My Favourite Little Place in Japan

People often ask me where my favourite place in Japan is.

It is a tiny town called Nakanojo.

Nakanojo is located approximately 2 hours north of Tokyo and is in a mountainous region with natural hot springs. I found this tiny little hotel which is called a Shima Onsen in Japan and whose name is Kashiwaya Ryokan.  Here is a link to the website: Kashiwaya Ryokan 

The hotel is designed in a traditional style and has both Western and Japanese style rooms. I have stayed here twice in the 'Hana' room which has its own hot spring bath on the balcony with a view over the river.

The food is without a doubt the best we have had in Japan. Every breakfast and especially dinner is a work of art and must be consumed in the order it is served. There are about 3 courses for each dinner and it is brought to your room and served by the most polite and lovely staff.

Just one of the amazing dinners at Kashiwaya

Each element of the meal must be tasted. We have learnt that everything that is put on the plate is there for a reason. All the pickles and side accompaniments have to be tasted in conjunction with the main dishes and they are just bursting with flavour. There are so many varieties of pickles and the come in bright blue, green, yellow, pink and white.

The meals at Kashiwaya are honestly the best in Japan and it is so much fun to have it served in your room at a traditional Japanese table. There is often a little pot that sits over an individual burner which cooks some rice in a beautiful 'soup' and you can crack an egg into it to make it even more hearty. The most delicious plum wine is served with some meals which is the most delicious beverage you could imagine.

Kashiwaya has 3 outdoor hot springs which can be used by the guests. All the traditional elements are there including the most important which is to wash/shower before you enter the hot spring. The best time to visit is in winter when it is snowing. It is so much fun to be sitting in a hot spring while it is snowing!

One of the private hot springs at Kashiwaya

Last but not least, the staff at Kashiwaya are fantastic. You hardly see them, but somehow your room is cleaned and all the meals are prepared and served with a minimum of fuss. The staff are always smiling and happy to have a chat (in Japanese). The owner of the Shima Onsen is a gentleman called Masuo Kashiwabara who is really nice and always ready to answer any questions.

The river opposite Kashiwaya

Opposite Kashiwaya

You really must go to Kashiwaya Shima Onsen next time you visit Japan. It is well worth the short trip from Tokyo. I can't recommend this Shima Onsen enough!

G