The Perfect Ryokan for a Luxury Japan Itinerary: Private Onsens, Hot Springs & Bamboo Forests

Asaba Ryokan is located among the lush bamboo forest mountains of the Izu Peninsula in the charming town of Shuzenji Onsen, which is often called the " Little Kyoto of Izu." (But don't worry, it's nothing like the tourist crowds in Kyoto.) This peaceful hot spring village is known for its bamboo-lined paths, ancient temples, traditional wooden bridges over the Katsura River, proximity to the wasabi fields (yes, there is wasabi ice cream in the town), and cute, cozy local eateries serving handmade soba noodles, fresh river fish, and seasonal kaiseki dishes. Shuzenji is where I will have you go on your Japan itinerary to slow down and truly unwind. But you can hike and bike, so there is still so much to do to stay active.

@newvibrationtravel

@newvibrationtravel

Asaba offers a private world of tatami rooms, open-air onsen baths, and kaiseki dining crafted from local Izu ingredients. You can dine in your room for privacy or you can reserve the small dining area. The rooms are humungous and designed to all have a view and let nature in. On property, you can enjoy a range of indoor or open-air hot springs, attend a Noh performance on the ryokan’s floating stage, or simply sip tea or Asahis in complete harmony between architecture and nature. From the moment you arrive, you feel a sense of cleansing and zen. No shoes allowed here (slippers provided) and a traditional yukata is provided for your wardrobe (guests by choice can wear their yukata or their robes) as well as the softest pajamas. It's all very cozy and comfortable.

@newvibrationtravel

@newvibrationtravel

How long to stay

• Two nights max

Who I love this for

• Couples

• Honeymooners

• Mother/daughter getaways

• Solo travelers (especially if looking to relax)

• Girls trips

@newvibrationtravel

@newvibrationtravel

Food

Breakfast and dinner are included in your stay. For breakfast, you have a choice of Western or traditional Japanese dining. There are so many cute lunch options in town for soba noodles and there is the best matcha and wasabi ice cream shops (yes, you are reading this correctly).

@newvibrationtravel

@newvibrationtravel

Things to know: Kids younger than 7 are not allowed, but they do have a private villa you can talk to me about. In my opinion, this is not the property for your kids at all unless they are mature and will keep the zen feeling of the property. The town however is amazing for curious, nature-loving children.

How to get to Asaba Ryokan

• From JR Tokyo Station, take the limited express Odoriko train to Shuzenji Station (about 120 minutes). It's about 10 minutes by cab from Shuzenji Station.

• Or, from JR Tokyo Station, take the Shinkansen bullet train to Mishima Station (about 45 minutes). Take the Izu Hakone Railway to the last stop, Shuzenji Station (about 35 minutes). It's about 10 minutes by cab from Shuzenji Station.

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