When it comes to hot springs and ryokan's (Japanese traditional Inns), I've visited more than just a handful all over Japan and aspire to visit many more. One of the most luxurious ryokans that I would love to visit is Asaba Ryokan. Asaba Ryokan is about 1.5-2 hours outside of Tokyo next to a river and a forest. This gorgeous ryokan has quite a bit of history having been constructed in 1675 and is surrounded by a bamboo forest overlooking a large pond. The interior and exterior of Asaba Ryokan are in the traditional Japanese style, and there is even a Japanese Noh theater across from the ryokan where Noh plays are sometimes performed.

A bit of history...(courtesy of the Travel Channel)

Asaba Ryokan faces the Katsura River in Shuzenji, site of a tragedy that inspired famous plays. In 1204 AD, Minamoto Yoriie, a politician, was brutally blinded then murdered while in the bath. His own mother planned the assassination. Later, she repented and built a monument, Shigetsuden, to comfort his spirit. It still stands near Shuzenji Temple. Asaba Ryokan has a beautiful garden with a Noh stage for viewing fine plays, including those re-enacting this tragedy. The indoor and outdoor baths have simple thermal waters with traces of sodium chloride, good for soothing aches and pains, skin problems and nervous disorders.

The traditional theater across from the Inn. Very

beautiful and peaceful. The lighting at night makes it

so dramatic.


Front entrace and outer hallways. Very traditional Japanese

architecture.

Deck on the pond facing the Noh theater.





Their outdoor natural hotspring is right

next to the bamboo forest and pond.

Below is there contact information and address. If you need more information,

please feel free to let me know. I lived for a time in Japan so if any of you

ever plan a trip there, feel free to hit me up on places to stay and visit!