Midway between the ferry you arrive upon, and the famous shrine you’ve come to visit, the Kurayado Iroha could not be in a better position in Miyajima.  Not content with simply having the most enviable address available, the ryokan also offers faultless service, attentive staff and garners nothing but praise from its treasured guests.

From the moment you step into the serenity of the parquet-floored lobby, you will be treated to a level of service usually reserved for the most luxurious hotels.  The entire property exudes style and space – all rooms being extremely generous in size, which you can especially appreciate in the Japanese-style rooms as you lay out on the futon beds.  For those who prefer a little more Western comfort, some also have full beds, spacious tiled bathrooms, and a select few also benefit from glorious views of the Seto Inland Sea.  As you would expect from a night spent in a traditional inn, a multi-course kaiseki meal is served in the evenings – delicious, fresh and memorable.

Although the Iroha is on the main harbour road, be aware that the entrance is tucked away on the main shopping street that runs behind it.  Once the the stores close up, the last ferry has returned to the mainland with the day trippers, and the sun starts to set – that’s when the rooftop open-air bath comes into its own as the best seat in the house.