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Slip off your shoes and enter the tranquil world of the Japanese ryokan. Hospitality of honour. Zen design. Tatami flooring. Sliding shoji paper screens. A deep soaking bath overlooking your private courtyard garden. "Omakase" dining. Delicious breakfast. Spa and holistic wellness treatments. Australia's renowned Japanese guesthouse, the award-winning Shizuka Ryokan is a tranquil environment in which to relax and reenergise. The accommodation is traditional ... fully authentic in every detail including its architecture, furnishings, gardens, warm hospitality and personalised service. It's a small piece of Japan just 80 minutes drive from Melbourne.
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to Giata.
HOTEL STYLE
Modern
Romantic
Languages Spoken
English, Japanese
Location
7 Lakeside Dr, Hepburn Springs, Victoria 3461 Australia
Shizuka Ryokan Japanese Country Spa Retreat
345 reviews
Getting there
Somewhat walkable
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From the stepping stone path between carpark and foyer, to the tatami-floored room, this was an immersion in Japanese traditional guest house tradition. We were given slippers to replace our shoes and yukata to wear between bedroom and dining/lounge/treatment rooms. The guest information folder contained detailed notes about various features of a ryokan, such as the tokonoma, the internal garden, water feature, tatami floor, shoji screen and futon. A relaxation massage, followed by a shower and soak in a deep, hot bath, led to a delicious kaiseki banquet dinner. Traditional Japanese music added to the atmosphere, as did the sake tasting set. Staff were unfailingly polite and friendly. A couple of slight points of 'criticism': the information in the guest folder could have been updated to reflect current Covid-related changes to procedures. The lack of eating venues in Hepburn Springs in a Tuesday night meant we were reduced to eating takeaway fish and chips in our room, when we would have much preferred a second Japsnese meal!
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Review collected with Tripadvisor’s Reputation Pro
Date of stay: November 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Overall a lovely relaxing stay with beautiful Authentic JP cuisine served. A little expensive overall, but it was lovely to see businesses alive again after long period of isolation. Rooms are nicely appointed - we had to get extra layer of bedding as our old bodies weren’t use to futon beds which the hostess was quick to address. We enjoyed our dinner in the room - I highly recommend that - reminds me of the same hospitality you get in Japanese Ryokans. For a closer JP feel, there could be a few enhancements added to the reception/dining and surrounding landscape. Overall we enjoyed the experience and would return
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: June 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
This small but nimble Japanese Spa Inn was great Spa Inn to stay in to get away from the City life for few days. You can feel the staff at Shizuka Ryokan put a lot of effort in providing the experience, or close to, of being in Japan. You will most likely be spending time exploring the surround areas around Hepburn Spring, Daylesford, Musk or Trentham but when it comes to wanting relaxation, Shizuka Ryokan will offer it as you don't get to lay down on the floor that often. The room floors are tatami Mats, not hard wood or carpet, so it is softer.
But however the sliding doors feels a little outdated, as in some cases you may need to use some force to open them. But these were for the sliding doors separating the garden to room and the closet, Bathroom doors are fine.
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: March 2020
Room Tip:If you just arrived into your room from a long drive, just lay down. You'll appreciate the...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Having been to Japan more than 8 times, and reading the hoteliers background we were looking forward to a real experience. The theme is almost there, just tired and in need of some love.
Paying for a Kyoto level room rate, we just feel either the space needs some uplift or the price is adjusted to meet the current level? Either way there is a mismatch.
The communal space felt awkward to sit in, and we retreated to bed early the first night. Breakfast was nice, but the treatments the next day were a real eye opener.
The treatment room feels like an after thought, and not the slightest bit relaxing. The therapist tried her best, but frankly it felt rushed and basic.
The region is amazing, and has lots of places to visit, eat, and stay.
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Date of stay: November 2020
Value
Rooms
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
This place is consistently booked out as it’s a boutique accommodation with only 6 Japanese style bed rooms. I managed to see two nights availability and immediately booked for our 21 anniversary. Also went all out and booked the package (2 massage and a dinner) in addition to just having the room only. No regrets splurging! Well worth every penny.
Very authentic Japanese feel, the waitresses and receptionists are all Japanese, so you think you’re in Japan if you simply stay in the Ryokan. Great warm service, dinner was fantastic. Brings us back to our Japan holidays without having to fly all the way there!
The futon beds were surprisingly more comfortable than the ones we slept on in Japan. I wonder why ?
Our massage therapists [ Renee and Margie) also did not disappoint us. We thoroughly enjoyed our massages.
Thank you, Catherine and team for making our anniversary celebration a memorable one during this COVID period.
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Date of stay: November 2021
Value
Rooms
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
My partner and I celebrated my birthday here. I’m lucky we booked for three nights as we enjoyed every single moment of our stay! Catherine and the Japanese staff were all lovely and accommodating and they always made sure we had everything we needed. The food is amazing! We had Japanese breakfasts daily, had “omakase” dining for Thurs and Sat, and ramen for Fri. I haven’t been to Japan but I felt like I’ve just been to Japan. The rooms are beautiful and clean. I loved the private garden outside our room and the sound of the fountain was very relaxing. I also like that only a few guests can stay in the ryokan so that makes the place more peaceful. Would highly recommend this place — beautiful ambience and excellent customer service! :)
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Date of stay: October 2020Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
As good a substitute for visiting Japan as you’re going to get. Traditional, elegant tatami rooms (with that evocative tatami fragrance), ambient Japanese music, and the gentle sound of running water in the enclosed garden. Delicious Japanese breakfast. Yukata robes. Friendly host Catherine and her Japanese staff. Pretty close to the real deal.
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Date of stay: October 2020Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We were really impressed with everything at Shizuka Ryokan, ranging from the service (both Catherine and Arisa are so lovely), the cosy and traditional room designs, the comfortable yukatas provided, the zen and peaceful atmosphere and the scrumptious banquet.
While we missed out on the spa packages this time, we will definitely be coming back for a full experience in the future.
Highly recommend to any couples that are looking for a peaceful, relaxing getaway and to be in an environment away from the hustling and bustling lifestyle truly allowing for self reflection.
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Date of stay: March 2020
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I can’t wait to stay again! The most relaxing and comfortable environment I’ve been in and an authentic Ryokan experience. Thank you to Catherine and all the staff for a wonderful stay and for the last minute request that we’re accomodated. The room and facilities were clean and accessible, surrounded by the natural beauty of Hepburn. Every morning I looked forward to a delicious and locally sourced traditional Japanese breakfast and dinner was sumptuous too. So happy with my stay, I will definitely be back!
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Review collected with Tripadvisor’s Reputation Pro
Date of stay: February 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
My husband and I enjoyed staying Shizuka Ryokan. The room had all facilities authentic Japanese ryokan should have and it was very ralaxing and nice. We felt like we were back in home country. Dinner with Sake tasting and breakfast were prepared carefully and in a good mixure of traditional and modern cooking. Love to visit again soon.
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Review collected with Tripadvisor’s Reputation Pro
Date of stay: January 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Dawn,
Daily breakfasts are served in dining room. Banquet dinners are available on Saturday, Monday and Thursday evenings.
Thanks for your interest.
Regards,
Peter
Hi Dawn,
Daily breakfasts are served in dining room. Banquet dinners are available on Saturday, Monday and Thursday evenings.
Thanks for your interest.
Regards,
Peter
Thanks for the query. Whilst we love dogs ourselves, I'm afraid that the retreat is not appropriate for pets. In fact, in keeping with the tranquil nature of the experience we are also unable to accept bookings for babies and children under 16 years of age. We appreciate your interest.
There are more places to choose from in the Hepburn Springs area.
PRICE RANGE
AU$311 - AU$453 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
ALSO KNOWN AS
shizuka ryokan japanese country spa retreat hotel hepburn springs
LOCATION
AustraliaVictoriaHepburn Springs
NUMBER OF ROOMS
6
Prices are provided by our partners, and reflect total costs of the stay, including all taxes and fees known to our partners. Please see our partners for more details.
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