Iwaso

What a spectacular stay we had. While the property is old and shows its age it is super lovely. Food was fantastic. Onsen was beautiful. Location was excelllent and surrounded by nature. Overall ryoken experience was one of the best travel experiences of my life.

Lovely stay - as a first time visitor to Japan, it was great to have a night at some more traditional lodging. Iwaso was beautiful and the service excellent. The fixtures in the private bathroom in my room were somewhat dated but everything was very clean, and I really used the Onsen anyway - also, the historic/classic styling of the property was what I wanted. I didn’t find the futons particularly comfortable, but am used to western beds. But what I really felt like I was paying for here was location - a short walk to town, beautifully set right along the river. Could hear the stream from my room (which looked out into the trees, I was in the newer/larger building) and loved using the outdoor Onsen next to the water. And, the best part was being up late/early after the hordes of day trippers had left - very peaceful. It also made it easier to get to the ropeway right at opening and avoid the lines (property is along the path up to Mt Misen.) The more expensive lodging options looked beautiful and probably worth the splurge - just outside my budget.

Food was amazing. Best I’ve had on my trip. Loved the area as well.

This is a very expensive ryokan in my opinion, but you're paying to be able to stay in Miyajima after all the tourists leave, so it's worth it. You can get a very nice kaiseki dinner, which if you like Japanese food, you'll like. It's heavy on the fish and shellfish, not surprising since it's an island, so if you have an issue with that, you need to tell them when you make the reservation or at least before you arrive. The room was a basic Japanese room. Really well appointed. My only problem was that it sounded like they were doing laundry in the room below me all night, but then in the morning, I thought maybe it was the plumbing? Who knows. It's centrally located to the shrine, so I got up at 7 and had the place almost to myself - which is the reason why you do this.

Iwaso is a tremendous experience, absolutely recommended in my book. The hotel staff were very helpful and attentive, making sure I knew everything I needed to to make the most of my time staying there. I stayed at Iwaso for one night as a part of a larger trip traveling around Japan, and the room I had here was far and away the most spacious and luxurious of any I stayed in during the trip. Iwaso is a short walk away from many of the main attractions on Miyajima (really short, we're talking sub-10-minutes). However, Iwaso also has a bus that can pick you up from the ferry terminal, which is a big help if you have any heavy bags. (I didn't, but could see how useful that would be.) The balcony in my room overlooked a remarkably calm forested area, with the sounds of wildlife as company while I sat and read. The balcony was enclosed, to prevent mosquitos and other bugs from disrupting your experience. The room also included instructions for the yukata (traditional pyjamas) and for using the hotel's onsen, both of which were very helpful for a foreigner like me who wasn't already accustomed to them! I didn't book dinner with my room, but the front desk staff were able to provide me with a map of the island with some dinner recommendations. And the traditional breakfast was a real treat, wholeheartedly recommended to get a taste for some new Japanese foods.

An amazing experience. One of the highlights of our entire trip to Japan. Miyajima itself is extremely touristy and crowded, but still worth it for the views, shrines, temples, street food and the pesky deer. This hotel is a haven of tranquility amidst the hustle and bustle yet only a very short walk from the action. The staff guide you patiently in etiquette for a Ryokan. Both the evening meal and breakfast are cultural and culinary experiences and the onsen baths were lovely. Sleeping on the futon and tatami mats was much more comfortable than I expected. It’s not cheap by any means, but I think it is well worth it for the overall experience.

Great way to spend an easy getaway from the city. Beautiful nature setting. Got some good bathing in too. Great traditional Japanese dining!

Beautiful property and very friendly staff!

The Iwaso is an outstanding, traditional, well preserved Japanese Ryokan with a long & old history, and was the highlight of our recent trip to Japan (family of 3, incl. 13 yo son and me who lived in Japan for more than 15 years). If you seek to experience real/ ‘old’ Japanese customs, e.g.: sleep on the floor in a traditional Japanese guesthouse, tickle your tastebuds with Kaiseki (multiple course dinner menue) and relax within an Ofuro (common bath for hotel guests) in an outdoor setting, the Iwaso Ryokan on Miyajima will take you back to that very special time 100 years ago. (To all novices to Japan, please (!) read through the guidance on Japanese customs the hotel is providing to really experience the traditions, show respect, and to have a most delightful ‘samurai-like’ time) We will remember & cherish our stay at Iwaso forever. PS: if you are uncertain how long to stay on Miyajima, I would recommend staying on the island a full day: there are many, many beautiful shrines and temples to visit, cute shopping streets that take you back in time, wonderful hiking possibilities with free roaming, wild deers, or a small beach for a quick dip (at least your legs) on a hot summer day.

Loved this stay

Brilliant place to stay. Right by the torii gate also

Best part is you are steps from the shrine. Dinner was in a private room. Hotel is on top of a creek with waterfall. Onsen was perfect. It was the crown jewel of our vacation.

I never write reviews but Iwaso was unforgettable for so many reasons - it was an awesome traditional ryokan/onsen experience and so incredibly toddler friendly. The food was great and the customer service wonderful. 11/10 recommend.

The hotel was great but we could not book dinner on both the nights we were there and there are really limited places to eat on the islands. Staff were nice but not that helpful. The room was lovely and basic as expected. The onsen were lovely

We loved Iwaso. Spent one night in the main building and two nights in the new building. The staff were very friendly and most welcoming (we do not speak any Japanese). Highlights include the onsen (very clean and relaxing), the central location (near the hiking trails/shops/restaurants/shrines), and the food both at Iwaso and in town. This is a special place with special staff!

I liked the meals and housing. The staff were incredibly kind and welcoming. Maybe add an extra mirror and soap in shower.

The staff from the Ryokan was very helpful and offer pleny of care. The place itself was incredible difficult to overcome. We could fell the deep within the culture of this world heritage island of Japan. Everything there worthy to visit. We will come back whenever visit Japan.

This had been on my radar for years, having stopped in to check it out in the past. The entrance/lobby area is wonderful and the staff members are also wonderful - I guess that is what sold me on it. I finally had a chance to stay there, so made the reservation. I have been in many high end and low end ryokans. In low end things are tattered and food isn't memorable or even very good, but they charge $75-150 per person per night, so I don't expect more. High end ($250-500 per person/night) generally are much nicer with better rooms (with new, nice smelling tatami), nicer baths, and superior food. The price here was about $500-600 before extras for a night for 2 people and I expected much better food. It wasn't bad, but just wasn't special. The room was somewhat tattered and small. The tatami mats must have been old, since there was no nice smell. We had just come from a different ryokan that cost the same and had nicer facilities, a room twice the size and incredible food, so I expected more here. It is older (I think they said 150 years old), but that should be no excuse. The service was very nice and the staff was caring and friendly. I really enjoyed all of the staff members with whom I had any contact. I just expected a nicer room and better food for the price.

Very helpful staff; took time to answer a myriad of questions that I’m sure they’ve been asked hundreds of times before. He’d never stayed in a ryokan so enjoyed the room and the onsen.

Service is great, location is fantastic, food is amazing especially the dinner. Definitely a must stay.