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"Japan is closer than you think"

Herald Sun, Melbourne

On a romantic weekend away, what's the one thing you would expect to have in your room? A bed.

But there is not a bed to be seen in this sparsely furnished guest room. It's in the cupboard, our host says. Silly me. Why didn't I think of that?

This, you see, is a ryokan - a traditional Japanese inn where "uncluttered elegance" is the order of the day.

The Shizuka Ryokan in Hepburn Springs, believed to be the first of its kind in Australia, offers a full-on Japanese experience without the cost of an airfare to Osaka.

Opened by Rosemary Carrick, Alison Harbick and Alison's husband Kiyoyuki Eguchi two months ago, it is a dramatic departure from the unusal accommodation available in the Daylesford/Hepburn Springs area.

The three chose the hilly, lake-dotted area partly because of its similarity to the geography of Japan and partly because of its appeal to alternative lifestylers.

"Shizuka" is Japanese for tranquillity, and ryokans are traditional places of renewal and rejuvenation.

And following traditional Japanese style, the inn is most certainly uncluttered. In the minimalist guest rooms, delicate tatami matting covers the floor, a traditional Japanese floor covering on which shoes, even slippers, are not allowed.

A low, beautifully crafted table and two low chairs are the only are the only furniture in the room, apart from two large black cushions. A decorative alcove, with a painted scroll and arrangement of fresh flowers at the base, is the only other feature.

A portable radio/CD player and tea-making facilities are in the cupboard, where our comfortable cotton yukata robes hang and where the futon is kept until bedtime.

And the enclosed verandah, separated from the main room by rice-paper screens, look out to a courtyard garden - or tsuboniwa - where a tsukiubai or water basin drips water constantly. (If it annoys, it can be turned off - but I find it quite restful.)

A large comer spa, shower over the tiled floor and bowl for a basin make up the bathroom. While the "bedroom" is not really a room conducive to lounging around in comfort, the communal living area is very comfortable.

Guests pad around in slippers and curl up on the three large, cosy white couches around the open fire. Newspapers and magazines are scattered over the coffee table. A pot of green tea - or English Breakfast if your prefer - is never far away.

Kiyoyuki is a chef and prepares dinner for guests. It is mainly seafood, so let them know in advance if you prefer vegetarian or meat dishes.

The beautifully presented meal can be served in your room, but we decide to dine at a table to ourselves in the dining room. The warm sake is complimentary, but guests should bring their own wine or beer.

Shizuka Ryokan is not a typical weekend getaway experience and it will not suit everybody. But if you're looking for something a bit different it may be ideal.
 
Many guests have some contact with Japan, either through having lived there, studied the language, or having friends or a partner from Japan. Some may even be expatriate Japanese yearning for a taste of home.

Others love Japanese food and are fascinated by the culture and history. Despite opening only two months ago, Shizuka Ryokan already has return custom and business from word of mouth.
 
For those wishing to delve even deeper into the Japanese experience, Shizuka Ryokan is planning a range of courses and workshops, including Japanese cooking and presentation, flower arranging, zen meditation, Japanese language and the dramatic wadaiko drumming.

- Allison Harding