Shizuka Ryokan Japanese Country Spa Retreat

I have just returned from a wonderful 3 day Yoga enlightenment stay at this fabulous resort with a close girlfriend.

We had the most amazing experience.
We met the most incredible group of Women.
We enjoyed every morsel of the beautiful Japanese cuisine.
We absolutely adored the Japanese staff (& others).
We experienced awesome body treatments, track walks, and private time.

There’s so much to recommend about this special resort & the option to attend this particular Yoga event over the 3 days.

We gained so much knowledge and adored the experience.

Last but certainly not least, our enduring love & sincerest thank you, to Renee (our beloved Yoga Instructor).
If it wasn’t for Renee, the experience would not have happened.
Renee had organised the entire event.
She is inspiring, so invested in each of her guests and made our experience and time spent at the retreat so rewarding and unforgettable.
A truly beautiful soul.
Thank you so very much Renee.
It was so wonderful to have met you.

I cannot recall this retreat highly enough, and hope to return in the future.

We recently enjoyed a Mother/Daughter two day retreat. The Royokan was the perfect antidote to busy school holidays. We enjoyed two nights of bliss that included a geisha facial (highly recommended), a reflexology treatment (amazing), an incredible 4 course dinner (that we will dream about for a long time), large cooked authentic breakfasts brought the the room, walks through the beautiful Japanese gardens, evening baths overlooking our private courtyard, and the peace of having no tech distractions in the room giving us time to reconnect, draw, and rest. We were too relaxed to go to the yoga classes and the bath house, as just being in the room overlooking the garden and hearing all the native birds, was enough for us. As we couldn't afford to actually go to Japan, this was perfect introduction. It's not cheap, but the experience is so worth it and is definitely a memory we'll cherish for a long time - at least until we can go again! Would definitely recommend.

I’m a person who loves Japanese culture, this place reminds me of my vacation in Japan! Outstanding service and professional staff who take care every things when comes in. Beautiful place with a wonderful atmosphere and delicious food!

By far the best bathing experience I've had in Hepburn Springs. The staff were very friendly and helpful. The bathing area has been beautifully landscaped, providing a deeply peaceful outdoor experience.

We decided to try out this experience - just me and my gals… I will give 4 stars for personal service and the gentle and graceful team! They were extraordinarily outstanding. Although I am not a fan of Japanese traditional breakfast, it was a wonderful experience… such a memorable two night’s staycation and checking out the entire Dalysford town.

Our Mother day  family trip choice was Shizuka Ryokan. I found it with the intention of reorganizing my mind and having communication time with my family. As expected, this place gives me sufficient mental and physical stability. The sound of birds ringing at dawn and the stream of water ringing my heart were enough to feel comfort. I think this place will be a precious place for me from now on. I Should visit this place often

I was so empty because probably because I didn't live an existing life. A life cut off from me was lonely and empty. A night in the refreshing mountains allowed me to courage my fear and make loneliness love.

Fear is something to fear because you think it is. As soon as fear turns into courage, love with oneself will begin.

Thank you to everyone in Staff for the delicious, healthy food and beautiful smile. And Thank you for warm place and mentality healthy place

Thank you all Shizuka Staff for helping me overcome my fear.

Kevin Kim

My husband and I had really pleasant stay at Shizuka, which reminded me of home town alot.if you are looking for Zen, peace, any sort of mindful rest, you will get it.every guest were very respectful, the staffs are incredibly welcoming. I highly recommended to all my friends.we had lovely dinner, breakfast and tea is very authentic.garden is lovely and very japanese, a lot of little cute corners to appreciate.there are few things to be mindful when staying, you need to arrange meal as very limited option in the area, mindful of noise as wall is thin, and the space is not as big as western hotel. I read other reviews before booking so it was helpful.the host also communicates well before arrival and very well prepared.we really enjoyed your wonderful hospitality, i will certainly return next time

The best thing about this place is that they have done well in keeping our stay as authentically Japanese as they can. So simple yet so serene. I love how there is a small pond beside the room where you can here the water flowing as you go to sleep. The food - cannot fault their dinner and breakfast. I admire the young chef, Nana who was so talented. We had the privilege of having a chat with her - she was so gentle and humble and her love for cooking showed in the food she prepared for us. The place is a bit on the pricey side but it was worth it.
Loved the simplicity of thd room.

Stayed here for a short getaway recently, the staff was kind and helpful throughout our visit and the food was authentic and delicious.

We also got a massage and facial package which was very relaxing and the staff made us feel very comfortable.

Disappointing. Booked 2 nights for a special occasion (my partner’s birthday surprise and our anniversary.) There were plenty of email correspondence before our stay, and while they tried to answer most of the questions I had, some were left unanswered and at times took up to 3 days with different staff members replying.

We visit Japan yearly and have frequented many ryokan from humble to luxury, and Shizuka ryokan feels like a ‘taste’ of Japan without the real foundation of omotenashi they advertise. It made me think only those who have never experienced real omotenashi had written positive reviews here.

The positives:
1. Ruri who greeted us was lovely, she had asked if the cake would be better delivered to the room with lit candles right after they see us leave the dining area after breakfast. I was so touched to feel the care she had to my surprise plan, and I quickly agreed as she typed the notes into the system. She took us into our room and served us tea and shortbread which was also lovely. That was the last of my pleasant experience with the staff.
2. Breakfast was a fair spread, and included in the room rate if booked through the web. Otherwise $35 supplement would seem excessive for the amount of food.
3. Bath salt smelt refreshing and can be purchased at the reception.

The negatives:
1. No provision of dental kit (toothbrush/paste) which for a 4-star accommodation costing close to $400/night is questionable. We were told it could be purchased for $4-5 each.
2. We stayed in Camellia room which is in dire need of a deep clean. The room had cobwebs, and the soap dish mouldy and the condition of the kettle was appalling. It had rusted around the spout which is very visible had they been diligent in housekeeping. When I brought this to the staff’s attention, she did not seem surprised nor apologetic - just apathetic and said I’ll bring it back to you.
3. The same staff also ruined my birthday surprise. After breakfast while having tea still in the dining room, she asked “do you want the cake now? ” It’s simply beyond me that the concept of a birthday cake surprise which is commonplace - seem to be out of grasp here? We walked back to the room and my partner said “I see, so you planned something. ” It really soured my mood but I didn’t want to ruin the day. We waited in the room but the cake was not sent, so I went out and collected it, At this time she touched me on the shoulder and lightly said “sorry I didn’t know because Ruri didn’t tell me. ” Maybe she didn’t have access to the notes on the system - who knows? She passed me the cake, which was NOT chocolate as I’ve ordered, no birthday message written on the cake nor card as promised and requested. I also had to ask for candles before it was provided, at this point I’d already just wanted to save the day and moved on.
4. We cut the cake in the room, and with no exaggeration it the worst cake I’ve ever had - dry, mealy and odd. I couldn’t finish even a sliver. The ‘sponge’ was so hard, dry, stale? Worst $60 spent on a cake. My partner took the cake back to the kitchen as the staff had previously agreed it can be stored there as we won’t have space in the room.
5. At checkout next day, the same staff just said “all good, thank you” no “how was your stay? “ or anything. It all felt very transactional. She didn’t offer to pack our cake/perhaps even remember our cake was stored in the kitchen. As we walked out my partner asked if we should ask for it. I asked him if he would eat it and he said honestly no because it was really bad. We left it at that because I honestly don’t believe she would care, as proven with the kettle incident. As I’m writing this, it has been 10 hours since we checked out - no calls/emails so I am certain the team could care less about our cake.

I personally cannot and would not recommend Shizuka ryokan. Very regretful stay. One extra star rewarded for Ruri

Take a trip to Japan without getting on a plane! Tucked away in Hepburn Springs, Shizuka Ryokan is a quaint and relaxing ryokan that transports you to Japan. Think zen gardens, futon beds, tatami mats, and yukata for you to wear to stroll on the grounds. Picturesque scenery awaits you, and the traditional Japanese breakfast is an absolute delight. So in love with the housemade matcha cookies too! So much that I bought some back home! Can't fault the hospitality here, everyone was incredibly friendly and helpful.

Definitely a great experience. Do try their dinner and breakfast, which was fabulous. Staff are friendly and helpful. Will go back again.

Glad to be back again to celebrate our anniversary. The omakase dinner was delicious! Thanks team

Came here for a getaway- I received exquisite service from staff, who were always friendly and accomodating. Clean and beautiful facilities. And delicious breakfast and dinner! Safe and quiet (not many other guests), so no issues with noise at all! Enjoyed a good balance of staying in the beautiful traditional Japanese bedroom, massage and the outdoors. It’s approx 10 mins drive to central where most restaurants, stores, banks and attractions are located.

We went to Shizuka Ryokan Resort for a 1hr massage and facial. We didn't go in the accommodation rooms. They appear to be very close like a hotel complex. Sure they would be pretty.

Both were very enjoyable and highly recommend the masseurs. (Not Japanese people). The products used are made from scratch by a qualified aromatherapist and apparently ingredients are of a very high standard.

The accommodation building appears alot bigger on the net than they it actually is. Just the same very pretty.

Staff in the communal area were amazing and welcoming. None dressed in the traditional kimono outfits. The chefs biscuits especially the green tea shortbread are delicious and moorish.

Beyond my expectations. This was an authentic little piece of Japan right here in Victoria. So much attention to detail and the staff were just delightful. Fantastic place to immerse yourself in a relaxing Japanese experience amongst beautiful garden surrounds.

Japanese stay at daylesford

: @shizukaryokan
: Hepburn Springs, Daylesford

: Visited this cute traditional Japanese inn in Hepburn Springs, Daylesford, the past weekend. You’ll feel like you’ve been transported to Japan with all the traditional Japanese elements, including tatami mats, yukata robes, shoji screens, futon beds, and a Zen rock garden. You can also feed kookaburras and their cute horse, Hugo, during the stay!

Everything about it was so cute! If you’re looking for a quiet and peaceful getaway to escape the busy city life, Shizuka Ryokan’s the place for you!

️: Breakfast is included when you book for a stay. All the dishes are housemade by the friendlist staffs ever? You’ll taste the authentic flavours of? Japanese homecooking every morning once you wake up.

Added a Japanese set dinner to our stay and it was a very unique experience! All the dishes are made by the friendly Japanese staffs there. You can choose to dine in your room or dining hall, up to you!

There were five courses in total, starting with fresh sashimi slices, to prawn gyoza and agedashi vegetables, to chicken with corn rice, and dessert. Everything was soooo cute?

My partner and I had a fantastic time staying here recently.
Their team went above and beyond to cater for me (vegetarian.)
Please know that we both very much appreciated your hospitality.
We hope to return again for another short stay next year.

Thank you

This place is a gem! We decided to stay at Shizuka because we couldn't go to Japan so we picked the closest place from Melbourne and still feel like we were in Japan!

From the moment we entered the place, we were greeted with true Japanese hospitality. The staff member, Haruna, especially, made us felt really welcome at this ryokan.

As you can see from my pictures, the place is really beautiful and the interior is superb.

We ordered dinner for our 1st day and the food quality was great. The omakase dinner looked simple but it was very delicious.

The breakfast they served was also a very typical Japanese breakfast with rice, grilled fish, miso soup, and some side dishes.

Now, talking about the room, it was quite spacious and the futon bed was comfy. Each room had a small garden and we really enjoyed the view.

Overall, it was a nice experience and highly recommend this to anyone who wants to visit Japan without leaving Melbourne!

Beautiful staff and a fabulously prepared and presented banquet that was just right for two and perfectly proportioned! An extra little gift for my daughter for her forthcoming birthday. The shiatsu and facials were both fabulous and we felt so relaxed and peace-filled. Delicious food. Fantastic futons! Stunning environment. Close to town but worlds away! Loved it! Thankyou!