In Shizuoka Prefecture lies Kawazu, a town famed for its rows of early blooming cherry blossom trees along the river in the springtime in late February  (read about my time here: Kawazu Zakura). However we came to Kawazu during December to have a mini staycation for the Christmas break. We adore visiting Shizuoka for staycations, because its lies easily accessible from Tokyo on the way to Kyoto and has a plethora of onsen ryokans dotting the peninsula, many with private open air onsen in the rooms (and for a more affordable price than Hakone). For the price of two nights generally in a Shizuoka onsen ryokan (with breakfast and dinner) is the price of one night at a Hakone alternative.

Established in 1873, Hanareya Ishidaya has to be one of the most picturesque smaller onsen ryokans (only 11 villas!) I have been able to discover. Situated a short walk from Kawazu station, you’re instantly thrown back in time to a lushness of agriculture, with its sweet flower garden and seasonal vegetable patch. However one of its most stunning features is the gorgeous koi pond located right by the majority of the villas, where you can just enjoy the quiet countryside air on your villa’s terrace watching the koi lazily swim around (hoping that you will feed them - I didn’t)

RELAXING DAYS

Mornings and days spent here enjoying our terrace and watching these golden creatures swim about and play is absolutely delightful after usual Tokyo life craziness. A beautiful place to unwind, relax, gather those thoughts and think of new possibilities, and whenever we want we can dip into our own private onsen attached to our room (in the photo below; see the bamboo fence behind me - thats where our open air private onsen is located).

The public onsen baths below were equally as lovely, unfortunately I didn’t get to see the other public baths during the swapover as I was too busy enjoying the luxury of our private onsen bath instead,

Winter season in Japan always brings out some of the most delicious seafood, with ise-ebi, hamo and various other delicacies that I absolutely adore.. Below is just a little taste of the yumminess we had on our nights there.

MY PERSONAL THOUGHTS

FOOD

Delicious! Lovely fresh produce, and as always even nicer pieces served on our second night. Only note to say was that perhaps for hubby he would have liked a little bit more (but he eats far more than the average individual) and that meals were not served in the villas but in the main restaurant in a separate building.

ONSEN

So relaxing! Outdoor onsen baths are always my favourite! Even better when I have them all to myself! I prefer it because I love the contrast of the cold refreshing air to the heat of the onsen spring. This delightful stone rotemburo was a perfect addition to our villa, perhaps a bit snug for two adults which just means you get to enjoy more all by yourself!

ROOM AMBIANCE

Perfect, a gorgeous traditional Japanese styled villa with a pretty “waiting/relaxing” area to enjoy looking out the shoji doors to the koi pond at your feet. More than enough space for 2 people, a divine place to relax and unwind at the end of the year.

VENUE AMBIANCE

Hanareya Ishidaya and its grounds are lovely. It was my first time to have a koi pond right outside our room and wrapping around many of the villas. Utterly picturesque. Having villas really made it seem like you were in your own small traditional home, and just gave that extra added privacy and quietness which is what we love about Ryokan staycations.

SURROUNDING AREA

The surrounding area is beautiful, quiet countryside Japan. We ventured out for a few walks to enjoy the fresh air, and see what local delicacies we could find for lunch. There’s a decent supermarket as well as some quaint local soba restaurants. We discovered a sweet vintage record cafe on one of the routes back up to the Ryokan where we had a cheeky afternoon ice cream float and enjoyed the tunes playing. The area is perfect just to relax and go for quiet walks, it is the Japan countryside. The coast is not too far away however we were happy to just enjoy relaxing in our ryokan.

HANAREYA ISHIDAYA FACTS (at time of stay)

• COST: ranges from 22,000 - 40,000JPY+ per person per night

• MEALS INCLUDED: Breakfast & Dinner

• CHECK IN/CHECK OUT TIME: 1400 / 1100

• PAYMENT: cash & credit card accepted

• ROOMS: 11 villas
  not all villas have a private outdoor bath

• ENGLISH SPEAKING STAFF: SOME AVAILABLE

• WEBSITE: http://www.ishidaya.com/index.html

• IG: @hotel_hanareya_ishidaya (doesn’t seem to be active)