4 Star Hotel
Shizuka Ryokan Japanese Country Spa & Wellness Retreat
7 Lakeside Drive, Hepburn Springs, Australia View Map
1/50


About
Set amid four acres of tranquil bushland in Hepburn Springs, Shizuka Ryokan is Australia’s only traditional Japanese ryokan wellness retreat. Just five minutes from Daylesford, this award-winning retreat offers an authentic cultural experience blending Japanese traditions with the natural beauty of central Victoria’s spa country. With the intimacy of just six guestrooms, Shizuka Ryokan offers traditional Japanese accommodations with an Australian twist—the grounds are often visited by kangaroos, echidnas and native birdlife. Each guestroom at Shizuka Ryokan features authentic tatami straw-mat flooring and an engawa alcove with chairs and a table overlooking a private Japanese garden. Rooms include a deep Japanese soaking bath, traditional cotton yukata bathrobes, and the comfort of a late 11:00 am check-out. To preserve the atmosphere of calm and simplicity, televisions and telephones are not provided. Shizuka Ryokan is popular with couples, solo travelers, and small groups seeking rest and renewal. Please note that the ryokan is not suitable for babies or children under 16 years of age. Shizuka Ryokan is renowned for the warm hospitality of our Japanese staff and for our authentic cuisine. As well as a banquet Japanese dinner, we offer a traditional Japanese breakfast so rarely offered in Australia. Our award-winning spa services are also highly sought after, and we encourage guests to reserve treatments early as appointments fill quickly. Both meals and spa treatments can be added to your stay as extras.
38 Reviews
- Cleanliness
- 9.1
- Staff
- 9.4
- Location
- 9.0
What Guests Say
- “Very quiet; only one barking dog. Staff were lovely and great food.”
- “The staff were wonderful, very accommodating, professional and friendly. The rooms were beautifully and authentically decorated and the…”
Top Amenities
- Restaurant
- Free Internet Access
- Free Parking
- Spa
- Fitness Center
- Accessible Rooms / Facilities
- Non-Smoking Rooms
Room Options
Our Best Price. GUARANTEED.
Exclusively for Priceline members Details
1/4Japanese Style
- Accessible bath/shower
- Air conditioning
- Balcony
- Bath or Shower
1/4Japanese Room
- Air conditioning
- Balcony
- Bath or Shower
- Bathrobe(s)
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What Guests Loved
Based on 38 reviews
Pros +
- Very quiet; only one barking dog. Staff were lovely and great food.
- The staff were wonderful, very accommodating, professional and friendly. The rooms were beautifully and authentically decorated and the bathrooms gorgeous. The food was the star of my stay. Authentic flavours exquisitely presented and tastes of some foods I've never had before.
- Authentic, staff were very friendly and the location was gorgeous. Highly recommend the ramen dinner.
Cons -
- Lighting in outer roon did not work otherwise was a very interesting experience. The Japanese breakfast and banquet were delicious.
- The walls between the rooms are paper thin. I could hear the couples in the next room coupling, talking and using the bathroom, and the doors closed loudly. It meant being woken up quite a few times over the course of my stay and while relaxed, I did leave feeling tired.
- Beds were a bit uncomfortable.
Very quiet; only one barking dog. Staff were lovely and great food.
Lighting in outer roon did not work otherwise was a very interesting experience. The Japanese breakfast and banquet were delicious.
The staff were wonderful, very accommodating, professional and friendly. The rooms were beautifully and authentically decorated and the bathrooms gorgeous. The food was the star of my stay. Authentic flavours exquisitely presented and tastes of some foods I've never had before.
The walls between the rooms are paper thin. I could hear the couples in the next room coupling, talking and using the bathroom, and the doors closed loudly. It meant being woken up quite a few times over the course of my stay and while relaxed, I did leave feeling tired.
Authentic, staff were very friendly and the location was gorgeous. Highly recommend the ramen dinner.
Beds were a bit uncomfortable.
It’s a nice hotel ,Japanese style ,and comfortable .with disgusting manager
I am writing to formally express my deep disappointment and distress regarding an extremely unpleasant and unacceptable experience during my recent stay at Shizuka Ryokan Japanese Wellness Retreat & Bathhouse.On the night of our check-in, we were shocked to be approached by police officers responding to a report of domestic violence and noise disturbance. We were completely unaware of any issue and found the situation both confusing and upsetting.The following morning, at approximately 10:30 AM, a staff member used a key to enter our room without knocking or any prior notice. This was an alarming invasion of our privacy. While we were still trying to comprehend what had happened the night before, around 11:00 AM as we were packing to check out, the manager—a white woman—began furiously banging on our door. She shouted aggressively, "I AM THE MANAGER, OPEN THE DOOR NOWWWW!" Once I opened the door, she proceeded to treat us in an extremely disrespectful and dehumanizing manner, yelling at us repeatedly to "report to the front desk now!"We were just waking up and trying to understand the situation, yet we were treated with hostility and contempt, as if we were criminals. The behavior we experienced was deeply humiliating and shocking, especially in what is advertised as a peaceful, wellness-focused environment.While we acknowledge that perhaps the room’s soundproofing is not optimal, or our voices may have been louder than intended, the aggressive and unprofessional reaction from the management was wholly disproportionate. Instead of addressing the situation calmly and respectfully, we were yelled at, intimidated, and ultimately rushed out of the property by manager who showed no interest in listening to our side of the story.Despite the otherwise beautiful setting and facilities, this encounter left us with an overwhelmingly negative impression.
I love the serenity of the place. From the moment you walk in, you feel instantly more at peace. The room is extremely calming and inviting. The bed was very comfortable and I loved opening the doors to the little rock garden. The noise from the wildlife outside really made it feel like a getaway.
Can't really think of anything.
The overall look and feel is perfect, also horse and kookaburra after breakfast at the balcony
There is a little noise when people walk in the courtyard
Lovely staff, spacious rooms, authentic Japanese feel. Delicious meals
Nothing in particular, although I am looking forward to staying again once the onsen is built
Shizuka is a thoughtfully presented and authentic experience of a Japanese ryokan, but located in beautiful Hepburn Springs.
No complaints
Shizuka is a thoughtfully presented and authentic experience of a Japanese ryokan, but located in beautiful Hepburn Springs.
No complaints
As authentic as it can get if you're after a genuine Japanese experience in Australia. Lovely Japanese staff that showed true omotenashi hospitality. Rooms come with an ofuro bath overlooking your own private Japanese garden - what a bliss!
The extras seem to be overpriced (e.g. the bathing experience). Also, it got quite dark after 8pm and it was difficult to find the way back to the room after the bathing. It would be nice if someone could accompany the guests back.
Is light and get to experience the Japanese clean and healthy breakfast which my friend also enjoy it
If there is more things to explore around that will be amazing.
Is light and get to experience the Japanese clean and healthy breakfast which my friend also enjoy it
If there is more things to explore around that will be amazing.
The service, every staff was approachable, helpful and friendly!
I love that I have my own patio with a zen garden. It was so relaxing to sit and read, while listening to the sound of tinkling music.
The walk from the carpark to the reception via gravel and stone pathway was rather challenging for my wheeled luggage.
It was beautiful and in tranquil surroundings and very relaxing.
My partner struggled with the futon bed, but I had no issues.
Breakfast and Saturday evening dining were tradional Japanese. The chefs are amazing and food something to savour.I have a need for gluten free which was handled efficiently and without any bother.Yoga, Massage and tradional bathing add to this unique experience
A fantastic location with great rooms and staff that strive to give excellent service. The food was absolutely brilliant! I can understand why it is so difficult to find a room.
A fantastic location with great rooms and staff that strive to give excellent service. The food was absolutely brilliant! I can understand why it is so difficult to find a room.
we loved how quiet and the calm atmosphere. Honestly the best sleep we had in a long time
The wifi and connection. My partner and I are both on call for our businesses for emergencies
Traditional Japanese Breakfast Exceptionally clean bathroom
A little expensive for what it was
Amenities & Policies
Amenities
Fitness & Spa
- Fitness Center
- Spa
Food & Drinks
- Restaurant
Media & Technology
- Free Internet Access
Transportation
- Free Parking
- Accessible parking
Health & Safety
- Health Services
- Daily disinfection
Accessibility
- Handicapped Rooms/Facilities
General
- Adult Only
- No Smoking Rooms/Facilities
- Yoga classes
Guest policies
| Check-in | After 2:00 PM |
|---|---|
| Check-out | Before 11:00 AM |
| Internet | Free Wi-Fi is available. |
| Parking | Free parking is available. |
| Children & Extra Beds | Children are not allowed. |
| Pets | Pets are not allowed. |
| Room Rates | All rates displayed are for two guests unless otherwise noted. |
Important info
Please inform of your expected arrival time in advance. You can use the Special Requests box when booking, or contact the property directly using the contact details in your confirmation. Payment before arrival by bank transfer is required. The property will contact you after you book to provide instructions. Guests under the age of 18 can only check in with a parent or official guardian.
Location
7 Lakeside Drive, Hepburn Springs
5 hotels in this area on Priceline, from $134 a night.
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