"There are some reviewers that, in my opinion, unfairly criticize this ryokan. They expect a typical Michelin starred dining experience that you can get in New York, Paris or any other major city. If that’s what you’re after then maybe this isn’t the place for you. However, if you are looking for an authentic, beautiful ryokan experience, you will love this place as much as we did. The Asaba it has been owned by the same family for almost 500 years. I did not have the pleasure to meet them but it’s obvious that they care deeply about the traditions and standards that have made this ryokan endure. We were lucky enough to stay in the recently renovated Hagoromo room. It definitely has zen qualities with beautiful finishes, tatami flooring, and a location overlooking the pond. We were also lucky enough to be there when they had outdoor performances of traditional Japanese music/story telling on a stage that floats in the pond itself. The food is a draw for many guests and I would say it’s excellent, served by charming staff that wants nothing more than to make you happy. Meals are brought to your room. I have never experienced cuisine of this level served in my room. I can’t imagine the logistics so I suggest giving some grace when reviewing that aspect of the culinary experience. The town itself has a lot of personality. Lots to do if you like hiking and taking in nature. I highly recommend this place."

"We are now staying at the Hagoromo room in asaba ryokan and i must say while we were initally in awe of the room and beautiful surroundings, the whole experience was marred by the totally underwhelming kaiseki dinner tonight Given the rave reviews i had read and the 3 michelin star on its dining experience, i must say i am flabbergasted. While the taste was relatively good and simple (i guess to jive with the zen theme of the ryokan) the whole presentation left us absolutely positively dissapointed! I understand the need for 'zen' but from cutler to plating to food presentation... The only word that comes to mind is dissapointing! Made worse by all those wonderful reviews from other guests. And the dessert... A scoop of so called cherry blossom ice cream that tasted more like vanilla ice cream thats not even trying hard to look like anything but!! Seriously! And btw for a place that charges upwards of usd 2.5 to 3k i do feel somewhat cheated and taken for a ride. Views and room aside... Also for that amount... U dont even get body lotion in the bathroom and i had to request for one! Go figure. Extremely disappointed"

"An architect’s vision, Asaba is a modern style ryokan panelled in light wood with rooms overlooking a pond stocked with fish and a waterfall, as well as a stage where performances occur in certain seasons. There are small indoor baths and a very pleasant outdoor bath. Our room had a nice Japanese tub to enjoy a private soak. Dining is in room, breakfast and dinner included, and our meals were Kaiseki style. Each meal was delicious and relaxing, served by friendly attentive staff. Futons are set out after dinner for a very comfortable sleep. Lots of power plugs, good wifi, flat screen tv and refrigerator. There is a tea and coffee station as well as some complimentary drinks including bottled water. Great toiletries are provided. The lounge has coffee, and tea, and a fine view of the pond especially in the evening when lanterns are placed outside. Service is outstanding! The town of Izu is a pleasant place to wander about and visit the many tiny shops. There’s a pleasant walk through a bamboo garden that will take you from Asaba to the commercial area. A side note: during our stay a group of tourists in the outside bath was ignoring or was unfamiliar with, proper bath etiquette, with loud talk, laughter and other behaviour disrespectful of other guests. Much like the hot tub at a Florida spring break hotel. I encourage first time ryokan visitors to read up on bath etiquette in advance for everyone’s enjoyment."