Auberge Le Temps in Ito

If you want to splurge and have the experience of the equivalent of a French 2 star Michelin, that’s the place to go, service is fantastic as well as food and wine list, with a Japanese twist of course. Recommended in deed

This was my second time staying at an auberge.
As other reviews have said, this inn is based on the idea that "the food is the star, and the inn is just a place to sleep." I visited after being recommended that "the food is excellent for the price," and it truly was.

The food was mainly composed of vegetables from the inn's own garden, and the variety was plentiful, leaving me quite full. Still, each dish was carefully prepared, so it didn't feel heavy, and the overall impression was healthy.

The pan-fried fish was impressive, with a crispy texture that made it difficult to tell how the scales were cooked. The main course of game (venison) was also very tender, with no unpleasant odor.

The homemade multigrain bread was also flavorful and truly delicious. I wanted a refill, but I was too full to resist.

We chose cider, which was delicious, and the service was attentive, with staff quickly notifying us when our glass was low.

My husband wanted to try a variety of wines, but the menu only had one red and one white.

If you're looking for a place to eat delicious food and then sleep, this auberge offers the best value for money. On the other hand, it may not be what you'd expect if you're looking for amenities and comprehensive facilities.

We shared a quadruple room with two guests, so it was spacious, but the building itself feels dated. Most of the power outlets were near the desk, and extension cords were always available. There was also an outlet near the bed, but the charging speed was a little slow.

I've seen reviews saying the beds were poor, but I didn't find it particularly problematic. This may be different for those staying in wall-mounted beds.

Wi-Fi was available, but the signal was a little weak.

Basic amenities like toothbrushes were provided, but the room lacked the lotion and facial cleanser found in most hotels; only toilet soap was provided.

There was a shared, private hot spring, which offered Sekkisei lotion and milk. There were about five other groups staying there on the weekend, so the hot spring was crowded before dinner, but relatively quiet in the morning.

Guest rooms are provided with a complimentary kettle, black and green tea bags, and room-temperature water. Mineral water, cider, and beer in the refrigerator are available for an additional fee. There is no coffee, room service, or convenience store. Original herb salt and dressing are available for purchase at reception, but if you'd like to eat or drink something additional in your room, it's best to bring some with you.

The restaurant is on the first floor, while the guest rooms and private baths are on the second floor. The private bath tub is a little high, and navigating the stairs may be a challenge for older guests.

There was an incident where the bread was forgotten at breakfast (lol). However, overall, the service was polite and the atmosphere was homey.

It seemed more frequented by older couples than younger generations, and the atmosphere was casual and relaxed, with casual attire and a relaxed atmosphere.

The building is showing its age, but I sincerely hope that this place, where you can enjoy this cuisine, will continue for as long as possible.

I was looking forward to visiting this hotel because I'd heard it offered delicious French cuisine at a good price.
As other reviews have said, the guest rooms were antique and a bit dated. The unit bath didn't seem usable.
The bed had stiff springs, and the futon was thin and heavy.
The hot springs are easy to tell when they're open; they're always available when the lights in your room are off.
When the hotel is fully booked, the best times are concentrated, so it can be hectic, with you heading there as soon as the lights go out.
(In fact, I missed my spot by just a few seconds.)
The spring water quality is excellent, and it warms you right up.
The French cuisine I was looking forward to was visually stunning, packed with vegetables from the hotel's own farm, and we also enjoyed fresh fish, which the chef himself explained to us.
I tried venison for the first time, and it was delicate, tender, and delicious, with no unpleasant odor.
The freshly baked bread and special blend coffee were also delicious.
Although the ingredients weren't expensive, the chef's skill was evident, and I was very satisfied.

Since I was staying in Izu for several nights, I headed to the inn from Shimoda.
The website only lists access from Ito Station, so I wish they'd add Izukogen Station. I had to take the express train from Shimoda, passing through Izukogen, to get to Ito Station, so it might be confusing for first-time visitors.
The trip there was a 30-minute taxi ride from Ito Station for 5,000 yen. On the way back, I called a taxi to Izukogen Station for 3,200 yen (15 minutes).

It was a great inn where you could enjoy French cuisine at a very reasonable price outside of peak season.

There is no elevator, so carrying heavy luggage can be a challenge.

I stayed at Auberge Le Temps, located near Lake Ippeki in Izu, next to the Ikeda Museum of 20th Century Art.

It's a pleasant Western-style building with high ceilings, and a sculpture by the late artist Kenji Shigeoka decorates the entrance.

I checked in a little late, and was a little flustered as I was given two dinner times: 5:20 or 5:45 PM, but the staff kindly guided me accordingly.

There are private hot spring baths and unit baths in the guest rooms, and since it was a special trip, I decided to go for the hot spring. It was convenient that the light in the room indicated whether the private bath was in use.

Dinner was in the dining room. The chef himself brought out the appetizers and greeted us, and every dish was beautiful in both appearance and taste. Enjoying fresh vegetables from the inn's own garden, local fish, and even Izu beef, I truly experienced the joy of local produce.

The next morning, I took a walk around the area around the inn. The Ikeda Museum of 20th Century Art and the late Shigeoka's former studio are located nearby, and it was with a bit of sadness that I was reminded of what a great sculptor he was.

The breakfast was easy on the stomach with steamed vegetables and eggs, and the homemade bread and coffee were also delicious, making for a peaceful stay.

It was a wonderful auberge where you could enjoy art and food in tranquility.

I stayed at Auberge Le Temps, located right next to the Ikeda Museum of 20th Century Art near Lake Ippeki in Izu.

The building is a charming Western-style manor with high ceilings, and the entrance features a sculpture by the late Kenji Shigeoka. I arrived around 5 PM, a bit later than planned, and was surprised to find only two dinner time options—5:20 PM or 5:45 PM—but the staff guided me kindly.

The inn offers a private hot-spring bath as well as a unit bath in the room. Since it’s a getaway, I chose the hot spring. There’s a convenient lamp in the guest room that shows whether the private bath is occupied.

Dinner was served in the dining room, and the chef personally brought out the appetizer and greeted the guests. Every dish was beautifully presented and delicious. I felt truly fortunate to enjoy vegetables from their own garden, along with local fish and Izu beef—real farm-to-table dining.

The next morning, I took a walk around the area. The Ikeda Museum and Shigeoka’s former atelier are just steps away. He was such a remarkable sculptor, and it’s sad to think he’s no longer with us.

Breakfast was gentle on the stomach—warm vegetables, eggs, homemade bread, and good coffee. It was a peaceful and happy way to start the day.

Auberge Le Temps is a wonderful place where you can enjoy art, nature, and exceptional cuisine all in one stay.

While it's true that the road to get there is a steep mountain path, the rooms are antique and somewhat dated, and the beds are a little uncomfortable, all of these shortcomings can be forgiven for the single course meal. I've visited many Michelin-starred restaurants around the world, but this is worthy of two Michelin stars. You can feel the chef's dedication to selecting each and every ingredient when you eat the food, and I was deeply impressed.

If you only stay overnight, you might be disappointed. I highly recommend booking a package that includes breakfast and dinner.

It's a very nice place ⭐️ The food is very delicious in French cuisine, but I wonder if I'm the only one who feels too much 😓 I want it to be delicious until the end, so if you can improve the balance from the appetizer to the main , Very satisfied 😊

There are no convenience stores around, so it's a good idea to bring your own drink.

Overnight with half board. The meal doesn't use expensive ingredients, but it's delicious and pleasing to the eyes, using home-grown vegetables. The room was spacious because it was a quadruple room with 3 people. The equipment is undeniably old. There is a hot spring in addition to the unit bath, but there is only one, and it is first come, first served, so if another person is in, you will have to wait. There were only about 3 groups on the day, so there was no problem at night, but it seems to be difficult when the rooms are full.

I stayed.
The inside of the room was European and very nice.
The dinner and morning were great.
I was surprised at the dinner course one by one. The morning wasn't one plate, and I was impressed that it was firmer than I expected.
I would love to visit you again.