Iwaso
Room Types
3
Water
Hot Spring
Private
In-Room Onsen
Cuisine
Kaiseki
About
Iwaso is a distinguished ryokan established in 1854, nestled in Momijidani (Maple Valley) on the sacred island of Miyajima, just a three-minute walk from the UNESCO World Heritage Itsukushima Shrine and its iconic floating torii gate. The property features four secluded single-story cottage rooms alongside main and new building rooms, surrounded by a lush maple forest that transforms into a blaze of crimson each autumn. With traditional in-room kaiseki dining, onsen baths overlooking virgin forest, and a history stretching back to the final years of the Edo period, Iwaso offers the most authentic ryokan experience on Miyajima.
Ideal For
Key Experiences
Gallery
Ready to experience Iwaso?
See Prices on AgodaRoom Types
New Building Room
Renovated Japanese rooms in the newer wing with modern amenities while maintaining traditional atmosphere.
- Tatami flooring
- Futon bedding
- Tea set
- Yukata robes
- TV
- Refrigerator
- Air conditioning
From ¥35,000/night
Cottage (Hanare) Room
Secluded single-story cottages set within the maple forest, offering the most private and atmospheric stay. Each has its own entrance and private bath.
- Private entrance
- Private bath
- Spacious tatami living area
- Premium amenities
- Tea set
- Yukata robes
From ¥50,000/night
Main Building Japanese Room
Traditional tatami rooms in the main building with classic ryokan furnishings and forest views.
- Tatami flooring
- Futon bedding
- Tea set
- Yukata robes
- TV
- Air conditioning
From ¥30,000/night
Onsen & Baths
Spring Type
Radium spring (radon spring)
Private Baths
- Private bath in cottage rooms
Duration: Available 24 hours in cottage rooms
Indoor Baths
- Public indoor bath (gender-separated)
Outdoor Baths
- Open-air bath overlooking Momijidani virgin forest
- Wash thoroughly before entering the bath
- Do not bring towels into the bath water
- The open-air bath overlooks forest — enjoy the natural scenery quietly
- Wild deer may occasionally be seen from the bath — a unique Miyajima experience
Dining
In-room kaiseki dining (dinner)
Restaurant (breakfast)
Specialty Dishes
Dietary Options
At least 5 days in advance
Amenities
Premium
Best Times to Visit
Spring (Mar–May)
- Cherry blossoms on the island
- Pleasant walking weather for shrine and Mt. Misen
- Golden Week brings very large crowds to Miyajima
Summer (Jun–Aug)
- Miyajima Water Fireworks Festival (August)
- Lush green Momijidani forest
- Hot and humid; many day-trippers
Autumn (Sep–Nov)
- Momijidani maple foliage — one of Japan's most spectacular autumn settings
- Oyster season begins in October
- Extremely popular — book months ahead
- Weekdays are significantly less crowded
Winter (Dec–Feb)
- Peak oyster season
- Fewer tourists for peaceful island experience
- Hot baths in cool island air
- Some outdoor facilities may have reduced hours
- Shorter daylight hours
Local Knowledge
Insider Tips
Hidden Gems
- Walk to the top of Mt. Misen via the ropeway or hiking trails for panoramic Seto Inland Sea views
- The wild deer on Miyajima are friendly but less tourist-conditioned than those in Nara
Try momiji manju (maple-leaf shaped cakes) freshly made at shops on the approach to the shrine
The island is magical after day-trippers leave on the last ferry — staying overnight is the real experience
Must-Try Experiences
- In-room kaiseki dinner featuring Miyajima oysters and Seto Inland Sea seafood
- Watching sunrise illuminate the floating torii gate from the shrine — a 3-minute walk
Autumn visit when Momijidani's maples set the valley ablaze with color
Experience Tips
- Stay at least one night to experience Miyajima after the day-trippers leave
- Wake early to see the sunrise at Itsukushima Shrine — almost no one else will be there
Check the tide table and visit the torii gate at both high tide (floating) and low tide (walkable)
Take the Miyajima Ropeway to Mt. Misen for stunning views of the Seto Inland Sea
Combine with a visit to Hiroshima Peace Memorial (30 minutes away)
Cultural Notes
- Miyajima is one of Japan's Three Most Scenic Views (Nihon Sankei)
- Itsukushima Shrine and its floating torii gate are UNESCO World Heritage Sites
The island was historically considered so sacred that no births or deaths were permitted there
Momijidani (Maple Valley) is one of Japan's most famous autumn foliage spots
Ready to experience it yourself?
Check Availability & Book on AgodaPractical Information
Stay Details
Recommended Stay
1-2 nights (staying overnight is essential to experience the island after day-trippers leave)
Getting There
- JR Sanyo Shinkansen to Hiroshima, then JR to Miyajimaguchi, then ferry (total ~30 min from Hiroshima)
- JR Miyajima Ferry or Miyajima Matsudai Ferry from Miyajimaguchi (10 minutes)
- 15 minute walk from Miyajima Ferry Terminal or shuttle on request
- World Heritage Sea Route ferry from Hiroshima Peace Park (45 minutes, seasonal)
Before You Go
Dietary Options
At least 5 days in advance
Booking Tips
- Cottage rooms book out months in advance — reserve as early as possible
- Autumn (November) is peak season for Momijidani maple viewing — book 3-6 months ahead
- Oyster season (October-March) is excellent for the kaiseki experience
- Specify if you want in-room dining or restaurant seating for dinner
Preparation Tips
- Pack light — you'll walk from the ferry terminal through the island
- Bring cash for island shops and restaurants
- Waterproof shoes are useful — the shrine area floods at high tide
- Check the tide schedule — the floating torii gate looks different at high vs. low tide
Quick Facts
Nearest Station
Miyajima Ferry Terminal
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