The best ryokan to stay in on Miyajima. Exploring the serene beauty of the island of Miyajima, an island revered for its spiritual significance and natural splendour, is incomplete without immersing yourself in the traditional Japanese-style accommodations.
These traditional inns provide more than just accommodation; they offer a window into Japan’s rich culture, heritage, and the art of hospitality.
Especially, in Miyajima, several ryokans stand out not only for their service and location but also their ability to transport guests to a bygone era of samurai and geisha. Even more impressive is all of this is achieved while providing the comforts and luxuries of the modern world.
This guide is a deep dive into why you should select traditional Japanese rooms over a standard hotel and the best ryokans in Miyajima. Specifically focusing particularly on what makes them exceptional.
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Table of Contents
The Art of Omotenashi: Authentic Japanese Hospitality
Renowned for their exceptional service, ryokans exemplify the Japanese philosophy of “omotenashi,” the art of selfless hospitality. This level of service is characterized by the anticipation of guests’ needs, offering attentive, yet unobtrusive care. The staff at a ryokan make it their mission to ensure your comfort, often leaving a profound and lasting impression on their guests, distinguishing these establishments as the best place for those seeking a genuine experience of Japanese tradition.
Culinary Explorations: The Delights of Traditional Japanese Cuisine
Dining within the confines of a ryokan is an escapade into the richness of Japanese gastronomy. The kaiseki meal, a highlight of ryokan dining, features multiple courses crafted from seasonal and locally sourced ingredients. This experience is a grand display of culinary skill, offering a bounty of flavours and a presentation that is a feast for the senses. In the elegant dining room of the ryokan, guests are invited to embrace the choices of the chef, sit back, relax and savour every expertly crafted course.
Tranquility in Design: Serenity and Relaxation
Positioned often in picturesque locations, ryokans provide an environment that fosters tranquillity and relaxation. The integration of nature is paramount, with many accommodations featuring landscaped Japanese gardens, open-air baths, and rooms that present beautiful surrounding views. This allows guests to truly disconnect and engage in moments of reflection and relaxation, embracing the true beauty of Miyajima Island.
Healing Waters: The Onsen Experience
The Onsen baths, a quintessential aspect of the ryokan experience, bring another significant benefit to the Ryokan experience. The hot spring bath, whether a private onsen or an outdoor public bath, offers a sanctuary where the therapeutic qualities of mineral-rich waters are savoured.
For those who have decided to climb Mt. Misen, the Onsen serves as a perfect culmination to the day’s journey, providing a haven of relaxation with great views that capture the island’s beauty.
Timeless Connection: A Bridge to Japan’s Rich History
Many ryokans are deeply rooted in history, with origins that span centuries. Choosing to stay at a ryokan means immersing yourself in a unique historical experience, distinct from what contemporary hotels offer.
This sense of history is especially tangible for guests staying near landmarks like the Itsukushima Shinto Shrine, providing a deeper understanding of the area’s heritage.
Unique Stories: The Individuality of Each Stay
The true allure of Miyajima’s ryokans lies in their distinct character. Each ryokan narrates a different story, shaped by its location, architecture, and the personalities of its caretakers. This individuality guarantees that no two stays are alike, providing a unique encounter with each visit, whether it’s the panoramic view of the ocean from a luxury hotel or the intimate setting of a family-run inn.
Eco-conscious Living: Embracing Sustainable Practices
As awareness of sustainability rises, Miyajima’s ryokans are progressively embracing eco-friendly tourism. They incorporate local materials and conserve traditional building methods, demonstrating their dedication to living in harmony with nature.
Below I explore the best options on the Island. Personally I preferred staying in close proximity to the ferry port and the Torii gate Unesco world heritage site, we were only a 5-minute walk away. You should decide on the factors that are most important to you
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Now is the time to pick your best Ryokan on Miyajima!
1. Iwaso Ryokan: Where Elegance Meets Legacy
Nestled within the lush foliage of Momijidani Park, Iwaso Ryokan is an institution that dates back to the mid-19th century. Its walls echo with the footsteps of history, offering guests an intimate rendezvous with the island’s past. The ryokan exudes a charm that is timeless and offers:
- A picturesque architecture reflecting the transient beauty of Wabi-Sabi.
- Japanese-style rooms adorned with tatami mats, offering a glimpse into traditional living.
- Private onsens that provide a secluded escape into nature’s embrace.
- Proximity to the Itsukushima Shrine, infusing stays with a spiritual serenity.
Starting at £160 per night, including dinner and breakfast, Iwaso Ryokan invites you to partake in its storied hospitality, ensuring your time here is not just a stay but a truly immersive experience.
Official site here
2. Kurayado Iroha: Modernity and Tradition in Harmony
Kurayado Iroha rises as a contemporary beacon of luxury, a short walk from the bustling Miyajima Ferry Terminal. With an architectural finesse that marries the modern with the traditional, it offers:
- An array of rooms from Western-style comfort to Japanese-style elegance.
- A rooftop onsen providing expansive views of the Seto Inland Sea and the revered torii.
- Personalized service that caters to your every whim, embodying the true spirit of Omotenashi.
- Gourmet dining experiences that celebrate Hiroshima’s culinary treasures, including its famed oysters.
Priced at £400 per night with breakfast and dinner, Kurayado Iroha is the epitome of a retreat that understands how to properly blend the nuances of luxury and tradition.
3. Sakuraya: A Homely Embrace
Sakuraya presents a warm invitation to travelers seeking the comfort of a home away from home. It captures the essence of Miyajima’s homely charm and offers:
- A welcoming atmosphere that echoes the island’s hospitable spirit.
- Rooms that frame the tranquil vistas of the sea or the embrace of the mountains.
- A convenient location that allows easy exploration of Miyajima’s storied attractions.
- Home-cooked meals and authentic Japanese baths that complete the ryokan experience.
With prices starting from £73 per night, Sakuraya is a choice that promises intimacy and comfort without the splurge.
4. Yamaichi Bekkan: A Confluence of Comfort and Heritage
Yamaichi Bekkan beckons travellers with its fusion of tradition and contemporary amenities. A stay here is characterized by:
- An array of traditional rooms that speak of a bygone era.
- Air-conditioned rooms with private bathroom paired with the aesthetic of Japanese design.
- Fantastic Kaiseki cuisine that is an ode to the seasonal flavors of Miyajima.
- A history of hospitality that is both heartfelt and refined.
Available from £99 per night including breakfast and dinner. I stayed here and could not speak highly enough of the experience. The hospitality of the staff and the quality of the food is a real highlight.. There was even an error with the booking, entirely our fault, and the wonderful hosts accommodated everything, unquestionably wanting us to have a fantastic stay
5. Mizuhasou: Where Serenity Meets the Sea
Mizuhasou is a ryokan that perfectly blends the modern with the timeless. Positioned to offer quick access to Miyajima’s landmarks, it provides:
- Stylish accommodations that range from the traditional Japanese aesthetic to modern Western design.
- A dining experience that features the freshest catch and local produce.
- Service that is often lauded for its excellence and attentiveness.
With rates starting at £132 including breakfast, Mizuhasou positions itself in the mid range options on Miyajima.
6. Miyajima Grand Hotel Arimoto: Traditional Splendor with Panoramic Views
Experience a blend of grandeur and heritage at the Miyajima Grand Hotel Arimoto, an establishment that echoes the island’s noble spirit. Within its walls, you’ll find a time-honored welcome that harmonizes perfectly with the scenic beauty of the island.
- Luxurious traditional rooms that offer a step back into a more genteel era, with tatami floors and futon beds.
- An exquisite onsen experience with both indoor and open-air bath options that command stunning views of the surrounding verdant mountainside.
- Dining options that include a kaiseki feast, showcasing the best of seasonal flavors right from the heart of Miyajima, served in an elegant dining room.
- A stone’s throw away from the majestic Itsukushima Shrine, providing guests with the privilege of easy access to one of Japan’s most sacred sites.
- Western-style rooms are also available
With its prime location, just a 5-minute walk from the Miyajima pier, guests at Miyajima Grand Hotel Arimoto enjoy not just the luxury of convenience but also the tranquility that comes with being in one of the most beautiful places on the island. The hotel also offers a free shuttle service, ensuring seamless connectivity to and from the ferry port. Rates start from £430 per night, including a traditional Japanese breakfast.
7. Hotel Miyajima Villa: Seaside Luxury with a Cultural Heart
Hotel Miyajima Villa presents a unique juxtaposition of seaside serenity and cultural immersion. This luxury hotel, located on the ocean’s edge, offers guests an intimate experience with the soul of Miyajima.
- Spacious rooms and private onsens with a direct ocean view, where the gentle lapping of the waves serenades you into relaxation.
- Contemporary comforts seamlessly blended with traditional Japanese room design, providing both modernity and a taste of the customary ryokan aesthetic.
- A panoramic view from the property that includes the floating Torii Gate, inviting a contemplative connection with this iconic spiritual site.
- Conveniently located with a free shuttle service to the ferry port, ensuring that arrivals and departures are as stress-free as the stay itself.
The villa takes pride in offering outdoor public baths and private onsens, where guests can soak in hot-spring baths under the open sky, gazing out at the UNESCO World Heritage Site. The hotel’s luxury facilities also feature free wifi throughout the property, making it ideal for those who need to stay connected even while basking in the escapism that Miyajima offers. Guest rooms begin at £250 per night, including a traditional Japanese breakfast
Conclusion: The Best Ryokan on Miyajima
Miyajima is a fantastic island, with reams of natural beauty to explore. I strongly recommend staying in a traditional Ryokan over a hotel to really maximise your experience. I also recommend you get one with a half board option as choices for eating on the island are a bit more limited and having fantastic food where you are staying will really add to your relaxation.
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