This Japanese-style boutique inn located in Balmain, Sydney. Yes, you read it right, it’s actually in Sydney. The biggest highlight of Ryokan Gojyuan is its authentic Japanese atmosphere and a private hot spring with a small garden view. This might be one of the most Instagrammable Japanese-style accommodations you can find without leaving Sydney!
Ryokan Gojyuan – Things you need to know
This place is actually a small, independently operated inn that offers accommodation as well as Japanese cultural exchange workshops, among other things. We booked their popular 2-hour Japanese hot spring experience. It requires advance reservation and confirmation with the establishment.
The package price for two people is $240 and includes exclusive access to the Japanese garden, tatami resting room, Japanese yukata (robe), two servings of tea and snacks, and the highlight: a private Japanese-style hot spring bath! As someone who is in Sydney and hasn’t had the chance to go to Japan yet, this experience was more than satisfying and truly unforgettable!
After soaking in the hot spring, the staff even served homemade matcha desserts and traditional barley tea. Enjoying some delicious treats after a bath is definitely a part of happiness, right? Overall, for those who haven’t had the opportunity to visit Japan yet but have a strong desire to experience Japanese-style accommodations and hot springs, this place is highly recommended.
The hot spring experience
For the first half hour, you can rest in the guest room while enjoying tea and dessert before entering the hot springs.
The water temperature is around 40 degrees Celsius, and you need to shower before getting into the hot springs. Towels, benches, and basins are not allowed in the hot springs, but the inn provides drinking water to prevent dehydration from the heat.
Staying at Ryokan Gojyuan
$550 per night for 2 people $495 per night for 1 person The Watashi no Hi (My Day) bathing package, exclusively for guests and their friends ($264), needs to be booked separately.
Inn Features
- The inn has 2 tatami bedrooms.
- The authentic Japanese-style bedrooms contrast with the exquisite Western-style bathrooms.
- Each room comes with a private bathroom, alcove, and futon wardrobe.
- Household appliances are mostly designed to be hidden, showcasing the Edo period style.
- Doors and windows open onto a balcony with a view of the Japanese garden.
How to book
Booking accommodation is a bit difficult because they only have two rooms, so it’s necessary to book several months in advance. However, if you’re only going to experience the hot springs, there are available spots anytime. The price for 1-2 people is AUD 286 for a total of two hours, and it’s only available on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Children are not allowed.
Although the inn is not very big, being able to experience Japanese-style hot springs without leaving Sydney is already satisfying. The interior and decorations truly capture the essence of Japanese culture. They even gave a small gift when we left. What impressed me the most throughout the whole process was the emphasis on protecting guests’ privacy.
Address: 208 Darling Street Balmain NSW 2041
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