Shinano Oiwake Cultural Magnetic Field Aburaya

The former Aburaya Ryokan is a Ryokan with a history dating back to the Edo period, where it served as a secondary lodging facility in the Oiwake-juku post town along the Nakasendo route. After relocating to its current location in 1938 (following the destruction of the Edo-period building in a fire), it became a favored retreat for many writers and intellectuals, such as Tatsuo Hori, Michizo Tachihara, and Shuichi Kato, who appreciated its tranquil environment for their creative work. The Ryokan unfortunately ceased operations in the Heisei era, but in 2012, the building was restored and reborn as the activity hub for the "NPO Aburaya Project," which promotes "book and art cultural initiatives." Since the COVID-19 pandemic, lifestyles such as dual-base living between urban and rural areas and remote work have gained attention. "Aburaya," with its history as a Ryokan used by writers for their creative endeavors, has now, in the Reiwa era, become an attractive third-place destination, further enhanced by advancements in internet connectivity. (Karuizawa, with its history as a summer retreat, offers cool summers and is highly recommended as a place to escape the intense heat of the city.) We hope you will stay at "Aburaya" and utilize it as a space for your creative activities.

The corridor outside the Room (Aburaya Corridor) features art pieces by artists who have previously exhibited at "Aburaya." The Aburaya Corridor Gallery and café open at 11:00, so please take your time to enjoy the artworks either before or after your check-out. You can view a wide variety of art pieces.

The washroom, shower, and toilet are not available in each Room. They are located on the accommodation floor, separated by gender. We provide linens, yukata, and bath towels, but no amenities are available, so please bring your own if needed. There is one washing machine and one dryer available; please use them in turn. (Laundry detergent is provided.) A shared refrigerator exclusively for guests is available. Please make sure to label your items when using it. A water dispenser is available (both cold and hot water can be used).

- Asama Shrine (a shrine established during the Muromachi period) → Located at the eastern end of the former Oiwake-juku, featuring the "stone monument of a haiku by Matsuo Basho from his Sarashina Journey," the Oiwake Local History Museum, and behind the museum, the site of the former Asama Volcano Observatory, where you can still see the smoking Mount Asama. - Hori Tatsuo Literary Memorial Museum → A literary museum showcasing valuable materials of Hori Tatsuo, a writer associated with Karuizawa and a representative figure of the Showa era. Many fans of Hayao Miyazaki's anime visit, as the scenario for "The Wind Rises" was based on Hori Tatsuo's "The Wind Rises." The main gate at the entrance is the original gate of the Oiwake-juku Honjin from the Edo period. - Sendouji Temple → A Zen temple featuring a stone statue mentioned in Hori Tatsuo's essay "Yamatoji and Shinanoji." The temple grounds also include a Curling Jizo statue.