concierge services contribute to a seamless stay.

6. Location & Accessibility

Iki Retreat is situated on Iki Island in Nagasaki Prefecture, offering a peaceful and scenic "sanctuary of tranquility" by Yunomoto Bay. While acknowledged as being "out of the way" or "a bit remote," guests generally agree that the location is worth the journey for its beautiful and serene environment. The island is accessible via a 60-minute jetfoil ride from Hakata Port in Fukuoka or a 30-minute flight from Nagasaki Airport. The retreat itself is conveniently located 15-25 minutes by car from the island's ports and airport, with a complimentary roundtrip airport shuttle service available upon request. Free on-site parking is also provided. Nearby attractions include Saruiwa Rock, Kanenon Shrine, and Iki Island Nature Park.

7. Value & Pricing

Iki Retreat by Onko Chishin is considered a "five-star luxury ryokan." The estimated price per night for two adults, including dinner and breakfast, ranges from approximately JPY 51,000 to JPY 136,000 per guest per night. For children, the rate including dinner and breakfast is ¥27,500 (tax included). Despite the premium pricing, guests widely feel the experience, including the luxurious amenities, exceptional dining, and unparalleled views and service, offers excellent value and is well worth the cost.

8. Common Complaints

While reviews are overwhelmingly positive, some minor points of criticism have been noted:

Room Age: A few guests have described the rooms as "little old," suggesting some aspects of the decor or furnishings might benefit from an update.
Balcony Onsen Size & Safety: Some guests found the private outdoor onsen tubs on the balcony to be smaller than anticipated. Additionally, the low height of the balcony fence raised concerns for guests traveling with small children.
Location Remoteness: While a highlight for many seeking tranquility, the remote location might be a minor inconvenience for those desiring more immediate access to urban attractions.
Weather Dependency: The exceptional views, a core appeal of the retreat, are highly dependent on good weather, meaning a poor weather forecast could potentially diminish the overall experience.