I’d like to indroduce a Ryokan “Kanaguya”. There are precious buildings that built almost 80 years ago. “Kanaguya” is running as it was.Some buildings are certified as a national registered tangible cultural property.“Kanaguya” is located in Shibu Onsen in north part of Nagano.
I’d like to let you know the 6 special experiences.
- Eight hot springs in “Kanaguya”
- Japanese early 20th century’s style room and house.
- Tour of looking around ”Saigeturou ” and “Oohiroma “.
- Tour of studying about the source of hot springs in “Kanaguya”
- Bathing 9 hot sprinigs of Shibu Onsen
- Of course, Japanese Dish
1) Eight hot springs in “Kanaguya”
“Kanaguya” has 3 big baths and 5 small baths.
There is a outdoor bath at the rooftop that is divided into a women’s side and a men’s side. This outdoor bath is a sulfate and chloride spring (alkalescent) , and it is believed to be effective for making skin beautiful.
There are 2 big baths indoor. The 2 hot springs has different qualities. The one spring is mild acidity…blah blah blah. Anyway you can feel absolutely relaxed, when you take these baths.
If you are shy and don’t want take off your clothes in front of the others, don’t worry, you take another 5 baths in “Kanaguya”. These 5 baths are small, so only one group can take one bath at a time. When you (and your family, or your partner ) are taking a bath, no one can come in because you can lock up the door of the bathroom.
2) Japanese early 20th century’s style room and house
They say that “Kanaguya” is similar to the Ryokan “YUYA” of “Spirited Away (Sen to Chihiro no Kamikakushi)” which is a 2001 film written and directed by famed animator Hayao Miyazaki and produced by the Japanese anime studio Studio Ghibli.
There are old and gorgeous furnitures everywhere in this Ryokan, they are very attractive for me. They feature a Japanese-style feeling. At night, the old building is lit up and is very photogenic.
3) Tour of looking around ”Saigeturou ” and “Oohiroma“.
“Seigetsurou” is a house wooden buildings that has 4 stories, and “Oohiroma” is a Japanese style big dining room with tatami floor. The hallway of this building is narrow and the stairs are steep. Walking around the building makes you feel like you are exploring the old world.There are many highlights such as beautiful picture frames, wooden ceilings, decorative lighting and unusually decorated corridors.
4) Tour of studying about the source of hot springs in “Kanaguya”
On this tour, you can see the hot spring source used at “Kanaguya”. The experience of going through the narrow stairs in the backyard and watching the outdoor springs blow up is very precious and interesting because it’s a place you can’t usually see.
5) Bathing 9 hot sprinigs of Shibu Onsen
There are nine public hot springs in Shibu Onsen. This hot spring is used by local residents. Guests at an inn in Shibu Onsen can use the onsen by borrowing a key from the inn. However, you can use only the No. 9 bath if you purchase a ticket with an entrance fee of 500 yen without a key.
The nine hot springs have different effects. I like the No. 6 bath that is said to have the effect of becoming a beautiful woman. It should be noted that all hot springs are very hot. You can also add water to cool it down, so let’s start by putting your feet a little in the hot spring.
6) Of course, Japanese Dish
Meal is also an important factor in staying at an Ryokan.
The dnner is a Japanese dish using local food. A variety of delicious dishes are served. I was really happy to eat and drink.
The breakfast is “Mugitoro gohan”.
“Mugitoro gohan” is a rice dish with a mild taste and is made by grating the yamaimo (Japanese yam) and adding the eggs and seasonings. (quated from https://english.evidus.com/magazine/recipe/024.html)
It was really healthy and delicious.
As an aside, You can also enjoy some interesting spot near by Shibu Onsen.
Mt. Yokote
About this post
This is a part of the posts for #TeamJapan of #TeamChallenge. Our leader is @Yucco . And the main post is here. Check it and #TeamJapan posts out as well.
