What is Itomachi Hotel 0?

Itomachi Hotel 0 is a Selected hotel located in Saijo, Japan. It has been recognized by the Michelin Guide for its exceptional hospitality and unique experience.

How many Michelin Keys does Itomachi Hotel 0 have?

Itomachi Hotel 0 has been awarded Selected by the Michelin Guide, indicating a very special stay.

Where is Itomachi Hotel 0 located?

Itomachi Hotel 0 is located in Saijo, 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 Itomachi Hotel 0?

You can view more details and booking information for Itomachi Hotel 0 through the Michelin Guide website. Each Michelin Keys hotel offers a unique booking experience tailored to their guests.

Itomachi Hotel 0 | Selected in Saijo, Japan

Name: Itomachi Hotel 0
Address: D-1 Itomachi, Saijo, Ehime 793-0003, Japan, Saijo, Asia, Japan
Rating: 4.5

Itomachi Hotel 0 in Saijo, Japan, a property selected by the Michelin Key, offers a unique and sustainable luxury experience, blending innovative eco-friendly design with local charm and exceptional hospitality. Opened in 2023, the hotel has quickly garnered attention for its architectural significance and commitment to regional revitalization.

Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for Itomachi Hotel 0 is overwhelmingly positive, with guests frequently praising its cleanliness, modern design, and the overall comfortable atmosphere. It boasts impressive ratings, including an 8.6 overall on Agoda, with an outstanding 9.6 for cleanliness. Trip.com shows a rating of 9.2/10 from 19 reviews, highlighting its exceptional quality and value. Guests have described their stays as "exceptional" and have expressed a strong desire to return.

Key Highlights

Guests consistently laud several aspects of Itomachi Hotel 0:

Sustainable Design: Designed by renowned architect Kengo Kuma, it is Japan's first zero-energy hotel, utilizing innovative energy-saving technologies and inspired by the natural surroundings of Mount Ishizuchi and the local "Uchinuki" groundwater. This eco-conscious approach is a significant draw for many.
Cleanliness: The hotel receives exceptional scores for cleanliness, contributing to a serene and comfortable environment.
Modern Amenities & Architecture: The striking angular roof and two airy levels connected by open-air walkways are frequently highlighted. Amenities like complimentary Wi-Fi in all rooms and public areas, and a free spacious car park, are appreciated.
Connection to Local Culture: The hotel aims to be a community hub, offering guests opportunities to experience the culture of the Saijo area and interact with locals.
Iyo Blue Stone Baths: Guests can enjoy luxurious rooms featuring Iyo Blue Stone baths.

Room Quality

The rooms at Itomachi Hotel 0 are described as spacious, clean, and designed with a minimalist aesthetic. They feature blonde wood flooring, pale green tilework, and simple writing desks, with luxurious beds often placed on elevated platforms. The interiors incorporate the delicate colors of Iyo blue stone and motifs inspired by the region's natural beauty, particularly the "Uchinuki" water. Some rooms offer living areas with sleek modular furniture and private terraces. Certain rooms are designed to accommodate bicycles, catering to cyclists visiting from the Shimanami Kaido. Guests have particularly appreciated the separate and spacious bathroom facilities, including a shower room, toilet, and washbasin.

Dining Experience

The hotel offers a notable dining experience, especially for breakfast and dinner.

Breakfast: Served in a half-buffet style at the hotel's "RECEPTION CAFE," breakfast emphasizes fresh, local ingredients from Ehime farms, including seasonal vegetables and eggs. Guests can choose one main dish (such as egg benedict made with Bihou eggs, fish, or hamburger) and one soup (seasonal or Ishihana soup), with side dishes and drinks available as a buffet. Reviewers have praised the delicious and healthy offerings. The coffee on the terrace and the use of a Balmuda toaster for bread have also been highlighted.
Dinner: The hotel collaborates with local restaurants. An Italian restaurant, "Er Bisteccaro ito," overseen by Chef Natsuki Yamazaki of a popular Ginza restaurant, offers dinner courses and à la carte options like pizza Margherita and carbonara. There is also a cafe bar, REGALIS, offering meals, whiskey, cocktails, and craft beer. Some guests have found the evening meal, particularly the Italian full course, to be superb. However, one minor complaint noted that the dinner venue is located outside the main hotel building within the "Itomachi area," which can be inconvenient in bad weather.
Self-Catering: For those who prefer to cook, there's a communal kitchen and an adjacent "Itomachi Marche" where guests can purchase fresh local produce and ingredients.

Service & Staff

Guest feedback consistently praises the staff for their friendly, kind, and excellent service. Guests have felt welcomed and well-cared for throughout their stay, with staff paying attention to details, such as portion sizes at the restaurant.

Location & Accessibility

Itomachi Hotel 0 is nestled in the charming city of Saijo, known as "the City of Water" due to its abundant "Uchinuki" groundwater from Mount Ishizuchi. It is part of the "Ito Project," an environmental city initiative.

Nearby Attractions: The hotel serves as an ideal base for exploring cultural and natural attractions. The Railway History Park is a short distance away, and the majestic Mount Ishizuchi, the highest peak in western Japan, offers breathtaking views and hiking trails. The tranquil Kamegamori Forest also provides serene walking trails. Saijo City itself has been ranked as a top rural place to live in Japan.
Transport:
- From Matsuyama Airport (MYJ): The hotel is approximately a 30-minute drive by car or taxi. Alternatively, a shuttle bus can be taken to Matsuyama City, followed by a train to Saijo Station (total travel time around 60 minutes).
- From Saijo Station: The hotel is a brief taxi ride away or a pleasant 15-minute walk.
- By Car: It is about a 10-minute drive from the Iyo-Saijo IC on the Matsuyama Expressway, with free parking available for up to 77 cars.

Value & Pricing

While Itomachi Hotel 0 is considered a premium choice, guests feel it offers excellent value for the quality of service, ambiance, and amenities provided. Room prices generally range from $151 to $200, which is slightly higher than the average hotel in Saijo (around $76 to $100) but justified by the elevated experience. Some reviews indicate prices around ¥16,000 per person per night with breakfast included.

Common Complaints

While feedback is largely positive, a few minor issues have been noted:

Lighting: Some guests have found the room lighting to be too dim.
Dinner Venue Distance: The outdoor location of the dinner restaurant within the "Itomachi area" can be somewhat inconvenient, especially in inclement weather.
Limited Amenities: A few guests felt the amenities provided were somewhat sparse.
Navigation: Finding the parking lot entrance at night can be a bit challenging, and using the hotel's phone number for car navigation might sometimes lead to a public facility rather than the hotel directly.