A hidden little Japan is tucked away within a 2-hour drive from Melbourne. For a short two-day, one-night getaway, we chose the hot spring town of Daylesford. We didn’t expect to uncover an amazing Japanese-style hot spring ryokan called Shizuka Ryokan.
The moment we arrived, it felt like time travel. The entire property is designed in a Japanese garden style. It is very quiet and full of atmosphere.
The room is traditional tatami-style, with a bathtub for soaking. Outside the window is a garden view, which is genuinely very healing. Yukata, tea sets, and bath salts are all thoughtfully prepared. The house-made organic bath salts are especially impressive. After soaking, the whole body feels completely relaxed. A staff member from Japan also said that when he first arrived, he felt this place truly looks like Japan.
In the evening, we even saw kangaroos at the hotel entrance. The staff said that if you wake up early, you can see more than thirty kangaroos nearby.
The accommodation package that includes breakfast and a 45-minute private onsen costs around 560 for two people. The breakfast is very thoughtful, light and comforting. After eating, it feels like a fully energized morning. The hotel also offers an omakase dinner, which costs about 100 per person.
We booked through the official website, and others can also check third-party platforms.
Because the location is quite quiet, the surrounding area is basically just one small street. However, it is very convenient to drive to Daylesford’s main town to browse vintage shops. The pace is slow and perfect for switching off.
The temperature in the hills is about five degrees lower than in the city, so remember to bring an extra layer of clothing.