よくあるご質問 — FAQ
Questions, quietly answered
The things guests most often ask before they arrive. If your question isn’t here, email [email protected] or call (03) 5348 2030 between 9:00am and 9:00pm.
ご宿泊 — STAYING
Staying at the ryokan
Can I bring children?
Shizuka is an adults-only retreat, kept deliberately quiet for every guest — we’re unable to accommodate babies or children under 16. It makes for a very peaceful stay, and a wonderful excuse for parents to come alone.
Can I check in late at night?
Check-in is from 2:00pm to 9:00pm, and we encourage arriving early — the sooner you’re here, the sooner the quiet begins. Arrivals after 9:00pm are possible by prior arrangement, with a charge of $30 per hour (or part thereof) to keep a team member on. Please call us on (03) 5348 2030 to arrange a late arrival.
Do you accommodate small groups?
Yes — with six rooms sleeping two guests each, Shizuka suits small groups beautifully, and many groups book the whole ryokan to themselves. Past bookings have included yoga retreats, SAORI weaving retreats, cooking schools, shiatsu gatherings, ikebana associations and Japanese-language study groups. For a private booking of the whole property, see Host an event or enquire about a retreat.
Do you have beds other than futon bedding?
Our rooms are traditional, so sleeping is on Japanese futon bedding laid on tatami — but not sparsely: you sleep on a double layer of high-quality futons with a mattress protector, and most guests find it deeply comfortable. See the rooms.
温泉 — BATHING & WELLNESS
Bathing & wellness
Can I use the bathhouse and treatments if I’m not staying?
Yes — day visitors are very welcome. Bathing sessions, massage and treatments can all be booked on our Bathing & Wellness page.
What is the Japanese Bath?
A private bathing courtyard where a deep, hot hinoki timber bath sits beneath a handcrafted pavilion, looking onto a secluded Japanese garden. You wash first, then soak — an unhurried ritual centuries old. Read about bathing.
Do you have a public bath?
No — there is no communal bathhouse. Every guest room has its own deep soaking bath, and the private Japanese Bathing Ritual in the courtyard can be booked ahead. More on bathing.
Can we wear swimsuits in the bath?
No — as is traditional in Japan, bathing is without swimwear. The bathing courtyard is completely private for your session, so the experience is entirely your own.
Is the bathing area really private?
Yes — your booking gives you exclusive use of the bathing courtyard, with its own private shower room. No one else shares the space during your session.
What do we need to bring for bathing?
Nothing — towels, yukata robes and our handmade organic amenities are all set up and waiting for you.
お食事 — DINING
Dining
Can you cater for dietary needs?
Yes — with advance notice we cater for vegan, vegetarian, pescatarian, coeliac, diabetic and most other requirements. Please tell us when you book. About the restaurant.
Can we change the dinner time?
Dinner is a single seating: drinks from 6:15pm, dinner served at 6:30pm. The start time is fixed so every course arrives as it should — if you can’t arrive in time, call us on (03) 5348 2030 and we’ll see what’s possible.
Do you offer lunch?
No — there is no lunch service. Light meals and snacks are available to staying guests through room service.