Asahikan

It was a great place to stay, the owners were accommodating and made sure it was comfortable for us. Traditional style Japanese lodging that has been in the family 6 generations!

This inn was remote and serene and the staff were incredibly hospitable and helpful! We loved our stay.

Ryokan Asahikan is a beautiful traditional Japanese Inn established in the 1880’s and it is a wonderful, unique experience for those looking for a peaceful environment off the beaten track and away from the bustling cities. Asahikan is nestled in stunning mountain scenery, with beautiful wood paneling and a courtyard garden inside which seems to have been formed over time with loving care. There are several activities in the area, such as nearby caves and hikes to explore. The owners are very friendly and we had traditional Japanese meals prepared at the Ryokan, which consisted of local or home-made foods and were delicious and beautifully presented. This stay at Asahikan was so memorable and was the best part of our first visit to Japan. We intend to return again!

We traveled around Japan for three weeks, but our stay at Asahikan was definitely the highlight of our trip. It was three wonderful days of amazing Michelin-level food, hot baths and relaxing in yukata - surrounded by an interior architectural gem. Asahikan is easily accessible from Osaka and Kyoto - a short train ride followed by a short bus/taxi ride. We took the taxi, which was very cheap and easy. You get incredible value for your money - the place is beautifully decorated and well maintained, the hosts are warm and friendly, and the food is absolutely amazing. We ate traditional Japanese food with a focus on local ingredients, and got to try many of the dishes we wanted to try during our Japan trip. On the last day we were allowed to make our own wishes for the main course. The hosts were very nice - they gave us tips on things to do in the area and showed us how they grow shiitake. There are many nice places to walk nearby, for example we went to a beautiful temple in the forest and found a pond along the river where we took a refreshing bath. There were also several beautiful cherry trees in the area if you want to see them in bloom. There are few guests at a time, which makes for a quiet and luxurious stay. This place is truly a hidden gem.