One of the most enjoyable aspects of travel is the local cuisine, the spectacular scenery that changes with the seasons, and of course, the hot springs! Did you know that there are many hot springs in eastern Japan that are called "ji-onsen," or "local hot springs," and have been loved by local people for a long time? Once used as therapeutic hot spring baths, and even today there are many hot spring resorts that continue to heal people. We will introduce the charms of "local hot springs" that warm the body and soul in the form of an interview!
What is "Yumori"?
The word "yumori" means "guardian of hot spring water. In other words, a "yumori" is a caretaker of a hot spring. They are in charge of controlling the amount and temperature of the hot water. The traditional hot spring baths that have taken root in each area and are the pride of the yumori of the "local hot springs" introduced in this project have been protected by them throughout their long history.
Founded in 1913, Naraya Ryokan is a 100-year-old hot spring hotel in Nozawa Onsen.
In this 17th installment of our series "Ask a Yumori-no-Mori-Naraya Ryokan" (Nozawa Onsen Naraya Ryokan) in Nagano Prefecture, we introduce you to the charms of Nozawa Onsen. We asked Mr. Ikeda, the innkeeper, about the inn. Front of the entrance
Nozawa's hot water" from a forest of beech trees
What are the features and attractions of Nozawa Onsen?
Mr. Ikeda, the bath keeper Nozawa Onsen Village is located in the northern part of Nagano Prefecture and is surrounded by a vast virgin forest of beech trees. Nozawa-no-yu" is said to be one of the best hot springs in Japan because of its freshness, high quality, and abundance of hot spring water, which gushes out naturally from the beech forest. The hot spring resort town, where many people used to stay as a therapeutic hot spring resort, still retains the atmosphere of those days, and visitors can spend a relaxing time while touring around the hot springs. The village is also home to many shrines and temples, and visitors can enjoy strolling around and taking in the abundant nature and peaceful scenery of the village.
There are more than 30 hot springs in the village, including "Asagama-no-yu," a 5-minute walk from the hotel, and 13 free public bathhouses, called "out-spa," in the hot spring resort area. The 14th out-spa "Furusato-no-yu" (fee required), located next to the hotel and equipped with an open-air bath, has also been added to the list. It is an important asset for local residents. The out-spa has long been used by local residents every day as a common place for their daily lives. They are maintained and managed by local residents. Each out-spa is managed and maintained by local residents who form a system called "yu-namikomori (friends of hot-spring baths). They pay for electricity and water, and clean the baths daily on a turn-by-turn basis.
Naraya Ryokan, Nozawa Onsen Hot Spring, established in 1913 and built 100 years ago.
The Naraya Ryokan was established in 1913 and was built 100 years ago. What are some of its features?
Ikeda-san, Yumamori Founded in 1913 and built 100 years ago, the wooden building is filled with the warmth of gentle wood and has a tasteful atmosphere that has passed through the Taisho, Showa, and Heisei eras. Large beams and thick pillars. The grand staircase upon entering the entrance. The warmth and warmth of the wood can be seen everywhere in the building, which was founded in the Taisho era. Paintings and wild flowers decorate every corner of the softly decorated building. We hope you will spend your time at your leisure, relaxing in the hot spring and open-air bath, and feeling the breeze of Nozawa Onsen in Shinshu. Inside the inn, you can feel the warmth of the wood. Let's take a good rest!
The warmth of the good old days can be felt inside the inn.
The quaint interior of the hotel. What kind of enjoyment is there?
Yumori Ikeda The inside of the inn is furnished with folk art furniture from Matsumoto and Hida. The main building was built in the Taisho era (1912-1926), and was moved and reconstructed. The large beams and thick pillars have a simple yet dignified appearance, and the warmth of the good old days can be felt. The gentle feel of the wood, the retro atmosphere, and the corridors decorated with wild flowers, prints, and paintings, make for a heartwarming onsen experience. You can feel the history. The floor is shiny and comfortable.
Some people choose to go in depending on their physical condition that day!
The Yumamori (guardian of hot spring water) manages the hot water at Naraya Ryokan. Please tell us about your daily routine!
Yumamori Ikeda-san Early in the morning from 5:00 a.m., he manages the temperature of the hot spring water. The day starts with managing the temperature of the hot spring water so that guests can wake up and feel comfortable. Opening the front entrance, serving breakfast, and morning coffee service to guests. After checking out and seeing guests off, we get ready to welcome today's guests. I also work as a waiter to set up the hotel, check the rooms and hot spring baths, and welcome guests in the afternoon.
Cuisine from late fall to early winter
What kind of cuisine do you serve at this time of the year?
Yumori Ikeda Late autumn to early winter. Mushrooms in the deepening autumn in Shinshu, warming main meat dishes with autumn vegetables. Sashimi: Shinshu salmon and Shinano snow trout Shinshu premium beef
Nozawa Onsen sightseeing! This is a hot spring resort!
What are some of the best places to visit around Nozawa Onsen?
Yumori Ikeda-san 5-minute walk from our hotel. Ogama," which is designated as a national natural monument. It is one of the 30 or so sources of hot spring water in Nozawa Onsen, and the water is nearly 100 degrees Celsius hot. The steamy air and sulfurous aroma of the hot spring water give the area a "hot springs" atmosphere. The atmosphere is like that of a hot spring resort. Local residents have long used it to boil vegetables and other foods, and it is known as "Nozawa Onsen's kitchen. At "Mini-Onsen Hiroba Yurari" (miniature hot spring square), located near Asagama, visitors can enjoy a footbath for free. Nozawa Onsen also has several places where you can make onsen tamago (hot spring eggs), and you can make your own onsen tamago here as well. Hemp kettle Hot spring eggs
What is the commitment of the Yumamori?
Lastly, please tell us about your commitment and thoughts as a yumori and your message to customers.
Mr. Ikeda, Yumori Sun々 It is the season when the temperature drops and we feel the news of snow!。 Late autumn evenings are filled with cold, sobering air. The cold winter is coming. Snow-cover is just around the corner.
Enjoy the hot water that is good for the eyes at "Nozawa Onsen Naraya Ryokan"!
How was it? This time, we asked about "Nozawa Onsen Naraya Ryokan" in Nagano Prefecture in detail. Why don't you relax and unwind in the atmospheric atmosphere of a 100-year-old ryokan and the hot spring that has been carefully passed down from generation to generation by the innkeepers? Why not experience the unique charm of Nozawa Onsen Naraya Ryokan?
Let's combine your favorite train and lodging to save money!
You can make your own original trip!
The " JR East View Dynamic Rail Package " is a variable-price individual travel product sold exclusively through the Internet that allows you to freely select a train and accommodations and make a reservation at once. Depending on the timing and conditions of your reservation, you may be able to save even on the day of departure at the earliest! We also offer one-day trip plans! Enjoy your own unique trip according to your schedule and purpose.
Approximately 25 minutes by bus from Iiyama Station, 3 minutes walk from Nozawa Onsen bus stop.
*The contents and services in this article are subject to change.
*All images are for reference only.
Next time
We will continue to bring you the charms of eastern Japan's "local hot springs" in our series, "The Charms of Local Hot Springs"! Please look forward to the next installment and beyond. For more information about "Ji-onsen", please click the link below.JR East HP "Places and Onsen" Interview Support: Nozawa Onsen Naraya Ryokan *All images are for reference only.
