Nakadana Inn, Associated with Shimazaki Toson

I found this inn while looking for a place to stay during my trip to Karuizawa. The building is old, with a charming, traditional atmosphere. I wanted to see the room where Toson Shimazaki wrote, but it wasn’t possible that day due to media coverage. The meals were just the right amount for an elderly couple, and the hot spring—located on higher ground—was at a very comfortable temperature. They also explained nearby Kaikoen Garden to us, which made the trip even more satisfying. Above all, I loved how quiet it was—nothing but the sound of insects at night. I slept very well. Thank you so much.

After touring the Komoro Distillery, we walked from Komoro Station to this Ryokan. The website said it was a 20-minute walk, but it took us about 30 minutes. We took a taxi on the way back. At the front desk, we were served plum soda and then shown to our Room. This time we stayed in a Room with a private indoor Onsen bath. It was a bit old, but very clean and well maintained. There is also a large public bath, but it is up quite a steep stone staircase, and my husband said it would be safer to use the bath in our Room instead—so we did. The Onsen left our skin feeling wonderfully smooth. I have had dinner at many Ryokan over the years, but every dish here was truly delicious. You could call it creative Japanese cuisine—both the presentation and flavors were excellent. They served salt-grilled ayu (sweetfish). I usually give ayu to my husband because of all the bones, but they told us you can even eat the bones in the head here, so I tried it for the first time—and really didn’t notice any bones at all. Because the food was so good, we also enjoyed it with their sake tasting set. Having an in-room bath meant we could enjoy it whenever we liked, which was wonderful. Breakfast included barley rice with grated yam (mugi-toro), grilled fish, ginger-flavored Onsen egg, and many other dishes—we enjoyed everything. A taxi to Komoro Station costs 1,000 yen, which is much better than walking for 30 minutes. It made me want to visit Komoro again next time as well.