Iwaso is a traditional luxury Ryokan, set on the picturesque ‘divine island’ of Miyajima, worshipped by the locals since ancient times. Situated in the beautiful part of Momijidani Park, Iwaso started as a tea shop for visitors to the island in 1854. It soon transformed into an inn so visitors could linger in the relaxing atmosphere of Miyajima. Built in the ‘miya-daiku’ style, by the craftsmen who built Japanese shrines, it now offers the same tranquil environment as it did in the past.
This wonderful luxurious Iwaso Ryokan has just 38 Japanese style rooms. These are housed in three buildings; the Honkan (original building) is the oldest and is more ornate and traditional than the Shinkan (annex). However, rooms in the Honkan do not have private baths but use shared baths in Iwaso. For the ultimate experience there are a couple of separate cottages (hanare) which are more than 80 years old, all exquisitely decorated featuring old wooden bathtubs.
Dining options at the Iwaso include traditional 'kyoto-style' meals. These are served in the Momiji restaurant which has a lovely riverside veranda and is open for lunch. Breakfast and the multi-course 'kaiseki' dinner are served in Japanese style, in the privacy of your guest room. In the surrounds are lovely nature walks shaded by maple trees, planted by its owner Iwakuniya Sobei in 1854. A short walk away is the Great Torii ‘Itsukushima’, a free-standing gate in the middle of the sea.
Amenities
24hr Room ServiceBar/PubCoffee ShopConciergeCribs/Infant Beds AvailableFamily RoomGardenMeeting/Conference FacilitiesMultilingual StaffRestaurantSafety Deposit BoxesSpa/SaunaStay Iwaso features just 38 Japanese style rooms spread across three one-storied cottages. All are elegantly designed with traditional lattice work and Japanese influences. Expect tatami rice straw mats, sliding paper doors, deep soaking wooden baths and floor-level furnishings, typical of the ryokan’s Edo-period origins. Covered verandas and picture windows overlook the valley hillside and Iwaso’s Japanese garden. Modern conveniences including air-conditioning and television.
ChildCare Families with children are welcome to stay at Iwaso but there are no specific facilities available for children. Babysitting can be arranged on request.
Dine The Chef at Iwaso specialises in multi-course ‘kaiseki’ cuisine using only fresh, seasonal ingredients including Miyajima’s famous oysters. Each dish is carefully balanced so as to excite all five senses and is served either in private spaces or in your room. Breakfasts and lunches are equally authentic with steamed fluffy rice, miso soup, hot Japanese omelette and grilled fish. Most restaurants on the island close around 5pm, so enjoy lunch out in Miyajima and dinner back at Iwaso.
Relax Iwaso has a lovely traditional tea lounge and peaceful library. Not to be missed are the various spa baths - sampling these in such beautiful surrounds is a wonderful way to pass the hours.
Experience Miyajima Island is considered to be the Islands of the Gods dominated by Mt. Misen, the island’s tallest mountain. Iwaso is ideally located for nature walks into the Momijidani Park or to the top, which takes about 2 hrs. A short walk from Iwaso is the Itsukushima shrine, a free-standing gate, a World Heritage Site, best seen in evening when it is beautifully illuminated. There are deer all over the island, considered messengers of the Gods in the Shinto Religion.
Location Located on Miyajima Island (also known as Itsukushima). It is 300m (a 3 minute walk) from Iwaso to Itsukushima Shrine.
Getting there 12-hour International flight to Tokyo International Airport-Haneda, followed by a 2-hour Shinkansen (bullet train) journey to Hiroshima and a 20-minute Ferry. This is recommended as part of a longer Japan itinerary.
When to go Spring and autumn are the best times to travel, with the delicate cherry blossom or turning leaves adding a gorgeous hue to the scenery. The cherry blossom begins its journey northward in mid-March, reaching Kyoto and Tokyo by early April, and finally arriving in Sapporo by early May. The autumn leaves reverse the pattern, touching the high peaks of Hokkaido in mid-October and marching steadily south to Kyoto by mid-November.
Destination
Honshu, Japan
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