Teiennoyado Sekitei

I made a four-hour Shinkansen trip through Hiroshima just to come back to Sekitei. It was my second stay in a little over six months, after returning to Japan for a wedding, and I’d go out of my way again for the chance to stay here. If natural beauty and beautiful facilities are what you’re after, Sekitei belongs on your bucket list.

The garden was peaceful and so well cared for, and the views from both the lounge and our room were gorgeous. The service was attentive, and the cuisine was really creative. We loved the whole experience.

We can’t wait to come back. Dinner was one of the best meals of our lives, and the place itself was gorgeous and relaxing. The hotel also made our children feel very welcome. Just know that tattoos aren’t allowed in the public baths, though you can book a private bath in advance for an extra fee.

We were surprised there weren’t many recent reviews, but after staying at Sekitei, we can confirm it’s a wonderful ryokan and well worth the visit. Everything felt peaceful and authentic to Japanese culture. It’s in a quiet spot about 30 minutes south of Hiroshima, and the staff will pick you up and drop you off at the local train stop. We stayed in Oimatsu, which had two sitting rooms and a private onsen on the second floor with mountain views. The bath was just big enough for two adults, so there’s no need to book a private bath session unless you want a bigger one. The food and service were amazing, and breakfast was a multi-course meal too. The staff were excellent. This was easily one of the best hospitality experiences we’ve had on our travels.