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Asaba is a family-run luxury ryokan on the banks of the Katsura River in Izu, Japan, operated by the Asaba family for 10 generations since 1484. As a Relais & Châteaux member, it preserves Japanese architectural tradition in simple, elegantly designed wooden spaces that open directly onto the river landscape.
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Asaba is situated in Izu, on the banks of the Katsura River in Shizuoka Prefecture. The property traces its origins to 1484, when Yakuro Yukitada Asaba opened an inn adjacent to a Buddhist temple where he served as caretaker. Across ten generations, the family has maintained the site as a place of hospitality, preserving its heritage through simple, elegantly designed wooden spaces.
The property offers 10 rooms, suites and villas with river or garden views. Room types include Deluxe Garden View, Superior Pond View, Deluxe Pond View, and Suite Pond View configurations. Each accommodation features traditional tatami mats in various arrangements—some exclusively tatami-based, others combining tatami with twin beds or futons—providing flexibility for different party sizes and preferences.
Meals are served in the privacy of your room, following ryokan tradition. The cuisine emphasizes regional ingredients prepared with attention to seasonal availability. Half-board arrangements are available for guests.
The property features outdoor baths fed by the Shuzenji hot springs, positioned within the riverside landscape. Indoor baths are lined with Japanese cedar, imparting a natural fragrance. Asaba houses a Noh theater stage, relocated to the property from Tokyo by the seventh generation of owners, which hosts traditional performances. Meeting facilities include two rooms accommodating up to 50 people. Outdoor recreation options nearby include 9-hole and 18-hole golf courses, while on-site and local activities encompass massages, biking, mountain biking, hiking, fishing, diving and canoeing.
Asaba appeals to guests seeking immersion in Japanese cultural traditions and classical hospitality practices. The property welcomes families with children from age 7 and accommodates group events and weddings. Guests interested in traditional arts, particularly Noh performance, and those seeking hot spring bathing experiences will find the setting well-suited to their interests.
Editorial verification: Asaba is affiliated with Relais & Châteaux; this was confirmed on the brand's own website or hotel list, and the hotel was matched to its official website by our editorial board.
Asaba was founded in 1484 by Yakuro Yukitada Asaba and has remained family-run for 10 generations.
Asaba is located in Izu, Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan, on the banks of the Katsura River.
The property offers 10 rooms, suites and villas.
Meals are served in your private room as per ryokan tradition, featuring regional ingredients. Half-board options are available.
Yes. Outdoor baths are fed by the Shuzenji hot springs, and indoor baths are lined with Japanese cedar.
The property hosts traditional Noh theater performances on its stage, which was relocated from Tokyo by the seventh-generation owners.
Activities include nearby golf courses (9-hole and 18-hole), massages, biking, mountain biking, hiking, fishing, diving, canoeing and kayaking.
Asaba is affiliated with Relais & Châteaux; this was confirmed on the brand's own website or hotel list, and the hotel was matched to its official website by our editorial board.
Asaba is in Izu, Japan. Address: 小立野, Izu, Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan.
| Location | Izu, Japan |
|---|---|
| Address | 小立野, Izu, Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan |
| Brand / alliance | Relais & Châteaux |
| Official website | relaischateaux.com |
| Verified | by the editorial board |
Sources: relaischateaux.com/gb/hotel/asaba/
Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors. Hotel data: Wikidata (CC0), OpenStreetMap (ODbL), official websites.