Oyado The Earth

Oyado The Earth, a Michelin One-Key property nestled in Mie Prefecture, Japan, is widely celebrated for its serene atmosphere, exceptional service, and unique blend of traditional Japanese hospitality with modern luxury.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

Oyado The Earth consistently receives high praise, with an "Exceptional" rating of 9.3 on Agoda.com and a remarkable 9.6/10 from 11 reviews on Trip.com, where guests describe it as "Amazing" and "Outstanding". Michelin Guide guests have given perfect scores for Rooms, Services, and Overall Experience (20.0/20.0). The general sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, often highlighting it as a "hidden gem" offering an "unbelievably good" experience.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently rave about several standout features:

• Service & Hospitality: The staff are frequently described as warm, friendly, attentive, and dedicated, often exceeding expectations, especially in accommodating dietary requests like vegetarian meals.
• Location & Views: Situated in Toba, within the Ise Shima National Park, the hotel offers a tranquil, remote setting amidst primeval forest, overlooking Toba Bay and distant islands. Guests are particularly captivated by the stunning sea views, sunrises, moonlit nights, and the calming sound of the waves.
• Design & Ambiance: The property strikes a harmonious balance between modern comfort and traditional Japanese aesthetics, with common spaces featuring traditional tatami style and bedrooms designed for maximum comfort. Its unique curved architecture is said to explain its name, "The Earth".
• Amenities, particularly Onsen: A defining feature is the private open-air, spring-fed bath attached to every one of its sixteen suites, offering an immersive natural environment. The hotel also provides shared sex-segregated hot spring baths, a spa, and wellness packages. Complimentary parking and a shuttle service are also appreciated amenities.

3. Room Quality

The hotel offers 16 well-appointed, Western-style suites, each thoughtfully designed with a blend of modern amenities and traditional Japanese touches to ensure comfort. Rooms are equipped with essentials such as plush bathrobes, a television, refrigerator, air conditioning, hairdryer, tea/coffee maker, bidet, yukata (Japanese bathrobe), and in some cases, tatami floors, a safe, electric kettle, CD/DVD player, and humidifier. While some mention an "old-school charm" that may differ from typical five-star hotels, this is often seen as adding to the authenticity of the stay. Most units boast sea views, which are considered "well worth the price of admission".

4. Dining Experience

Dining at Oyado The Earth is a highlight for many, with "delicious local cuisine" prepared by skilled chefs using fresh, seasonal ingredients from the surrounding land and sea. The traditional multi-course kaiseki presentation is a culinary journey, with guests frequently praising dishes featuring Matsusaka beef and abalone. The hotel is particularly noted for its exceptional vegetarian options, which are described as uniquely crafted and comparable to Michelin two-star vegetarian restaurants, rather than being a "second-class" alternative. An Asian breakfast is served, and the on-site coffee shop offers a hearty breakfast spread, pastries, and a variety of hot and cold beverages, alongside a range of delectable dishes for lunch and dinner. A bar/lounge and room service are also available.

5. Service & Staff

The hospitality at Oyado The Earth is consistently rated as exceptional. Guests are often greeted by "warm and friendly staff who are dedicated to ensuring your stay is nothing short of perfect". Staff are described as attentive, professional, and genuinely welcoming, going "above and beyond" to assist with inquiries, recommendations, and special requests. They are known for handling guest needs with enthusiasm and politeness. Multi-lingual staff, including English speakers, contribute to a seamless experience for international visitors. However, one guest reported a slow response (an hour) to an overly hot in-room onsen bath and perceived a difference in service between regular and new customers.

6. Location & Accessibility

The hotel is located in the captivating coastal town of Toba, Mie Prefecture, on the Pacific coast, within the scenic Ise Shima National Park. Its remote setting is seen as a positive, offering peace and tranquility.

Nearby Attractions:

• Ijika Shrine (1.1-1.2 miles)
• Shirahama Beach (1.8-2.9 km)
• Ise Grand Shrine (19-30 km)
• Toba Observatory, Shinmei Shrine, Ama Bunka Museum, Toba Aquarium, Mikimoto Pearl Island.

Transport:

• Car: The hotel provides complimentary private parking. The road leading to the hotel is narrow and winding, requiring careful driving. It's approximately 2 hours and 34 minutes (187.8 km) by car from Chubu Centrair International Airport (NGO), and about 2 hours and 45 minutes by car from Nagoya.
• Public Transport: Guests can take a train from Nagoya station to Toba (about 1 hour 40 minutes). The hotel offers a complimentary shuttle bus service from Toba Station at scheduled times (15:00, 16:00, and 17:00). Nearby train stations include Shima-Akasaki Station (a short walk), Kamo Station (Mie) (walking distance), Gochi Station, and Funatsu Station (Toba).

7. Value & Pricing

Oyado The Earth is positioned as a luxury accommodation, with average prices ranging from approximately $698 per room on Agoda to rates starting at JPY88,000 per night (around $758-$809+) according to Michelin Guide and other booking sites. Despite the premium pricing, many guests consider it an "unbeatable value compared to nearby luxury accommodations like Aman property". It's described as offering "affordable luxury" and an "exceptional experience that surpasses the average price of a hotel room in Toba". Some guests feel that while the food is delicious, the overall experience, considering the price, meets expectations rather than significantly exceeding them in every aspect.

8. Common Complaints

While largely positive, some recurring criticisms and issues include:

• Minor Maintenance/Cleanliness: Some guests have noted "minor issues like room cleanliness" or "dirty windows".
• Onsen Temperature Control: One guest reported a frustrating experience with an overly hot in-room open-air bath that took an hour for staff to adjust the temperature, preventing immediate use.
• Perceived Decline in Quality: A review from 2024 noted a "huge" difference compared to a 2017 stay, citing a decline in the quality of dinner and service in the coffee lobby, along with dirty windows.
• Inconsistent Service Perception: One guest felt the level of customer service was "low except for those who were in charge of meals" and perceived a difference in how regular customers versus new customers were treated.
• Catering to Japanese Tourists: A specific complaint highlighted that the hotel is "completely geared towards Japanese tourists," offering only Japanese meals and no Western breakfast options, which might not suit all guests on longer stays. (Note: Other sources mention an "Asian breakfast" and diverse culinary options, suggesting this might be an isolated experience or outdated information).
• Adults-Only Policy: The hotel does not accept children under the age of 14, which may be a limitation for families traveling with younger children.

Sources

1. agoda.com
2. trip.com
3. michelin.com
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6. kayak.com
7. agoda.com
8. michelin.com
9. tablethotels.com
10. rediscovertours.com
11. booking.com
12. booking.com
13. the-earth.in
14. visittokai.com