Asaba Ryokan

Japanese inn · Izu

Asaba Ryokan

Japanese inn · Izu

3450-1 Shuzenji, Izu, Shizuoka 410-2416, Japan

Highlights

Serene rooms with hot-spring baths in an upscale hotel featuring traditional Noh performances. This elegant hotel in a famed hot spring resort area is 3 km from the Shuzenji train station and 28 km from the Mishima Skywalk suspension bridge. Featuring tatami floors and traditional short-legged tables, the refined rooms have free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and indoor baths with hot spring water. Some rooms have futons. In-room breakfast and dinner are included. Loaner bikes and shuttles to the train station are free. There's a gourmet restaurant, as well as a serene garden featuring a pond and an outdoor stage for classical Noh theatrical performances. A spa area offers beauty and massage treatments. Kids age 7 and up are welcome.

3450-1 Shuzenji, Izu, Shizuoka 410-2416, Japan Get directions

asaba-ryokan.com

@asaba_ryokan

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@cntraveler

"A high-end ryokan on the Izu Peninsula, known for its serene environment and traditional Japanese hospitality."

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@cntraveler

"In the heart of Shuzenji lies a little enclave founded over 500 years ago—originally monks dwelt here, and then a rich tradition of Noh theater developed. Today Asaba Ryokan's grounds surrounding a private pond keep the tradition of Noh alive with regular performances for guests, as well as some of the finest ryokan hospitality this side of Tokyo. Almost all of the rooms come with handwoven tatami flooring; after dinner, your plush futon is unfurled on the floor for a most restful sleep." - Brandon Presser

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@cntraveler

"Why did this hotel catch your attention? What's the vibe? In the heart of Shuzenji lies a little enclave founded over 500 years ago—originally monks dwelt here, and then a rich tradition of Noh theater developed. Today Asaba Ryokan's grounds surrounding a private pond keep the tradition of Noh alive with regular performances for guests, as well as some of the finest ryokan hospitality this side of Tokyo. What's the backstory? This independent property is a member of Relais & Chateaux. Tell us all about the accommodations. Any tips on what to book? Each room is uniquely designed and given a name instead of a number (as is common for a traditional ryokan). Almost all of the rooms come with handwoven tatami flooring; after dinner, your plush futon is unfurled on the floor for a most restful sleep. Is there a charge for Wi-Fi? Free. Drinking and dining—what are we looking at? Dinner and breakfast, included in the stay, showcase the finest recipes and ingredients from the region. And the service? The service can be a bit stodgy if you're not used to the veneer that comes with rules-focused care common among traditional Japanese inns. What type of travelers will you find here? It's like magic: You rarely see the other guests. What about the neighborhood? Does the hotel fit in, make itself part of the scene? Shuzenji may win the prize as Japan's cutest little town. Is there anything you'd change? It delivers on all of its promises. Any other hotel features worth noting? The hot river coursing through Shuzenji trickles into Asaba's private hot pools. As with all traditional ryokan, bathing is done sans tattoos and in the nude. Bottom line: Worth it? Why? It's a hefty price, but it's a truly unique experience." - Brandon Presser

Asaba Ryokan

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Peter Hall

Google

This is one of the most beautiful hotels in the world. It has been run by the same family for 500 years and we found the standards of service, the beauty of the buildings and the quality of the food flawless. Everyone was so kind! An exceptional and magical experience! It is also a great base for bush walking in the neighbouring countryside and rafting.

Nick B

Google

The first amazing thing about Asaba Ryokan is that it’s been in one family ownership for over 500 years. A truly mind boggling fact for someone involved in early stage companies in a country where the first white settlement occurred when Asaba was already about 200 years old. Apart from just being an amazing fact, the family has maintained the ambience that I’m sure its founder would be proud of. ||The setting and architecture of the ryokan, with only 12 suites overlooking a lake, full of large fish, over to a Noh theatre stage, is magnificent. The facilities and service are of the highest standard. All breakfasts and dinners were served in our room, with personalised service by friendly wait staff. The food is excellent. Drinks in the salon overlooking the lake was a peaceful way to relax after walking around town. ||Our room, Asagi, was beautiful. The hot tub overlooking the lake was a highlight. ||Asada Ryokan is expensive. Is it worth the money? It depends on what one values. I think our 2 night stay was definitely worth it.

JSMCT

Google

The staff at the hotel is truly excellent - friendly and welcoming, and communication prior to our stay was perfect. The kitchen accommodated my food allergies and the dinner and breakfast were delicious. Yoko, who served us our meals, is a delight and we loved her. The room was very spacious and quiet. The beds were really comfortable, and the onsen/shower room was wonderful. Our teens slept on futons on the floor in a tatami room, which worked really well. Asaba sits in a very pretty spot, with lovely views. My only complaints are that there was no lotion in the room (but there was in the common indoor batha reas), that nudity is required in the hot spring baths (I had thought it was optional to wear a swimsuit, so perhaps this was my fault), and that the hotel is very expensive. Although we really enjoyed our stay and the experience we had, I do not think it is a good value, although I have no other ryokan/onsen experience to compare it to. Also, the nudity rule makes it a bit uncomfortable for families with older children or teenagers.

Lauren C

Google

A magical place, historic with lots of modern touches. We stayed in the Fuji room which looks out at a garden, koi pond, and bamboo forest. We loved our in-room onsen and the public/private baths were beautiful as well. The Japanese beds were plush and extremely comfortable, maybe the best sleep of our whole trip. We enjoyed most of the food, particularly the soups, cooked fish dishes, and both Japanese and Western breakfasts, and our meals were beautifully and thoughtfully prepared. Our room attendant, Yuri, was very warm and helpful. The service was wonderful, everyone is so lovely and kind. The place was fully booked and somehow we rarely saw other guests - it was as though we had the whole place to ourselves. A deeply soothing, peaceful experience and well worth the cost.

Carey F

Google

We have stayed at many Relais & Chateaux properties and this place may be the best yet. From the lovely accommodations and private onsen, to the spectacular bath, outstanding staff and delicious meals, we were amazed at the tranquility and beauty of everything around us. Even the town of Shuzenji was a lovely place to spend time and walk around. Truly a gem. We will stay there again.

nobuaki m

Google

Food: no flash presentation but every ingredient and preparation was impeccable. Decor: traditionally Japanese and spotless. View from the room: like a masterpiece picture with a breeze. Building: you don’t have to wear awkward slippers typical in Japanese ryokan. ||Lounge was wonderful. We enjoyed the the garden for hours there. Great collection of art books was fun, too. Perhaps you can have a glass of champagne there before dinner which will be served in your room so that you could eat it with pajama on if you want to relax. And the food will be grand-maison level!

Lea Huang

Google

Beautiful ryokan neighboring shuzenji. Our room “Tenko” was spacious, amidst the forest and stream with indoor and outdoor onsen. The room only has 2 beds, but there was a living room that could close off almost entirely and has its own bathroom, futons can be added here and it can easily accommodate more people. I had high expectations for dinner due to the high rating on tabelog, but there were only a few standout dishes like the sashimi and eggplant tempura topped with uni, the other dishes were a bit bland and unmemorable. Breakfast on the other hand was much better. Service was very attentive as well, but all in all I’m not sure the price tag of over ¥700,000 for three people is justified. Granted our room was the largest on the property, but our friends who stayed in the standard rooms also paid over ¥300,000 per couple which is way higher than other ryokans in the area. At this price point I would expect everything to be perfect, but it wasn’t. I also didn’t think the scenery in our backyard was that impressive. Overall it was a great experience, but I think staying here once is enough.

Teresa W

Google

Stunning property, service, and meals. The view out of every window looks like an old Japanese painting. I can't imagine how beautiful it is in the fall. This was the most peaceful, relaxing stay we've ever had anywhere.