Shizuka Ryokan Japanese Wellness Retreat & Bathhouse

Very pleasant stay, the whole atmosphere just felt really peaceful and cozy. Staff were all very sweet and providing us top-quality care. Amenities and furnishing so beautifully done, could have not been any better. My partner and I really loved this place and the authenticity it brings. Their traditional breakfast and dinner was hearty and warm, filled with so much flavour. They also provide most relaxing massages and the onsen is very tranquil and aesthetically pleasing.

Absolutely a gem of a place. Had a Very relaxing time. Adore the Japanese style carried throughout everything from the moment you enter the location down to the decor. Everything was spotless as well. The minimalist rooms were fantastic and was a taste of Japan close to home. Would recommend the package to enjoy the room, dinner, breakfast, private bath and massage. The private bath was quite special, and on a cool night was perfect. Worth the experience to enjoy everything. The staff were all incredibly polite, kind and helpful. The food was so beautiful, and with the sake tray to taste was superb. I cannot wait to go back one day. Thank you for an amazing stay and experience.

The perfect peaceful getaway. We stayed here for two nights, and from the moment we stepped inside the Ryokan to the moment we left, the service was unparalleled. Kimi and Yu were incredibly hospitable, and went above and beyond our expectations. The breakfast was delicious and felt to be very authentic Japanese, and we were lucky enough that our stay was over Monday night so we could also experience the delicious Banquet dinner. We also had a Japanese Bathing Ritual and a Relaxation Massage for two which left us feeling so refreshed and rejuvenated. If we didn't have to come back to work, we would have stayed even longer in the traditional rooms that were beautifully furnished and clean. The yukata's provided were so comfortable and easy to lounge in, we want a set for home now! Thank you to Kimi and Yu, and the rest of the staff at Shizuka Ryokan.

GENUINELY the best place I have stayed and experienced in Australia. The attention to detail - in true Japanese fashion - is immaculate. From the quality of the room furnishings, to the quality of the produce used for the meals - everything was superb. We spent two nights at this beautiful Ryokan and we literally felt like we were transported to Japan. When I say this place is authentic, I mean every single word. The staff (who are also Japanese!!) are soooo lovely and polite. The level of service is exactly like you get in Japan. The food is incredibly tasty and fresh! The private bathing onsen was perfection. The morning yoga was super rewarding (thank you Renee). The entirety of this experience was a solid 10/10 (in fact, if I could I would give it a 20/10). The ONLY thing that would make this place even more Japanese is if they had Japanese style toilets with all the buttons and sounds haha! We both feel super rejuvenated after our stay and couldn’t thank the lovely, kind staff of Shizuka more!!! 100% will be back. We are so lucky to have a slice of Japan right here in Victoria. Will be posting a video review of our experience on my channel @curatedadventureclub (TikTok and Instagram).

This Japanese hot spring resort is an absolute paradise! I can't recommend it highly enough. The serene ambiance and authentic Japanese-style hot springs create an incredibly relaxing experience. The attention to detail in the accommodations and the traditional Japanese hospitality truly transport you to Japan. The staff is exceptionally courteous and ensures your stay is nothing short of perfection. If you're seeking a slice of Japan's tranquility nestled in the heart of Australia, I strongly urge you to visit this exquisite hot spring resort. It's an experience that's simply unforgettable!"

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.

Based on the delicious breakfast I wish I had stayed here. The food was just like in Japan and the staff were so helpful and kind. I will be booking to stay and eat here next time I'm in the area. Thank you..

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.

The furnishings are a bit tired (ie the doors of the cupboard have water stain marks and faded near the handles). However the room is very comfortable, the hosts were attentive to our needs. Overall, the facilities are unique and quite well maintained. Recommended stay for a romantic getaway.

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 😊🌱

I recently spent two nights here for my partner's birthday and I genuinely wish I could give this place six stars. As soon as I stepped foot in the ryokan, I could immediately feel the commitment to providing an authentic, hospitable Japanese experience. The combination of caring staff, sweet animals, delicious food and a relaxing environment made this trip one that I'll always remember. I will definitely be sending all my Melbourne friends here if they feel themselves missing Japan, or just in need of some time out from the grind :)

Exceptional stay. Highly recommend the Japanese bathing and massage. The Japanese staff were all so friendly!

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.

I received the face and body massage and the most relaxing time. I was able to chose the oil scent for my massage and I love the products they used for my facial. Very calm and soothing energy the minute you walk in. Would love to come stay sometime and of course get more massages and facials.

stayed one night with my partner in tranquility and great hospitality. going for the accommodation and one of their packages offers a better and more holistic experience there.
we arrived, settled in, and enjoyed a massage while they set up the futon for you. after a short browse around and cozy chat in the room with some hot tea and biscuit. their omakase dinner in the room was also a very relaxing experience, and each course was thoughtful; sake pairing was also a fun culinary experience.
the morning was then embraced by a full set of Japanese hearty breakfast to fill us up before another day of exploration around Daylesford. Enjoyed 🩵

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.

I can't highly recommend Shizuka Ryokan enough.
My stay was just what I needed to allow myself much needed time to relax and reflect. The accommodation certainly provides a very authentic Japanese feel and the ambience within the whole resort complements the whole Japanese aesthetic. The food on offer is also very good quality and some of the best in Japanese cuisine I have had. The packages on offer are well worth investing in. They are uniquely deigned for your individual needs. Will definitely like to visit again in the future.

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

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!

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.