Shizuka Ryokan Japanese Guesthouse

Australia's renowned and authentic Japanese guesthouse, Shizuka Ryokan is an indulgent retreat featuring traditional accommodation, delicious cuisine and luxurious spa treatments.

Set amid tranquil bushland in Victoria's picturesque "spa country", Shizuka Ryokan is fully authentic in every detail including its architecture, furnishings, gardens and interior design.

More important however is the genuine and warm hospitality of the Japanese and local hosts, offering generous and personalised service including the signature four-course dinner which may be served individually to guestrooms. Dinners are additional and must be booked directly well prior to arrival. (Please note that the kitchen is usually closed on Monday, Wednesday and Friday evenings. ... [+] More)

Whilst highly traditional, Shizuka Ryokan also caters for common creature comforts which are provided in a truly stylish environment.

Couples, singles and small groups come to the inn to indulge, relax and immerse in the tranquillity.

Located in Hepburn Springs, near the equally popular holiday destination of Daylesford, Shizuka Ryokan offers the intimacy of just six guestrooms all featuring a double-sized spa, courtyard Japanese garden, genuine yukata cotton robes, mini-bar and room service.

The retreat also features a cosy lounge with an open fire place as well as a sunny deck overlooking four acres of bushland frequented by kangaroos, ant-eaters and other native animals and birds.

Shizuka Ryokan is renowned for its fine cuisine, ranging from its sumptuous four-course Japanese banquet dinners to its authentic Japanese or hearty Australian style breakfasts served daily. Dinners must be booked directly and well prior to arrival and are available only on Saturday, Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday evenings.

Fully licenced, Shizuka Ryokan offers French "Moet & Chandon" Champagne for that special celebration, fine local and regional Australian wines to savour as well as a range of Japanese beer, sake and shochu to truly immerse into the Japanese experience.

A comprehensive range of spa treats complete the indulgence, ranging from Shiatsu Massage and Geisha Facials to a myriad of body polish and wraps to suit all tastes. Spa appointments must be booked directly well prior to arrival.

Shizuka Ryokan has been featured on virtually all major travel and lifestyle television programmes and magazines in Australia and is also well known and respected in Japan and internationally.

It's is a small piece of Japan less than a 80 minute drive from Melbourne - and it's even closer to Melbourne Tullamarine airport. For Aussies, that's so much more accessible and economical than the long flight to Kyoto.