Indoor stone-edged onsen bath with bamboo blinds and garden view at Iwaso Hiroshima
Wood-paneled indoor onsen with garden view at Iwaso, Chūgoku Hiroshima Japan
Traditional tatami room with low wooden table, zabuton cushions, shoji screens and green garden views at Iwaso in Hiroshima
Tatami room with low wooden table, floor cushions and large windows overlooking trees at Iwaso in Hiroshima
Traditional wooden ryokan exterior at night with lit shoji windows and stone lantern in courtyard
Indoor wooden onsen bath with large window overlooking courtyard garden at Iwaso in Hiroshima
Traditional tatami room with low table and shoji screens at Iwaso in Hiroshima
Stone lantern-lit courtyard outside Iwaso ryokan with traditional wooden architecture in Hiroshima Chūgoku

Iwaso

9.3
This Ryokan has an overall rating of 9.3/10, based on 1,298 reviews. ? Our score combines two signals: 50% based on traveler sentiment and guest feedback found online, and 50% based on our internal on-site evaluation plus ratings from verified travelers on our platform, who must provide proof of stay.
? This ranking compares properties in the same region. It is based on the overall rating and the number of reviews, using a weighted score so properties with more review data are ranked more fairly.
Check-in from 3:00 PM
Forest Surroundings Garden Setting Valley Scenery Hot Spring Town Autumn Scenery Public Onsen
Staff 9,6/10
Facilities 9,3/10
Cleanliness 9,4/10
Comfort 9,5/10
Value for money 8,2/10
Location 9,7/10

Ryokan highlights

Historic forest-side ryokan on Miyajima, near Itsukushima Shrine and Momijidani Park.

Momijidani SettingTucked by Momijidani Park, with a peaceful natural setting at Mount Misen's base.
Walkable Shrine AccessConvenient for visiting Itsukushima Shrine and the island's iconic waterfront sights on foot.
Historic Ryokan AtmosphereLong-established inn known for classic Japanese character and a distinctly traditional stay.
Scenic BathingBathing facilities are a standout for travelers seeking a relaxing ryokan experience.
Memorable Kaiseki MealsFrequently noted for refined multi-course dining that enhances the overnight ryokan experience.
Quiet Island EscapeIts park-edge location feels calm and secluded compared with busier central Miyajima areas.

Who is this ryokan best for?

Recommended stay1-2 nightsOn-island location is the strongest driver: arrive by afternoon, enjoy dinner and baths, see Miyajima after day-trippers leave, then visit shrine, temple, ropeway, or Mt. Misen next day.
Trip-planning verdict: Best used as a 1-night Miyajima destination stay or a 2-night slow island break, not as a long regional base.

Know before booking

Ferry logisticsYou must handle ferry timing and island luggage transfers, so it is less convenient than staying near Hiroshima Station.
Limited long-stay scopeMiyajima has strong sightseeing for one full day, but many travelers run out of nearby variety after two nights.
Not urbanThis is a quiet heritage-island stay with limited nightlife, shopping, and late-night dining choices.

Food & drinks

Historic Miyajima ryokan with on-site kaiseki in Momidi and easy access to famous oyster and conger eel spots nearby.

Momidi (on-site)
on-site

Iwaso dining room for seasonal kaiseki and Japanese breakfast.

  • Kaiseki dinnerfoodSeasonal multi-course Japanese meal.
  • Miyajima oystersspecialtyServed in season, often varied styles.
  • Conger eelspecialtyLocal anago in the dinner course.
  • Japanese breakfastfoodRice, miso soup, omelet, grilled fish.
  • Omakase dietary mealspecialtyAdvance-request special meal option.
Inachu (nearby)
nearbyabout 15 min walk

Well-known local spot for anago meshi and oyster dishes.

  • Anago meshispecialtyConger eel over seasoned rice.
  • Grilled oystersspecialtyLarge shell-on local oysters.
  • Fried oystersfoodClassic crispy oyster dish.
  • Anago lunch boxfoodTakeout eel rice box.
Yakigaki no Hayashi (nearby)
nearbyabout 15 min walk

Popular Omotesando restaurant focused on Miyajima oysters.

  • Grilled oystersspecialtySignature yaki-gaki style oysters.
  • Raw oystersfoodFresh oyster option when available.
  • Fried oystersfoodBreaded oyster favorite.
  • Oyster ricefoodRice dish with local oysters.
  • Anago ricespecialtyConger eel rice alternative.

Access, transport and nearby sights

Iwaso is a historic ryokan in Momijidani on Miyajima, best reached via Miyajimaguchi on the mainland, ferry to Miyajima, then a short local transfer or walk.

Distances are approximate and calculated from the ryokan coordinates. Travel times may vary depending on route, traffic and schedules.

Should you choose this ryokan?

A classic stay for travelers who want Miyajima atmosphere, history, and easy access to the island’s landmark sights. It is most rewarding if you value heritage and setting over modern convenience and bargain pricing.

5 reasons to choose this ryokan best points
  • Superb Miyajima settingThe ryokan sits in Momijidani on Miyajima, right by the valley area behind Itsukushima Shrine. That gives it a scenic, distinctly island feel that is hard to match with mainland Hiroshima stays.
  • Rare historic characterIwaso was founded in 1854, and part of its appeal is staying in a long-established inn with real heritage rather than a generic hotel. The historic atmosphere is especially appealing if you want a traditional ryokan experience with a sense of place.
  • Great for shrine sightseeingItsukushima Shrine is very close, so you can explore one of Japan’s iconic sights with minimal transit. Staying on the island also helps you enjoy quieter early morning and evening hours after many day-trippers leave.
  • Traditional cottages add charmThe property includes detached cottages from the early 1900s, which makes the stay feel more distinctive than a standard single-building hotel. This is a strong draw for travelers who care about architecture and old-world ambiance.
  • Strong food reputationThe inn has a notable culinary profile and is particularly attractive if dinner is an important part of your ryokan stay. It suits travelers looking for a more special, occasion-worthy experience rather than just a place to sleep.
5 reasons not to choose this ryokan watch-outs
  • Walk from the ferry can feel longThe property is around a 10 to 15 minute walk from Miyajima Pier, which can be inconvenient with luggage. This is less ideal if you want a very easy arrival or are traveling with mobility constraints.
  • Not the best fit for ultra-modern tastesIwaso’s appeal is rooted in tradition and heritage, so travelers expecting sleek contemporary luxury may find the style more classic than polished-modern. The experience is more about atmosphere than cutting-edge design.
  • Likely a pricey splurgeIwaso is generally positioned as a high-end ryokan experience rather than a value stay. It makes more sense for travelers prioritizing atmosphere, meals, and location than for strict budget planners.
  • Island logistics require planningBecause it is on Miyajima rather than in central Hiroshima, every arrival and departure depends on ferry timing and extra coordination. That can be less convenient for short stays packed with city sightseeing.
  • Traditional ryokan rhythm may feel restrictiveThis kind of stay typically works best when you lean into the inn’s meal times and slower pace. If you prefer total flexibility and a late, spontaneous schedule, the experience may feel less convenient.

Ranking around this ryokan in Miyajima

Showing 5 above and 5 below the current ryokan. The full ranking loads only when you click or hover over this block.

Current position: 7th out of 19 ryokans in Miyajima.

Rank Ryokan Rating Reviews
🥈 2nd Itsumoya 9.9/10 79
🥉 3rd ITSUKUSHIMA IROHA 9.5/10 512
4th Itsukushimahigashimonzen Kikugawa 9.4/10 899
5th Bettei Fujiya 9.6/10 26
6th Jukeiso 9.3/10 1,540
7th Iwaso Current ryokan 9.3/10 1,298
8th Kikunoya 9.1/10 2,109
9th Kinsuikan 9.1/10 347
10th 宮島離れの宿 IBUKU -Miyajima Hanare no Yado IBUKU- 9.0/10 729
11th Miyajima Seaside Hotel 9.0/10 686
12th Yamaichi Bekkan 8.9/10 127
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