Japan's Iwaso Ryokan
Iwaso Ryokan
This is the most famous ryokan on the island, and with a history spanning more than 145 years, it was also the first ryokan to open on Miyajima, which explains its idyllic location in Momijidani Park. It's highly recommended for a splurge, with the price dependent on the room, its view, and the meals you select (when booking your room, be sure to specify any dietary needs such as vegetarian food only, whether you want a Western breakfast, or whether there are Japanese foods you cannot eat).
The newest part of the ryokan was built in 1981, and though some of its newer rooms have very peaceful and relaxing views of a stream and woods, I prefer the rooms dating from about 70 years ago; they have more individuality. If you really want to go all out and live in style, there are also a couple of separate cottages (hanare) that are more than 80 years old, all exquisitely decorated and with old wooden tubs. Open your shoji screens to see maples, a gurgling brook, and woods, all in utter privacy. You'll be treated like royalty here, but of course you have to pay for it.
