As a Western solo traveler, there’s a lot about food etiquette that isn’t very obvious. Namely, kaiseki style dining and how it’s eaten. There were multiple times I was eating things “incorrectly” or too soon (e.g., I thought that the six plates on a tray brought to me were all the food there was so I start eating but then someone comes with two other rounds and expected me to have waited for them, or there was small pot of stew that was supposed to be cooked in front of me but it appeared to have been cooked before I arrived so I almost ate raw seafood on accident). It was a wonderful experience but i just feel the dining experience was a bit more stressful than it needed to be

The rich history

Stayed in March 2024

Conveniently and calm location. The food was exceptional and a highlight of our stay. After visiting the island, the onsen offers a good chance to relax.

Stayed in March 2024

We had an exceptional experience at Iwaso from the moment we arrived to our departure. The staff was incredibly nice and welcoming. Highly recommend.

Stayed in March 2024

Nothing to report Just note it’s an onsen - so our room has a toilet and basin but no shower/bath - you use the onsen. Which was perfectly fine and super cool with amenities etc.

Loved the meal - gave us such a good experience of many things. Brilliant cultural experience for our family and the kids were so nervous with the onsen, but loved it in the end.

Stayed in January 2024

Ryokan felt more like a hotel in rooms wing. Very expensive

Traditional ryokan experience that I wanted to try. Lovely natural setting . Traditional Japanese 10 course dinner and breakfast

Stayed in December 2023

What did we like? Everything. From the pick-up from the farry to the drop-off after they had stored our luggage for the day Everything was first class. After check-in we were served tea in our rooms and given a run down on the facilities of the accommodation. Our rooms were clean and comfortable - japanese style tatami with futons set up while we were at dinner. Dinner was awesome. We were given some dining information and guided through the multi courses. We chose the paired wines which worked beautifully. Breakfast mirrored dinner, there was guidance about the different courses. And the balance of flavours was spot on. Would be very happy to have the privilege of returning.

Stayed in December 2023

The onsen and treatment was great

Stayed in October 2023

A bit too expensive

Amazing Ryokan, perfect location, food is delicious, room is great, great onsen.

Stayed in September 2023

Nothing, really. There are some places where you can see its age (water spots, worn wood) but that is part of the charm of staying in a ryokan that has operated since 1854!

I loved the location- it was very convenient to the shrine and park.

Stayed in September 2023

Very nice location. A traditional Japanese experience. The onsen are lovely. One pool inside and one outside. Dinner and breakfast are traditional Japanese meals. Bed are futons on the floor, so do not expect a regular bed. Staff was very helpful and freindly. Location is great. It is a short walk to the town and bay front.

Stayed in September 2023

service, shuttle, welcome, meals, onsen

Stayed in August 2023

For the massage maybe it can be better on a massage room, because on the bed it was not the best

The staff was super nice, polite ! The gift was a good surprise. The food was good. Onsen beautiful.

Stayed in September 2023

Nothing

Such a beautiful traditional ryokan! The facilities were great and the half board was delicious. Staff were very friendly and accommodating to tattoos.

Stayed in September 2023

Difficult to find anything to be improved, but if something could be mentioned, as it is a ryokan, the old building rooms have no private showers and there some light coming from the corridor during night time

Location in a Miyajima, close to main interesting points, and the atmosphere of the hotel is great. Food is really authentic. Staff hospitality is superb.

Stayed in September 2023

Breakfast wasn’t the best but maybe it’s our western taste

Everything from the service to the facilities, location, meals

Stayed in August 2023

The dinner was well presented but the taste is so unique and japanese that it might be difficult for a westerner. We couldn't eat more than half the plates. Was a lot more expensive than the other ryokan in the area.

Very beautiful ryokan. The yukata. The onsen. Very clean. Polite staff. A nice experience of traditional ryokan.

Stayed in August 2023

The dinner was very specific, therefore, in the hotel's requests, write in detail what you don't like and don't eat. I wrote limited details, so I got things I like less.

First of all the transfer from the ferry platform to the hotel was super convenient. As was sent to us in the message, we asked a service woman on the platform to call the hotel and immediately after the call we were told that the transfer was on its way. The location of the hotel is excellent and requires around 3 minutes of walking to reach important places on the island. The room was very large and had everything you need in the room. When you check in at the hotel, they bring you green tea and famous local cookies - very pleasant.

Stayed in July 2023

Nothing

Amazing experience in a very nice Ryokan! The building itself is amazing, very close the the main interest points. All the staff is simply wonderful, they will do their best to make you feel at home. Last but not least, the food: I highly recommend to eat both dinner and breakfast at the ryokan: one of the best foods tried in Japan!

Stayed in August 2023

When I came to Iwaso it was a perfect, the staff was very kind and helpfull and the room was big and comfy. We had 2 night stay it Iwaso and we really enjoy everything there. Thank you very much will definitly be back again

Stayed in July 2023

Not applicable - everything was amazing.

Iwaso was simply amazing. The level of service, cleanliness, luxury, and kindness was unmatched during our time in Japan on our honeymoon. It cannot have an equal in Miyajima.

Stayed in July 2023

Maybe a little refresh of the facility but acceptable for one night

Staff adorable and setting is unique

Stayed in July 2023

Wonderful facilities, GORGEOUS outdoor/indoor onsen with beautiful views, EXCELLENT food, and wonderful service! The dinner was out of this world. It’s very close to the trailhead to hike Mt Misen, which you should definitely do. We left some things behind accidentally and the staff immediately forwarded them on to our next hotel, and called the hotel to arrange the details. Top notch in every way!

Stayed in July 2023

Gorgeous location, beautiful property, thoughtful and friendly staff, absolutely delicious kaiseki.

Stayed in July 2023

It’s a bit pricey but worth it.

A fabulous place. We would like to live there and never go home. 😁

Stayed in July 2023