Around Jizo Mountain × Stays Popular For SunsetsHighly rated for rooms and amenities at Hotel·Ryokan

Aoki Ryokan is a charming blend of Western and Japanese styles, with its blue roof and distinctive design—an Accommodation that gave me a great feeling even before I stepped inside. Fresh flowers were casually arranged throughout, the floors were spotless, and everything was impeccably clean. Perhaps because it is an old Ryokan, the atmosphere felt wonderfully balanced and calm. I usually suffer from insomnia when staying away from home, but here I felt completely at ease and slept very deeply—something that surprised even me. I also enjoyed listening to the proprietress’s stories (including one about Kunio Inatani, a pioneer of skiing in Japan) and savoring meals filled with mountain vegetables. It was truly relaxing both physically and mentally. As this is a historic Ryokan, old tools once used are also displayed; I was especially struck by the large saw used to cut ice from Lake Onuma, which made me imagine how demanding that work must have been at the time. To everyone at Aoki Ryokan, thank you for such a pleasant stay. Tokyo – Mariko