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.

Nice place, but pretty expensive.

趣があって良かった。お風呂が清潔で綺麗でした。スタッフの方々の対応が親切で丁寧でした。

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.

Bellissima struttura, camera con affaccio su una piccola cascata. Personale molto attento, cordiale e gentilissimo. Ottimo onsen. Cena deliziosa.

Camera molto bella e pulita Onsen perfetto Cena e colazione in stile giapponese

Beautiful hotel with great service and great views from the room! Is very japanese traditional. Maybe won’t stay many nights but one night was great

Loved this stay

Brilliant place to stay. Right by the torii gate also

Exceptionnelle!

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.

創業170年の歴史を感じさせる雰囲気と調度品が素晴らしかったです。 歴代の天皇陛下も来られて、G7サミットのディナー会場に使われたのも頷けます。 料理も目と舌を楽しませてもらえるものでした。 川のせせらぎを聞きながら、昼間の観光客のざわめきがない落ち着いた時間を過ごせました

일본 여행의 진수를 느낀 료칸 이와소 강추에요. 여고 동창과의 여행이었는데 하나같이 다음 여행에도 이와소라고 할 정도로 만족도가 최고였어요. 그동안 미야지마를 잠깐 배타고 둘러보고 오는 정도였는데, 친구들과 특별한 여행의 추억을 만들고자 료칸을 선택한 것이 신의 한수, 탁월한 선택이었지요. 1박 2식을 신청하였는데 저녁식사, 아침식사가 기대 이상이었어요. 료칸의 온천은 별도의 비용을 받긴 하지만 꼭 이용해야 해요. 실내에는 화장실만 있어서 온천을 이용할 수 밖에 없으니 사용 횟수에는 상관없이 비용은 한 번만 지불하면 돼요. 자연 친화적인 노천온천도 있구요. 작은 선물가게도 있어요. 식사 때 음료비용, 온천 비용은 체크아웃 때 계산해요. 다음 날 아침, 이츠쿠시마 신사에 가려는데 캐리어가 걱정이 되어 물어보니 여객선 탈 시간에 전화하면 여객선터미널까지 가져다 주겠다고 하여 정말 좋았어요. 여객선터미널에 관광안내센터가 있으니 그곳에 부탁하면 미야지마의 숙소에 전화를 해 주니 반드시 이용하세요. 숙소의 직원이 차량을 이용해서 마중, 배웅을 해 고생하지 마세요. 이와소의 장점은 이츠쿠시마 신사 바로 뒷쪽이어서 걸으면서 구경하면 10분 정도이고, 로프웨이 셔틀버스 내리는 곳이기도 해요. 히로시마에서 전통 료칸여행을 생각한다면 이와소 좋아요!