Built in 1839, Izuyasu has over 180 years of history to boast of. It originated against the backdrop of the late Edo period, specifically the 10th year of the Tenpo era. Its location close to the popular Higashi Honganji temple meant that its first visitors were monks and devotees.

With time, the ryokan gained popularity and attracted a diverse clientele, including writers and artists. It hosted woodblock printmaker Shiko Munakata, who used it as a peaceful retreat while creating the fusuma (sliding screen) paintings for the Higashi Honganji Shosei-en Garden. Currently, the property is owned and run by Izutsu Yasujiro, who belongs to the seventh generation of owners. He strives to maintain the ryokan’s legacy not just as an accommodation but also as a restaurant.

Design and Architecture

Izuyasu has been carefully preserved and restored and still flaunts its traditional charm. The exterior showcases latticework characteristic of the Edo period architecture. You'll get a taste of authentic Kyoto living as soon as you step inside. The rooms are cozily furnished with light wooden floors and furniture, tatami mats, and comfy futons. Shoji screens let diffused natural light into the rooms to make them even more relaxing. The garden also boasts remnants of its past, such as the stone lantern that survived the fires that ravaged Kyoto during the Onin War.

Authenticity is harmoniously blended with functionality here. So rest assured about modern comforts and practical amenities. For instance, the ryokan offers renovated and updated plumbing now. It has also incorporated a modern library in 2013.

Dinner

Owner-cum-chef, Izutsu Yasujiro, offers a rich gastronomic experience at Izuyasu, inspired by the 24 traditional Japanese seasons. Treat yourself to quintessential kaiseki dinners, each highlighting a different season and offering great health benefits. You'll enjoy an omakase menu curated personally by the chef, which changes every day to accommodate the freshest ingredients. Dinner may be served at the dining hall, private rooms, or counter seats according to guest preference and availability. Japanese wines, sake, beer, shochu, and whiskey are also available.

Serving hours: Service starts from 7 pm

Lunch

Lunch at Izuyasu is also influenced by the 24 traditional Japanese seasons and is served either in shokado-style bento boxes or as a kaiseki meal. The bento box comes with an additional course of seasonal soup.

Serving hours: Service starts from 12 pm

Breakfast

Try the wholesome Kyoto-style obanzai breakfast at the ryokan to start your day right. This meal also highlights the 24 seasons and changes every day. It includes flavorful egg preparations and other simmered and marinated dishes.

Tea Ceremonies

Yasujiro has also trained under the omotesenke school as a tea ceremony master, so expect to enjoy delightful tea ceremonies during your stay. The tea ceremonies are also great opportunities to connect with other guests and the hosts through the concept of ichiza konryu, or “one time, one meeting”.

Note: The restaurant team must be intimated about food allergies or dietary restrictions in advance.

Cultural Experiences

Izuyasu guarantees an enriching experience for culture buffs. Not only does it offer a quintessentially Japanese vibe with its architecture and design, but it also features unique experiences that you can indulge in. The ryokan celebrates seasonal festivals and shares the cheer with its guests through vibrant decor. Even some Kyoto locals participate in these events and festivals! Plus, you can find many one-of-a-kind items from the past preserved at the property, from Hina and May dolls to artwork by Jakuchu Ito and other famous artists.

The library, or The Kyoto Bookshelf as it's lovingly referred to, is a great place for bookworms to connect with like-minded guests. It offers a large collection of photos and music, aside from books.

Other Celebrations

The dining services at Izuyasu are not limited to guests only; outsiders can also book services for private events or celebrations. You can book a dining hall or private room to host events like an engagement dinner or a Buddhist memorial service. Get in touch with the management for more details.