Discover the history of the Viseu Ryokan
In the historic heart of Viseu, there is a gateway to Japan.
At Viseu Ryokan you'll find a cultural immersion experience where every detail has been designed to transport our guests to the serenity of Japan.
Here, you'll sleep on authentic futons on tatami, wear a traditional yukata, relax in a spa inspired by Japanese onsen and awaken your senses with unique gastronomic experiences, from Japanese breakfast to live sushi. Origami workshops, sake tasting and oriental therapies complete a journey where time slows down and omotenashi, the art of serving from the heart, transforms every moment into a unique memory.
Our philosophy
We are a bridge between two ancient cultures. In a Portuguese house over 300 years old, we have preserved each ancestral stone while introducing the essence of Japan into every detail. This unique fusion doesn't happen by chance, it's the result of years of study, travelling and, above all, a deep respect for both traditions.
At Viseu Ryokan, we believe that true hospitality transcends borders. That's why every member of our team embodies the spirit of omotenashi, to create an environment where excellence is born of authenticity and where every gesture, no matter how small, is executed with intention and care. It is this dedication to detail and shared passion that turns a stay into a transformative experience.
Omotenashi
Every gesture comes from the heart. Omotenashi guides us in creating unique moments, where attention to detail and anticipation of needs transform a stay into an unforgettable experience.
Harmony
In a 300-year-old Portuguese house lives the Japanese spirit. This unique fusion celebrates the best of both worlds, where tradition meets innovation and the East embraces the West.
Authenticity
Every detail has been designed to honour the true ryokan experience. From tatami to futon, yukata to onsen, we keep the essence of this ancient tradition alive.
The route
From the dojo to the ryokan:
Discover the history that made Viseu the gateway to the Orient.
From the dojo to the ryokan:
Discover the history that made Viseu the gateway to the Orient.
In a karate dojo, two 14-year-olds meet for the first time. Bruno and Tânia didn't know then that Japan, through this martial art, was uniting them for something greater. Karate taught them discipline, respect and the beauty of Japanese culture, seeds that would blossom two decades later.
During a karate training course in Japan, Bruno stayed overnight in a traditional ryokan. That night, enveloped by the silence of the tatami and the serenity of the space, a vision was born: "One day, I'm going to bring this experience to Portugal." What seemed like an impossible dream became a silent promise.
After years of maturing the dream, on a seemingly ordinary Sunday, Tânia breaks the silence: "What if we stopped dreaming and started building?" That year, they found the company, discover a vacant building over 300 years old, between walls that hold centuries of history, Bruno gets down on one knee and asks Tânia to marry him. The project becomes inseparable from their union.
Pregnant with her first child, Tânia accompanies Bruno on a pilgrimage to various ryokans in Japan. Every detail is studied, every gesture of omotenashi absorbed. They are carrying not only a child, but also a dream about to be born.
Like the art of origami, each fold must be perfect. The work progresses while respecting both the Portuguese soul of the house and Japanese principles. Stone by stone, detail by detail, the improbable takes shape.
Like cherry trees waiting patiently for spring, the Viseu Ryokan is finally opening its doors. Twenty years after that first meeting in the dojo, Bruno and Tânia have realised a dream that began with a reverence and became a bridge between two cultures.
