Shizuka Ryokan Japanese Country Spa Retreat

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

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.

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.

Absolutely perfect weekend away.Just like being in a Ryokan in Japan, the breakfast and dinner were delicious, and the umeshu was the best I've ever tried.The staff were incredible, Haruna was super helpful, you can tell that they really take pride in what they do

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.

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.