For our next Ryokan we travelled to Miyajima island, just off the coast of mainland Japan near to Hiroshima. A multi-part journey from Kyoto (taxi, Shinkansen, local train, ferry and car was needed, but it was well worth the effort. The Watanabe Ryokan was billed as being the highest quality accommodation – it is certainly of a very high standard. Catering for only 3 room (6 guests) it felt a lot more family-run than previous lodgings.
Rooms are huge, with en-suite facilities, each with a cypress bath, and a balcony with seating.
On arrival we were collected from the port by our hosts, and as our paperwork was filled in we were served cold green tea, a cold/frozen wet flannel and a snack.
The food was excellent. Kiseiki meals which weren’t too extreme, slightly different courses for the kids where the adult option was challenging (fish head or caviar, for example) and service in a personal dining room.
Location was excellent, found just outside the village centre and away from the majority of tourists, and very close to the beautiful Daishoin temple complex. And with generous lifts being provided to and from the port, there was little concern for the 15 minute walk!
All in all, a fantastic Ryokan, with amazing English-speaking hosts, where guests are very well catered for.