Asaba
Location: 3450-1 Shuzenji, Izu, Shizuoka, 410-2416, Izu, JP
Star Rating: 4 Stars
Property Type: Ryokans
About this Property
Luxurious Amenities: Treat yourself to massages, body treatments, and facials, or enjoy leisure activities like hot springs, karaoke, and bicycles for rent.
Culinary Delights: Indulge in the ryokan's coffee shop/cafe and bar/lounge, and savor a complimentary local cuisine breakfast.
Comfort and Convenience: Make yourself at home in one of the 17 air-conditioned rooms with free wired and wireless internet, flat-screen TVs, and daily housekeeping.
Book your stay at Asaba in Izu today to experience ultimate relaxation and luxury amidst the serene Bamboo Forest Path.
Important Information
- Reservations are required for spa treatments. Reservations can be made by contacting the ryokan prior to arrival, using the contact information on the booking confirmation.
- Children 6 years old and younger are not permitted at this property.
- The Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour, and Welfare requires all international visitors to submit their passport number and nationality when registering at any lodging facility (inns, hotels, motels, etc. ). Additionally, lodging proprietors are required to photocopy passports for all registering guests and keep the photocopy on file.
- Please note that some properties do not permit guests with tattoos to use the onsite public bathing facilities.
Policies
Check-in: 02:30 PM - 06:00 PM
Check-out: 11:30 AM
Instructions: Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property. For any questions, please contact the property using the information on the booking confirmation. Guests booked in Half Board rates must check-in by 6:30 PM to receive dinner.
Amenities & Facilities
- Free breakfast
- Meeting rooms
- Free WiFi
- 24-hour front desk
- Terrace
- Garden
- Luggage storage
- Karaoke
- Designated smoking area
- Wheelchair accessible
- Elevator
- Gift shops or newsstand
- Conference space
- Free breakfast
- Safe-deposit box at front desk
- Meeting rooms
- Wedding services
- Free wired internet
- Free self parking
- Airport transportation - pickup (surcharge)
- Free breakfast (local cuisine)
- Kaiseki meal
- Handrails in stairways
- Well-lit path to entrance
Rooms Available
-
Superior Tatami Room, Pond View, Room name "Matsukaze"
4 Twin Futons
764-sq-foot room with lake views
Internet - Free WiFi and wired internet access
Entertainment - Flat-screen TV
Food & Drink - Refrigerator
Sleep - Turndown service
Bathroom - Private bathroom, spring water bathtub, and separate shower with a rainfall showerhead
Practical - Safe, free newspaper, and desk
Comfort - Air conditioning, daily housekeeping, and heating
Need to Know - Bed sheets not available
Smoking And Non-Smoking
Max Occupancy: 4 (4 Adults)
- Safety deposit box
- TV
- Air conditioning
- Hair dryer
- Refrigerator
- Desk
- Private bathroom
- Heating
- Bidet
- Toilet paper
- Shampoo
- Tatami (traditional Japanese flooring)
- Free newspaper
- Daily housekeeping
- Turndown service
- Separate bathtub and shower
- Free WiFi
- Rainfall showerhead
- Spring water bathtub
- Smoking and Non-Smoking
- Soap
- Toothbrush and toothpaste available
- Toothbrush and toothpaste not available
- Bed sheets not available
-
Standard Tatami Room, Pond View “OUT-BATH”
3 Twin Futons
388-sq-foot room with lake views
Internet - Free WiFi and wired internet access
Entertainment - Flat-screen TV
Food & Drink - Refrigerator
Sleep - Turndown service
Bathroom - Shared bathroom, free toiletries, a hair dryer, and a bidet
Practical - Safe, free newspaper, and desk
Comfort - Air conditioning, daily housekeeping, and heating
Need to Know - Bed sheets not available
Smoking And Non-Smoking
Max Occupancy: 3 (3 Adults)
- Safety deposit box
- TV
- Air conditioning
- Hair dryer
- Refrigerator
- Desk
- Heating
- Bidet
- Toilet paper
- Shampoo
- Tatami (traditional Japanese flooring)
- Free newspaper
- Daily housekeeping
- Turndown service
- Free WiFi
- Smoking and Non-Smoking
- Soap
- Toothbrush and toothpaste available
- Toothbrush and toothpaste not available
- Bed sheets not available
-
Standard Tatami Room, Garden View, Room name "Yamabuki"
2 Twin Futons
527-sq-foot room with garden views
Internet - Free WiFi and wired internet access
Entertainment - Flat-screen TV
Food & Drink - Refrigerator
Sleep - Turndown service
Bathroom - Private bathroom, spring water bathtub, and separate shower with a rainfall showerhead
Practical - Safe, free newspaper, and desk
Comfort - Air conditioning, daily housekeeping, and heating
Need to Know - Bed sheets not available
Smoking And Non-Smoking
Max Occupancy: 2 (2 Adults)
- Safety deposit box
- TV
- Air conditioning
- Hair dryer
- Refrigerator
- Desk
- Private bathroom
- Heating
- Bidet
- Toilet paper
- Shampoo
- Tatami (traditional Japanese flooring)
- Free newspaper
- Daily housekeeping
- Turndown service
- Separate bathtub and shower
- Free WiFi
- Rainfall showerhead
- Spring water bathtub
- Smoking and Non-Smoking
- Soap
- Toothbrush and toothpaste available
- Toothbrush and toothpaste not available
- Bed sheets not available
-
Suite, Traditional Tatami-style, Pond View, Room name "Moegi"
6 Twin Futons
1249-sq-foot room with lake views
Internet - Free WiFi and wired internet access
Entertainment - Flat-screen TV
Food & Drink - Refrigerator
Sleep - Turndown service
Bathroom - Private bathroom, spring water bathtub, and separate shower with a rainfall showerhead
Practical - Safe, free newspaper, and desk
Comfort - Air conditioning, daily housekeeping, and heating
Need to Know - Bed sheets not available
Smoking And Non-Smoking
Max Occupancy: 6 (6 Adults)
- Safety deposit box
- TV
- Air conditioning
- Hair dryer
- Refrigerator
- Desk
- Private bathroom
- Heating
- Bidet
- Toilet paper
- Shampoo
- Tatami (traditional Japanese flooring)
- Free newspaper
- Daily housekeeping
- Turndown service
- Separate bathtub and shower
- Free WiFi
- Rainfall showerhead
- Spring water bathtub
- Smoking and Non-Smoking
- Soap
- Toothbrush and toothpaste available
- Toothbrush and toothpaste not available
- Bed sheets not available
-
Junior Suite Room, Traditional Tatami-style, Pond View, Room name "Asagi"
3 Twin Futons
807-sq-foot room with lake views
Internet - Free WiFi and wired internet access
Entertainment - Flat-screen TV
Food & Drink - Refrigerator
Sleep - Turndown service
Bathroom - Private bathroom, spring water bathtub, and separate shower with a rainfall showerhead
Practical - Safe, free newspaper, and desk
Comfort - Air conditioning, daily housekeeping, and heating
Need to Know - Bed sheets not available
Smoking And Non-Smoking
Max Occupancy: 3 (3 Adults)
- Safety deposit box
- TV
- Air conditioning
- Hair dryer
- Refrigerator
- Desk
- Private bathroom
- Heating
- Bidet
- Toilet paper
- Shampoo
- Tatami (traditional Japanese flooring)
- Free newspaper
- Daily housekeeping
- Turndown service
- Separate bathtub and shower
- Free WiFi
- Rainfall showerhead
- Spring water bathtub
- Smoking and Non-Smoking
- Soap
- Toothbrush and toothpaste available
- Toothbrush and toothpaste not available
- Bed sheets not available
-
Suite Room with Tatami, Pond View, Room name "Ugetsu"
6 Twin Futons
958-sq-foot room with lake views
Internet - Free WiFi and wired internet access
Entertainment - Flat-screen TV
Food & Drink - Refrigerator
Sleep - Turndown service
Bathroom - Private bathroom, spring water bathtub, and separate shower with a rainfall showerhead
Practical - Safe, free newspaper, and desk
Comfort - Air conditioning, daily housekeeping, and heating
Need to Know - Bed sheets not available
Smoking And Non-Smoking
Max Occupancy: 6 (6 Adults)
- Safety deposit box
- TV
- Air conditioning
- Hair dryer
- Refrigerator
- Desk
- Private bathroom
- Heating
- Bidet
- Toilet paper
- Shampoo
- Tatami (traditional Japanese flooring)
- Free newspaper
- Daily housekeeping
- Turndown service
- Separate bathtub and shower
- Free WiFi
- Rainfall showerhead
- Spring water bathtub
- Smoking and Non-Smoking
- Soap
- Toothbrush and toothpaste available
- Toothbrush and toothpaste not available
- Bed sheets not available
-
Deluxe Tatami Room, Garden View, Room name "Dodan"
2 Queen Beds and 2 Twin Futons
861-sq-foot room with garden views
Internet - Free WiFi and wired internet access
Entertainment - Flat-screen TV
Food & Drink - Refrigerator
Sleep - Turndown service
Bathroom - Private bathroom, spring water bathtub, and separate shower with a rainfall showerhead
Practical - Safe, free newspaper, and desk
Comfort - Air conditioning, daily housekeeping, and heating
Need to Know - Bed sheets not available
Smoking And Non-Smoking
Max Occupancy: 4 (4 Adults)
- Safety deposit box
- TV
- Air conditioning
- Hair dryer
- Refrigerator
- Desk
- Private bathroom
- Heating
- Bidet
- Toilet paper
- Shampoo
- Tatami (traditional Japanese flooring)
- Free newspaper
- Daily housekeeping
- Turndown service
- Separate bathtub and shower
- Free WiFi
- Rainfall showerhead
- Spring water bathtub
- Smoking and Non-Smoking
- Soap
- Toothbrush and toothpaste available
- Toothbrush and toothpaste not available
- Bed sheets not available
-
Suite, Traditional Japanese Tamami and Western-style, Garden View, Room name "Nadeshiko"
2 Queen Beds and 2 Twin Futons
1044-sq-foot room with garden views
Internet - Free WiFi and wired internet access
Entertainment - Flat-screen TV
Food & Drink - Refrigerator
Sleep - Turndown service
Bathroom - Private bathroom, spring water bathtub, and separate shower with a rainfall showerhead
Practical - Safe, free newspaper, and desk
Comfort - Air conditioning, daily housekeeping, and heating
Need to Know - Bed sheets not available
Smoking And Non-Smoking
Max Occupancy: 4 (4 Adults)
- Safety deposit box
- TV
- Air conditioning
- Hair dryer
- Refrigerator
- Desk
- Private bathroom
- Heating
- Bidet
- Toilet paper
- Shampoo
- Tatami (traditional Japanese flooring)
- Free newspaper
- Daily housekeeping
- Turndown service
- Separate bathtub and shower
- Free WiFi
- Rainfall showerhead
- Spring water bathtub
- Smoking and Non-Smoking
- Soap
- Toothbrush and toothpaste available
- Toothbrush and toothpaste not available
- Bed sheets not available
Guest Reviews
- meiquinn (4/5): Room and view great kaiseki totally dissapointing - We are now staying at the Hagoromo room in asaba ryokan and i must say while we were initally in awe of the room and beautiful surroundings, the whole experience was marred by the totally underwhelming kaiseki dinner tonight Given the rave reviews i had read and the 3 michelin star on its dining experience, i must say i am flabbergasted. While the taste was relatively good and simple (i guess to jive with the zen theme of the ryokan) the whole presentation left us absolutely positively dissapointed! I understand the need for 'zen' but from cutler to plating to food presentation... The only word that comes to mind is dissapointing! Made worse by all those wonderful reviews from other guests. And the dessert... A scoop of so called cherry blossom ice cream that tasted more like vanilla ice cream thats not even trying hard to look like anything but!! Seriously! And btw for a place that charges upwards of usd 2.5 to 3k i do feel somewhat cheated and taken for a ride. Views and room aside... Also for that amount... U dont even get body lotion in the bathroom and i had to request for one! Go figure. Extremely disappointed
- Roxtor (10/5): Wonderful ryokan experience - An architect’s vision, Asaba is a modern style ryokan panelled in light wood with rooms overlooking a pond stocked with fish and a waterfall, as well as a stage where performances occur in certain seasons. There are small indoor baths and a very pleasant outdoor bath. Our room had a nice Japanese tub to enjoy a private soak. Dining is in room, breakfast and dinner included, and our meals were Kaiseki style. Each meal was delicious and relaxing, served by friendly attentive staff. Futons are set out after dinner for a very comfortable sleep. Lots of power plugs, good wifi, flat screen tv and refrigerator. There is a tea and coffee station as well as some complimentary drinks including bottled water. Great toiletries are provided. The lounge has coffee, and tea, and a fine view of the pond especially in the evening when lanterns are placed outside. Service is outstanding! The town of Izu is a pleasant place to wander about and visit the many tiny shops. There’s a pleasant walk through a bamboo garden that will take you from Asaba to the commercial area. A side note: during our stay a group of tourists in the outside bath was ignoring or was unfamiliar with, proper bath etiquette, with loud talk, laughter and other behaviour disrespectful of other guests. Much like the hot tub at a Florida spring break hotel. I encourage first time ryokan visitors to read up on bath etiquette in advance for everyone’s enjoyment.
- OWHKG2016 (8/5): Stunning Historic Ryokan - From the moment we arrived, we were taken away by how stunningly beautiful this ryokan is. Everything is tastefully designed and at times it feels more like a museum than a ryokan. We loved our room Hagi which faced the pond. We also absolutely loved the food that was served here - the ingredients were very fresh and the dishes, to our palate, were better than the ones at Fufu (and mind you, food is a strong point across all Fufu properties). Our room attendant, Yoko, was also friendly, knowledgeable on a lot of things and had a cool personality. The tatami was also plush and very comfortable, possibly the best futons we have ever slept on. What wasn’t so great for us, however, was the lack of proficiency in English. There were a couple of service lapse, which we assume is due to language barriers despite what we thought was clear communication and acknowledgment. We feel that it should be better for Japanese speaking guests. We also feel that most staff here were a little bit old and feel that we might be a bit too young to be a guest, I’m not sure how we got the feeling but just didn’t click for us. For the room, it lacked the normal skincare amenities of an onsen ryokan and the hairdryer was very weak, which would pose an issue for the ladies or gents with long hair. Service here, while good, was not great per se. In the end we had a good stay here but were not blown away. Room: We stayed at Hagi room, which is adequately sized for two and enjoyed a great view of the garden. Would happily stay there again if we return. One night would be enough given the very small size of the Shuzenji town.
- H4150QXjennym (10/5): Quiet Sophistication and Top-Notch Service - My husband and I just spent a glorious two nights at Asaba Ryokan and we loved it start to finish. Everything was spotlessly clean, the service was attentive but understated, and the peace, quiet and relaxation were the perfect antidote to jet lag. All that said, there are customs and etiquette specific to ryokans and hot springs bathing, so do your homework. If you are expecting to be able to choose your meals or not get naked to enter the communal baths (segregated by sex), you will be disappointed. If, however, you’re open to the experience and especially the bathing culture, you can’t do better than Asaba. If your goals are to relax, bathe and eat well, Asaba will tick every box. We can’t wait to go back!
- yammytown (4/5): extremely overpriced - While the property itself is undeniably beautiful, my experience fell short of expectations, especially considering the high nightly rate. Unfortunately, the meals were disappointing, and to make matters worse, I noticed red mold in the bathroom, which was concerning. The initial welcome staff was warm and attentive, but the service during our meals was quite the opposite—our server seemed unengaged, and the service was consistently slow. I was also surprised that alcohol wasn't included, not even the first round, given the price. When I requested an extra bottle of water, I was told it would incur an additional charge, which seemed excessive for something so basic. Another drawback was the lack of a comfortable place to sit together in the room. There was only a small bench that could barely accommodate one person. Aside from the bath, there were no amenities or activities offered on-site, which limited the overall experience. For the price we paid, I expected a lot more in terms of service, comfort, and offerings.
- NickRiver (10/5): Truly beautiful, historic ryokan - 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 (8/5): Beautiful place with kind staff, but pricey - 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.
- loloco17 (10/5): Magical experience - 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.
- Bubzilla (10/5): Amazing Experience - 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.
- sundayspritz (10/5): Transcendent ryokan experience - 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.
- 681kkayh (10/5): Asaba is stunning and a national treasure - Much has been said in detail in other reviews here about the excellence of Asaba. I won't repeat them, except to corroborate and say that Asaba is indeed one of the best luxury ryokan experiences in Japan (we stayed at several other well-known luxury ryokans including Gora Kadan and FUFU as well). The location and views are what sets it apart - it's truly one of the most beautiful settings that you can imagine, and is even more stunning in person than it is in pictures. Asaba's natural surroundings and views look almost unreal and storybook-inspired. This ryokan is a national treasure and I almost did not want to leave such a glowing review for fear of it becoming increasingly impossible to book...
- NobuLex (10/5): Exquisite - 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!
- rationalsingularity (10/5): top on-sen hotel in Japan - Very nice on-sen hotel. One of my best experiences in Japan. The view from the room is spectacular. The food is exquisite. The common room is well designed. Close to the shuzenji, not far from the station.
- KI-NRT (8/5): Still top notch, but choose your room carefully - This was our third visit to Asaba ryokan in the last 12 months, and you might be wondering why. Asaba is a ryokan that offers something unique unlike any other; various performances take place throughout the year on a beautiful Noh stage set on the opposite side of a pond and surrounded by a gorgeous garden. This time, we came to see a Kyogen (狂言) performance by the famed Nomura Mansai (野村 萬斎.) As soon as the performance schedule for 2022 was posted on their website, we got on the phone to make a reservation. By the time we did, however, many of the choice rooms were booked. Given that we were a party of four, we took Makiginu (巻絹) and Doudan (満天星) - one was a spacious room with an Onsen bath on the second floor (but no view of the stage), while Doudan was on the first floor and had a commanding view of the Noh stage, meaning that we could watch the performance from the room. We felt this was an acceptable combination... one room with a view so that we can all gather to watch the performance, with the other room serving as a nice gathering spot for the family, and the place where we'd all dine together. While it was a solid plan, I was disappointed in Doudan. Of the 19 rooms,
- KI-NRT (10/5): Our second stay; we will return again soon - Asaba is one of the rare luxury ryokans that potentially offers a unique experience each time one stays there. In our case, the difference was in the performance. We made reservations on a date where a Shamisen (a traditional, three-stringed Japanese instrument) performance was planned. And this was no ordinary Shamisen concert. It featured Nakasaburo Shinnai (新内 仲三郎), a designated "living national treasure." along with his son Tagatayu Shinnai (新内 多賀太夫.) It did not disappoint! We were able to watch the proceedings on Asaba's gorgeous lake from the comfort of our spacious and stylish Moegi Suite Room. Afterwards, Mr. Shinnai gave a talk in the lobby area, and even gave an encore performance for the small group of guests that were staying at Asaba (only guests are able to attend the concert.) It was truly a magical night for us, and reason alone for staying at this ryokan. There are other traditional performing arts that are sporadically scheduled throughout the year, including Noh stage performances - that's the target for our next stay here. Even without a live event, Asaba is a standout among Japan's luxury ryokans. It sits right near the heart of historic and lively Shuzenji town, is traditional in its decor but modern and fresh in its amenities, has a wonderful garden that includes a picturesque lake and a Noh stage that is hundreds of years old, its staff are refined in their manners and warm in their smiles, the communal open-air Onsen hot spring baths are stunningly beautiful and tranquil, and the kaiseki cuisine served at Asaba is absolutely divine - out of the dozen-plus dishes that were served, not a single one was a repeat offering from the time we stayed there last Spring. And yet everything was unique, creative and mouth-watering. The kitchen staff do a spectacular job in focusing on seasonal and local ingredients yet delivering a world-class dining experience. We booked two rooms (we were a group of four this time) - the aforementioned Moegi, along with Hagi, which is located on the first floor. Both are superb accommodations but differ in their charm and aesthetics. Moegi is on the 2nd floor and faces the lake, offering up the iconic lake + Noh stage view that you'll see all over the internet. It's also the preferred room during scheduled events, since performances take place on the lake (weather permitting; otherwise, it happens indoors.) Hagi, but contrast, is on the ground floor and does not have the same view. Rather, it has its own, stunningly gorgeous, view of a wonderfully manicured garden with a spectacular stream in front and a variety of trees beyond. The in-room Onsen bath is also of the open-air variety with a front-row view of the garden, unlike Moegi, which is located inside. If I was asked to choose between the two, I'd recommend Moegi for a first stay (or on event days) and Hagi for subsequent stays at Asaba. Given Japan's plethora of top-notch luxury ryokans, we rarely (if ever) grant a second stay at any property (or location.) Asaba is one of those rare exceptions. Simply the anticipation of staying there makes me giddy with excitement. We shall return... soon.
- KI-NRT (10/5): Right up there with the very best ryokans in Japan - On paper, Asaba ticks all of the boxes for a luxurious ryokan stay. It's located just minutes away from a wonderful Onsen town (Shuzenji), as well as a historic temple (Shuzenji Temple), yet is nestled in a quaint area along a gorgeous pond. The architecture and decor are traditional Japanese yet is up-to-date and in fresh condition. There's an onsen hot springs bath in every room, including some that have the open-air variety. The communal, open-air baths are in a gorgeous setting along a private part of the lake with views of the bamboo forest beyond. Each group of guests are assigned a "Nakai-san" (a butler for lack of a better description) who looks after every aspect of your stay, including meals. You have the option to dine in the comfort and convenience of your own room (and, given how awesome the rooms are, why wouldn't you?) From the common area, as well as from many of the rooms at Asaba, you're treated to an incredible view of the pond and the historic Noh stage, the latter which is actually used for actual performances that periodically take place (you should count your blessings if it actually happens - they do provide a calendar of performances on their website if you're interested in witnessing traditional Japanese performing arts. And, finally, the food is out of the world. While we generally try to stay at the top room at ryokans we stay in, at Asaba we choose not to do so... and it was quite unnecessary. We stayed in the "Moegi" room on the second floor, which was 116m² in size and commanded a wonderful view of the pond, Noh Stage and the forest beyond. It featured a Japanese tatami sitting area, a living room, an indoor terrace with floor-to-ceiling verandahs, a dedicated bedroom with Western-style beds and an wooden Onsen hot springs bath. It was spacious, comfortable and anything beyond that would've been overkill in our opinion. the luxurious decor was complimented by local and traditional art. Truly, Asaba's sense of place is off the charts. Chie, our dedicated Nakai-san, was charming, enthusiastic, professional, super knowledgeable and quick to cater to our every request and inquiry. And during the meals, she painstakingly explained every detail of every dish (where each ingredient came from, why/how various ingredients were combined and prepared, etc.) It was a great education of innovative Japanese kaiseki cusine - even for veteran kaiseki foodies like us. Speaking of food, it was phenomenal. It was a mix of super creative (and super delicious) and familiar offerings that were done exceptionally well. On the former front, one of the dishes was a slightly seared (very rare) Spiny Lobster meat that was covered on top with Lobster Tomalley and Sea Urchin. The combination of them was wonderful, and won't be soon forgotten. But even a simple, stand-alone dish such as the New" (fresh seasonal) Onion simmered in a light, soy-based broth with ginger was exceptional. And the memorable meal ended by three courses of desserts, each extraordinarily creative and amazing: The first was Blancmange, a sweet French dessert that's sort of like Panna Cotta - a category of eggless custard desserts. This was followed by Kuzukiri with Kuromitsu (a Japanese black sugar syrup.) Kuzukiri is a transparent noodle made from water and kudzu powder, and is a traditional dish that is included in wagashi Japanese sweets. Finally, they offered two flavors of amazing ice cream - a ginger-flavored one and a Sakura cherry ice cream. Again, it's not something you'll see very often, if ever, and Asaba does such a great job of it that it's definitely worth visiting for the food alone. Everything about the Asaba experience was as close to perfection as we could hope for. The staff are refined and graceful, yet warm and attentive. We can tell that they've been at this "Omotenashi" (Japanese hospitality) thing for quite some time, but it's done with a very warm touch. In spite of Asaba's lofty status among the very best Japanese ryokans, we didn't sense a hint of snobbery (unlike a few places we've recently visited.) We are set to return to Asaba this Fall - with some of our family members in tow - and have booked a date that features a traditional Shamisen ( a three-stringed traditional Japanese musical instrument) performance (on the lake) by a renowned artist. And we'll get to enjoy it from the comfort of our room. Can't wait!
- kanpai34 (10/5): serene, peaceful and so comfortable - The property is still the same as many years ago.... wonderful. clean, welcoming, pleasant and relaxing. have been more than 10 times and visited again after a five year absence. love it more and more. the only thing is that the time schedule for using the outdoor bath could be improved a bit. 2 hours for men, then 2 hours for women and repeat this cycle. thank you asaba - you are one of my favorite places to stay in Japan1
- Yamada (10/5): 最高の滞在！ - 全てにおいて素晴らしかったです。
- MAYUMI (10/5): ありがとうございました - 予約ミスがあったのですが 気持ちよく今日からCiika SILKY OIL(シーカシルキーオイル) 発売になります。 シルクのような滑らかな髪になること、絹糸のような繊細なテクスチャーから名付けられたヘアオイルです。 14種の植物由来オイル、ケラチンオイルなどの美容成分が贅沢に配合されています。 シーカはアニカやボニカとは別物で、 アニカとボニカは艶を重視だとしたら、シーカはダメージ補修重視！ なじませると重くなく、さらさらになるのが特徴です。 香りはベルガモットミュゲの
- MAYUMI (10/5): 贅沢時間でした - 本当に素敵な旅館 ゆっくり時間を過ごすことが出来ました 次は連泊して更に贅沢に過ごしたいです
- くみこ (10/5): - 伊豆食材を使ったお料理がとても美味しかったです。露天風呂もリラックス出来て、良かったです。おもてなしの心のこもったスタッフの対応も素晴らしかったです。
- itsraele (10/5): Pure Bliss - We stayed here for the last few days of our honeymoon in January 2020 and it was truly a blissful end to the trip. The staff treat you like royalty, from the moment you check in and take your shoes off at the entrance to a practically presidential goodbye when you check out and depart. The food was impeccable - so authentic, fresh, and well-presented. Special nod to Tai, the young lady who served our dinners and breakfasts each day. The hot spring bath was so serene, especially at night when the surrounding trees are lit up so you can just gaze into the distance. The beds were probably the most comfortable beds I have ever slept in - the pillows and comforters looked and felt like clouds. The entire ambiance and peaceful views encourage you to just disconnect, and I highly recommend the splurge here for a few nights of pure Japanese relaxation.
- Kwanruthai (10/5): - Absolutely perfect!
- peterbG2238HW (10/5): Stay at Asaba Ryokan - A big step up from our last Ryokan in Kyoto. The hotel room is c 70sqm and divided into three parts; a sitting tea where you have lunch and dinner, a sleeping area and a balcony overseeing a small decorative lake and the wooded hillside (see photo). Futon style bed was incredibly comfortable with down quilt and pillows. Never ending supply of dishes at dinner and good wine list for anyone not hing the full health route. In room bath fed from the natural springs and choice of indoor and outdoor public baths as well as private baths for family. The only word of warning is for those over the average Japanese height. Most doorways are at about five foot ten and I have a few battle scars to prove it - care when moving around after dark!! Fully deserves a five star rating
- Verified traveler (8/5): - のんびりできて良かったです。
- Hisayuki (10/5): 最高！また訪れたい旅館！ - おもてなし全てに関して文句の付けようが無いくらい素晴らしい接客でした。旅館の細部に至るまで清掃が行き届いており、清潔感があり、とても過ごし易かったです。 料理も素材を活かした調理法で優しくとても美味しく、お腹一杯で幸せな気分となりました。 全て良くまた行きたいと思いました。 ありがとうございました。
- SydneyVaughn (10/5): Pricey but unforgettable - We stayed overnight with 4 other couples (Japanese, Chinese, American and French). Our unanimous verdict was that from the moment we arrived until we departed, everything was exquisite: the koi pond that greeted us upon arrival, our rooms, the food, service, etc etc etc. The entire place is very serene. I told my husband and our friends that within a few minutes from our arrival, I was completely relaxed just soaking in the atmosphere. Guests need to leave their shoes at the main entrance for the duration of their stay so everyone walks around wearing tabi (Japanese socks). We also wore our yutaka (Japanese robes) throughout. The room assigned to us (named Nadeshiko) had 2 western twin beds, while our friends had traditional tatami rooms. We had fun exploring our room which had several sliding doors so we discovered we had 2 toilets and 2 vanities. The best feature of our room was a small living/dining area with a view of a garden. [We were served a traditional Japanese breakfast in our room on the morning of our departure.] Our dinner (included in the price of our stay) was superb. One of the selections was an exceptionally large and sweet tomato that was different from anything I've ever had before. There was also an eel selection that was very well prepared - i normally do not like eel, but thoroughly enjoyed what we were served. After dinner, the hotel staff took us to a nearby bridge (around 500m or so from the hotel) where we watched fireflies. A nice 'poetic' way to cap the evening, as one of our friends said. Right outside the hotel, there are beautiful bamboo gardens and a shrine, which make for a pleasant stroll. Everything was beautiful and perfect. Would absolutely love to go back someday.
- kurumis2014 (6/5): overall OK but had too high an expectation - we had a very, very high expectation of this ryokan. The place is beautiful and the service upon reception was good. Just two things that we thought was a little underwhelming: 1. We were introduced to our Nakai-san but at dinner time they suddenly changed to a male and left us wondering what happened. I think it was a bit unusual in Japan to have a male Nakai-san but it was not a big problem, but we wish they would have let us know what happened at least. 2. Food was overall good but given the tabelog score it was a bit underwhelming. maybe our expectation was too high.
- Verified traveler (10/5): - 최고라는 말 밖에 할 말이 없는 료칸. 서비스, 음식 등 모든 것이 완벽했다.
- Jana (10/5): A Tranquil Traditional RYOKAN - A fabulous, traditional ryokan. So beautiful, calm and tranquil. Great service and food. Would love to go back!
- シーちゃん (6/5): 落ち着きのある高級宿 - 清潔感ある老舗旅館、大きな池やステージが目の前に広がるロケーションは他にはありません。従業員のサービスも行き届きゆったりとした時間を過ごせました。
- shenxiao (10/5): excellent Japanese style ryokan - This ryokan provides excellent service and serves high quality Japanese food. I have stayed with many reputable 5-star hotels in Japan, such as Mandarin Oriental Tokyo, Andaz Tokyo, Suiran the luxury collection hotel in Kyoto, but I have to admit that even under the most fastidious standard, the service provided by Asaba is impeccable.I have a memorable experience during my stay at Asaba. Everything is perfect.
- Verified traveler (8/5): - 館内の隅々まで手入れが行き届いており、気持ちよく過ごせました。 食事も大変美味しく頂きました。干物まで自家製と聞いて、食材へのこだわりが感じられるものでした。 大浴場は内湯も露天も小さめですが、とても気持ちよく使わせていただき満足です。 同行した海外からの友人夫妻も、大変喜んでいました。 ありがとうございました。
Photos
