Asaba Ryokan

The luxurious Asaba Ryokan offers an intimate ryokan experience that encourages relaxation.

Situated in the small town of Shuzenji on the Izu Peninsula, the 17-room Asaba Ryokan has been run by the same family since it opened in the 16^th century, when it functioned as an inn for monks visiting the Shuzenji temple. Today, it remains a serene escape on Japan's Pacific coast, offering a ryokan experience and the chance for guests to experience the famous onsen (Japanese hot springs) in the area.

Upon arrival, guests are asked to remove their shoes and given socks to wear within the ryokan. Yukatas (casual kimonos) and pajamas are also provided, and most guests will alternate between these clothes during their stay. In fact, many will not even leave their rooms; meals at Asaba are served kaiseki-style (a formal, multi-course Japanese meal) in the guest rooms. The cuisine here is outstanding, and some signature dishes include chargrilled Japanese beef fillet, deep-fried lobster and a hot pot of Amagi game fowl with bonito, kelp and egg.

With a simple Japanese aesthetic, Asaba has a minimalist design with some modern touches mixed in, like mid-century modern furniture and contemporary art. The accommodations vary in size and layout, but all are sparsely decorated with tatami floors, sliding screen doors and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking a pond. The best rooms are those with their own onsen, so guests can experience the hot springs in privacy and without visiting the communal bathing areas (which are enjoyable, but shared).

While on property, guests can spend their days relaxing in their rooms or on the terrace, enjoying the onsen or indulging in treatments at Hitotoki Spa, where massages, beauty treatments and yoga are available. Asaba also has its own Noh (traditional Japanese musical theater), where a few performances are shown each month. The stage overlooks the pond and guests can watch the performances from the comfort of their rooms. Indagare Tip: Contact Indagare before booking to make sure your stay coincides with a performance, as they only occur once or twice a month.

Travelers seeking a relaxing and authentically Japanese experience in a serene, quiet setting will be happy at Asaba for one or two nights. Those who would like to have more activities at their disposal will prefer Tawara-ya in Kyoto or Gora Kadan in Hakone.** **

• **From Tokyo:** Drive two hours or take a two-hour train to Shuzenji and a 10-minute taxi to Asaba.
• **From Kyoto:** Take a two-hour train to Mishima and one-hour car ride. Instead of the car ride, guests could opt to transfer to another train for 45 minutes and then take a 10-minute taxi to the property. The drive from Kyoto to Asaba takes four-and-a-half hours.