Shizuka Ryokan

I felt like I had been transported to a little ryokan in Kyoto except there were kangaroos and cockatoos! The food was fantastic and my geisha facial and reflexology in the spa were superb!!! Can't wait to come back and experience it all again. Not the place to come to if you are a TV addict as there are no televisions and no telephones. Just go and get away from the crazy world we live in!

I have never been to Japan, but I would guess that staying at the the the Shizuka Ryokan would be a pretty accurate recreation of that experience. The guesthouse is designed on Japanese principles and has a wonderful air of calm and tranquility. The hosts aren't Japanese, but they employ Japanese staff which give the place an authentic air. You must remove your shoes at the door and may only wear the slippers they provide for you inside. You are welcome to wear the comfortable cotton robes they provide at all times. There is no TV and no phones with restful Japanese music playing the the lounge area, and in your room when you arrive. The room is very simple with a few Japanese decorations, tatami matting on the floor and a low table and chairs, which is replaced by futon bedding at night. Each room looks out to a tiny Japanese style courtyard garden with a water feature. The bathrooms thankfully have all the mod cons including a huge 2 person spa bath. We chose to have the Japanese banquet served in our room and it was a wonderful experience. The food was very nice and seemed authentic, but the best part was the giggling Japanese girls who very politely delivered each course, and the indulgent feeling of being served a feast in your own room. The low table and chairs did get a bit uncomfortable after a while.
I also found the futon beds to be a bit too firm and had a sore back in the morning, but you can choose to have a double layer of futon bedding, and I would definitely do that next time.
The traditional Japanese breakfast of teryaki salmon, rice, miso soup and various vegetables was a real highlight.

This lovely relaxing place is based on a traditional Japanese experience. On arrival you remove your shoes and put on a pair of slippers. The rooms have tatami matting on the floor and rice paper screens leading to a private little garden with a water feature. Lovely food and tranquil Japanese music in the background. When we went it was just our friends and one other couple- very quiet. I would recommend the relaxation massage- lovely lady who had 15 years experience. Only negative was the cost- a bit high.

Approximate cost: $800

It was truly relaxing. The staff were also very informed, friendly and helpful. Great service as well. Love that each room has their own spa. Very traditional rooms with a futon bed - which was surprisingly comfortable.
The shiatsu massage probably wasn't my style as there was alot of rolling around during the massage. At the end of my spa treatment, they ran out of hot water in their showers (as three other couples decided to fill in their spa all at the same time), so I had to take a cold shower (in the middle of winter) to wash the mud off from my body wrap. In hearing about the incident, the host (Peter) gave us drinks on the house and made sure that we were fine.
Food was incredible, so close to traditional Japanese food. Shizuka Ryokan is definitely the place to be for a romantic and relaxing weekend.

Approximate cost: $800

Happy customer service, happy atmospheric, just a nice time. I would definitely recommend it to anyone/s going up that way. The Japanese word “shizuka” means tranquillity, and thats definitely a word I would use.

My wife and I celebrated our first year anniversary here, considering that paper was the traditional gift. We were impressed by the decor, the traditional room layout, Japanese massage and fantastic breakfast. With rooms limited to 6, it was a wonderfully intimate affair. The staff service is excellent and the surroundings pristine and relaxing. It is the perfect romantic getaway.

This is an over the top Japanese experience. From the time you leave your shoes at the door, through to the traditional Japanese dinner, then to the traditional Japanese breakfast it is amazing. The food is superb. The rooms are an experience with traditional Japanese decor. While you are at dinner the staff rearrange your room to put a futon on the floor for your bed. Exquisite. Dinner is an additional charge to the room tariff.

Approximate cost: $240