Iwaso Ryokan

If you are a connoisseur of Japan, I would highly recommend it.  Perhaps, if you are looking for an authentic ryokan adventure in Hiroshima, I would highly recommend it.  The property has a special heritage value.  The experience is pure Japan and should definitely be tried.  We felt that we were being pulled into old Japan.  The ambiance is serene, charming, and quaint.  The property would be great for couples, solo travelers, family, or small groups.  If you are going to stay here, I would highly recommend booking a corner room in the new building.  You can fully enjoy viewing mountains and the Inland Sea.  Rooms tend to be cramped.  Facilities tend to be outdated but well-maintained and very clean.  The décor is “Japan minimalistic”.   If you feel awful when you sleep on Japanese-style mattresses in tatami rooms, you might want to request two mattress layers in advance.  Then all of the amenities are taken care of including minimum toiletries, yukatas, and a green tea set.  Room service is not available.  There is no convenience store on the island.  You may want to buy your necessities before coming here.  There is a vending machine for drinks in-house.  The wifi reception was good in the new building and around the front lobby onlyThere was no wifi reception in the main building and the annex.  Then the new building is almost a universal design.  A wheelchair is available for borrowing.  If you bring people with weak feet, you may want to book a room in the new building and inform the staff in advance as they can arrange a room near the lift.  Then there are indoor and outdoor public hot springs in-house.  They are open from 6:00-9:30, 15:00-24:00.  There is no private family hot spring and no room with a private one in the property.  *If you have tattoos, you may not be permitted to use the public bathing area.  Then kaiseki cuisine for dinner was simply wonderful.  The food would be equivalent to Micheline 1 star.  The portion tends to be small.  After dinner, the staff provided some sushi pockets for a night snack.  You can choose either Western or Japanese cuisine for breakfast.  Dinner is served in your room or a private room.  Breakfast is served in a dining area.    Dinner starts from 18:00, 18:30, 19:00, or 19:30.  Breakfast starts at 7:30, 8:00, or 8:30.  *Please note that inform the staff when you book a room with meals if you have any food allergies.  They probably wouldn’t be able to prepare alternative food if you request on that day.  Then if you have dinner on the property, you need to check in by 19:00.  Then, as far as I know, there is no restaurant for dinner around the property.  Most of the local papa-mama shops are closing early.  You may want to book a room including meals.  Then all staff is truly excellent.  If you want to experience signature Japanese hospitality with a personal touch, you should stay here.  Everyone here is so welcoming and helpful, however, be mindful and respectful of the Japanese traditions here as it’s a very traditional hotel.  Overall, the price range would be reasonable.  If you want to get much of an immersive “Japanese culture” experience as you expect, it’s well worth staying at Iwaso Ryokan.  Anyway, the best season to stay here would be in spring or fall.  You can see beautiful views of the property.  Then you may want to avoid visiting here during Lunar New Year, late April to early May, mid Aug, weekends in Oct and Nov, and the end of the year and New Year holiday.  The island would be very crowded during the above periods.  At last, don’t forget to take a walk around the property before breakfast and after dinner.  The atmosphere would be very special.  The place felt solemn and mysterious.  Actually, there are always many tourists here in the daytime but there are few people in the early morning and at night.   It’s truly worth staying on the island.  Have a nice trip!  Welcome to receive any questions about the property from the below space.  *All information is as of the date that I posted on my blog.  **Check-in and out times 15:00/10:00  ***If you check-in after 19:00, you need to inform staff in advance.  ****Free shuttle service is available from Miyajima Sanbashi.  You may want to ask staff for the shuttle service as there is a long slopeYou need to book it in advance and inform the staff of your boarding time.  Check Availability and Pricing for the ryokan on Agoda

Info about Iwaso Ryokan

Style Traditional Japanese Ryokan
Guest Rating Superb 9.0
Estimated Price 50,000 JPY for 2 adults per room
Contact iwaso@iwaso.com
Internet Connection Free wifi in the new building and the lobby only
Facility Information  Wheelchairs are available
Pets are not allowed
The free parking lot is available 
Location Iwaso Ryokan’s MAP
Access 15mins walk from Miyajima Sanbashi
Address and TEL Minamimachi-345-1 Miyajimachō, Hatsukaichi-shi,
Hiroshima-ken 739-0522 Tel +81 829-44-2233
Official Homepage Iwaso Ryokan’s HP