[Western Japan] 6 ryokan with ties to famous writers and artists where you can enjoy the charm

source:Posted by Backlash

What did historical writers and artists feel and what did they see? When you come into contact with their works, you want to explore their origins. If you want to feel even a little bit of that world, why not follow in the footsteps of the places they visited? Then, immerse yourself to your heart's content in the spaces they spent their time in.

source:Posted by YO.K

Long-established inns that were favored by literary figures and artists have a different charm to trendy inns. There is something profound about their universal appeal that can be felt even through the ages and years. Stay at an atmospheric onsen inn and enjoy the romanticism of history while thinking about great people.

Ebisu-ya is located in Kizu onsen, the oldest onsen in Kyoto. It has been healing the body and mind of many people since the Nara period. It is known as the inn where the literary master Seicho Matsumoto wrote "D no Kogotsu". In "Seicho's Study," where he actually wrote, you can read books or spend your time as you like.

The new building is modern and sophisticated, but the main building, the Taishokan, has an atmosphere of Taisho-era romance. The architecture is beautiful with its free-form Art Nouveau style, and the stained glass gives off a nostalgic vibe. It's nice to feel as if you've wandered into another dimension.

The retro interior and corridors are filled with Taisho-era retro elements. It's a great place to relax and read some of Seicho's works.

This hot onsen is 100% sourced and flows directly from the source. You can fully relieve your daily fatigue while looking out at the bamboo forest garden and seasonal scenery. The meal for meals features seasonal produce from Tango, so you can enjoy gourmet food from both the sea and the mountains.

Miki-ya, a regular lodging for the literary master Shiga Naoya, is located in Kinosaki onsen that has been around since the Heian period. Miki-ya's 1000m2 Japanese garden is depicted in "Dark Night's Passage." You can spend a relaxing time looking at the beautiful scenery that Shiga Naoya would have also seen.

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This ryokan is filled with charm, with its quaint wooden architecture and Japanese garden, and Shiga Naoya's favorite room was Room 26. You can still see the room and the handwritten postcard that he sent to the innkeeper.

The lobby and large public bath have been renovated, fusing history and tradition with a modern and stylish space. In the library lounge in the lobby, you're sure to find a fascinating book you'll want to pick up.

"Hiiragi no Yu" is a place where you can relax and soothe the fatigue of your journey. The open ceiling gives you a sense of openness. After you have refreshed your body and mind, enjoy meal made with the bounty of the sea and mountains of Tajima and some local sake.

"Funaya" is located in Dogo onsen, one of the three oldest hot springs in Japan. It is a prestigious, long-established ryokan that opened during the Kan'ei era of the Edo period and has even hosted Emperor Showa. Natsume Soseki also wrote about the joy of staying at Funaya ryokan (now Funaya) in the haiku "My first stay at Funaya was a pleasure."

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Masaoka Shiki, a close friend of Natsume Soseki, also composed haiku in Funaya's vast garden, "Eifutei Garden." Many other famous people have also visited Funaya. "Eifutei Garden" has meal on the riverside where you can meal while listening to the murmuring of the river from April 1st to late October. Reservations are required for parties of two or more, and must be made by the day before.

Many works by artists such as painters and potters are on display, and the hotel also has an art gallery room. This is the guest room "Ai" designed by the potter Yuki Hayama. This is one of two rooms connected together, and the world of fish and seaweed patterns is displayed in it.

You will be deeply moved by the many works of art and onsen where great men sweated. Spend a special time feeling the breath of those great men everywhere.

Since its establishment in 1920, Izanro Iwasaki has been a beloved inn for many people, including celebrities. You can see historical items at Gallery Iwasaki and the annex, Sanchokaku. You will have the chance to encounter a precious moment where you can see a side of this great man who lived alongside the inn throughout his time.

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The guest rooms are spacious and have a purely Japanese atmosphere. The clear waters of the Misasa River and the gardens, where you can feel the changing of the seasons, will soothe your soul. Enjoy the tranquility and relaxation to your heart's content.

source:Contribution of Yachitan

The large stroll-style garden "Isuien" was a favorite spot for writers and artists such as Emperor Showa and Toson Shimazaki. We recommend taking a leisurely stroll through the garden, where you can hear the murmuring of the Chosen River.

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In October 2019, the bath area to the right of the large circular garden bath "Yama no Yu" was renovated, further increasing the level of relaxation. This onsen is one of the world's leading radium onsen, and is also effective as a "hot onsen to inhale." Radium is decomposed into vaporized radon, which is said to have a "hormesis effect" that enhances cell activity and immunity. Enjoy long baths in 12 different natural hot onsen.

Matsudaya Hotel was founded in 1670, when Tokugawa Tsunayoshi ruled Edo. It is a historic ryokan where patriots of the Meiji Restoration such as Saigo Takamori and Okubo Toshimichi are said to have gathered and talked about the new era. This inn is filled with the romanticism of history and is a must-see for history buffs.

Inside the museum is the Meiji Restoration Archives, where numerous valuable cultural assets are stored and exhibited. You can reflect on the passionate aspirations of the key figures in the Meiji Restoration.

onsen Onsen, where Matsudaya Hotel is located, is also known for its hot springs that are great for women as they are known for their skin-beautifying properties. There are many types of hot onsen, and the Ishin no Yu bath was built in 1860 during the end of the Edo period. Soaking in the baths while feeling the feelings of the people who lived through the upheaval of the Edo period is sure to fill you with energy.

There are six free foot baths around the inn, so it's nice to take a stroll there before dinner. When you return to the inn, you can feast on a menu that changes monthly, featuring seasonal ingredients. Carefully selected ingredients, including fresh seafood caught in Yamaguchi's gracious environment, will satisfy both body and soul.

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Hiiragiya ryokan was founded around the time of the Bunsei era at the end of the Edo period, and has since valued heartfelt hospitality with the spirit of "raisha-nyoki." It is a long-established ryokan with good old traditions and formality.

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Yasunari Kawabata, one of Japan's leading literary figures and known for his masterpiece "The Dancing Girl of Izu," also loved Hiiragiya and contributed an essay to the inn that begins with, "When I'm in Kyoto, I always stay at Hiiragiya..." It has an elegant yet relaxing atmosphere, making it a relaxing inn that will make you feel like you've "come home."

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You will feel at ease in the rooms that exude a purely Japanese atmosphere. The bathtubs in the guest rooms are made from fragrant Koyamaki wood, and while they are traditional bathrooms, they still exude a sense of Kyoto elegance.

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meal are Kyoto-style kaiseki, made with seasonal ingredients and served on beautiful Kiyomizu-yaki ware. You can enjoy the attentive care and dedication of this long-established ryokan.

What did you think? A trip to stay at an inn associated with great people who colored the era. You can experience the romance by sharing the same scenery, scenes, and emotions as them. Why not hone your sensibilities by staying at an extraordinary inn where you can enjoy "stimulation and healing" at the same time in the midst of your busy daily life?