Ryokan Hoshidekan 星出館 in Ise

In Ise, we stayed at the super quaint, traditional wooden Ryokan (Japanese-style inn) Hoshidekan.  It is located near the river and in the midst of an old neighbourhood. This old building with tatami rooms is taken care of beautifully.

A traditional ryokan entrance

Among the many details the Suikinkutsu (water-cave instrument) is a rather unique feature. Through a bamboo stick, one can listen to the sound of water dropping into an underground cave. Very meditative.

Yen 12,500 for two with breakfast (Western breakfast available).

A giant with lovely slippers in a hobbit country : )

In the evening we enjoyed a fantastic meal with fish and some great sake in a traditional storage house turned into a restaurant. A bit less enjoyable was the loudest Japanese waiter ever encountered – but the Ryokan warned us.

A red bridge inside the inn

A bridge leading to other rooms

A beautiful courtyard inside the inn