Asanokan Inn

Before I start, I must preface this with the fact that I have never been to any Ryokan in my life before, but if this place is set as my benchmark, others have much in their plate! When our family decided to visit Ise Jingu, we stumbled upon this establishment, we just decided we wanted to try staying at a ryokan, and with not much reference, we decided to stay here. The Ryokan is situated at beachside (our room has an ocean view), and located in Futami-cho, Ise. The most famous nearby landmark is the Meoto Iwa (Wedded Rock) which is just a stonethrow away. Our stay was fantastic. Unlike typical japanese ryokan in popular onsen spots like Hakone, or popular tourist area like Fuji Five Lakes, the only touch of modernity in this ryokan is the toilet, which obviously has heaters. The TV in the room is still CRT, the heater in the lounge/lobby is a firewood stove, and the entire place felt like a Meiji Era Establishment. Not saying the place is rundown though, everything is clean and well kept. The neighborhood of the ryokan is also excellent, it is not obviously touristic and the businesses around the ryokan, be it restaurant, tea shop or souvenir shops are ran by nice and friendly elderlies, I can't describe my 2 nights stay at Futami with any other word but "heartwarming". Downside: Limited English, in both the ryokan or the surrounding businesses. They can understand, but very little amount, knowledge of Japanese will significantly improve your experience. I also have never been to onsen before, but I'm pretty sure the public bathing here is not an onsen but more of a sento (although it is not open for non-guests), it was an indoor communal bathing, and while I didn't ask, considering this is near the sea, I'm pretty sure the water is not from a natural hot spring. Food was solid and delicious, but not exactly what I would call exceptional, the service is excellent though.