Five Things to Know About Watching Baseball in Japan
- Author
- Travelogues
Located a short distance from Kyoto lies the Nishimuraya Honkan in a rural Japanese setting. This polished ryokan inn features a number of traditional rooms with tatami mat floors, chabudai dining tables, and sliding paper doors. Many are even fitted with private open-air hot tubs and views of the hotel’s elegant garden. Meticulously crafted meals are served in the comfort of one's accommodation for breakfast, and dinner and futon beds are rolled out at night. There are also three types of hot spring tubs, a lobby lounge, and a museum on site for guests to enjoy. Guests of the Nishimuraya Honkan are given full access to the spa at its sister hotel, the Nishimuraya Shogetsutei, which is but a ten-minute walk away, as are all of the seven Kinosaki Onsen Hot Springs. Whether guests choose to spend their days jumping between different hot springs or simply lounging in the comfort of their room, peace of mind is virtually guaranteed at the Nishimuraya Honkan.
The accommodations at the Nishimuraya Honkan embody the ryokan spirit with tatami mat floors, chabudai dining tables, and sliding paper doors. Windows look out on intricate gardens, and some accommodations are even fitted with private gardens and open-air baths. Generally speaking, the one-room accommodations can house two to four guests, while the two-room ones can house up to seven. The resort's two special rooms are located in the Hiratakan Annex building, which was constructed in 1960 by master sukiya-style architect Masaya Hirata. It is the inn’s newest addition.
With tatami mat floors, chabudai dining tables, and sliding paper doors, these rooms perfectly embody the ryokan experience. Décor is simple and comfortable, yet painstakingly detailed. These accommodations offer views of the expansive Japanese garden from their terrace area and include either one or two rooms. Upgrade to the Matsu Special Room to enjoy a two-room accommodation constructed in the shoin-style of architecture. Often used in Japanese Buddhist temples, this room’s aesthetic is fit for Japanese nobility.
The Hatsune and Asuka Rooms feature private open-air baths and secluded gardens. The Asuka Room is slightly larger than the Hatsune Room with a 10 tatami-mat size room compared to the Hatsune's eight.
Situated in the Hiratakan annex, this generously sized accommodation features two main guest rooms (twelve and six tatami-mat size), a generously sized living room, and an open-air bath. Large windows look out across the Hirtakan garden, as well as a forest-shrouded mountain, and the bath is constructed with Japanese cypress wood. The work of master sukiya-style architect Masaya Hirata, this room is certain to impress.
The larger of the two rooms in the Hiratakan annex, this crown jewel features a 16 tatami-mat size room, delicately patterned transoms, and large shoji paper walls. The accommodation has private gardens, and its private open-air bath is made of shigaraki porcelain. A signature work of sukiya-style architect Masaya Hirata, this elegant room can comfortably house up to seven guests.
The Nishimuraya Honkan offers all the facilities expected of a luxurious ryokan. There are several kinds of hot spring baths to enjoy and a meticulous Japanese garden. The lobby lounge is perfect for unwinding, and the on-site museum reveals many curiosities from the past. Guests of the Nishimuraya Honkan are also invited to go to the Private Onsen Spas & Relaxation Salon located at its sister property, Nishimuraya Shogetsutei, which is a ten-minute walk away. There is also a free shuttle ride between the two properties, and the aroma therapy treatment is certain to make the journey worth it.
Three hot spring baths are available at the Nishimuraya Honkan. The Kichino-yu Japanese-style hot spring is a large indoor bath and outdoor bath set in a grove of bamboo. The relaxing scent of cypress wood pervades the area of these baths. The Chinese-style Fukuno-yu baths draw on the use of round shapes, patterned tiles, and rocks to create a supremely relaxing environment. Finally, there are the Shouno-yu indoor baths, which are located inside the Hiratakan annex and offer wonderful views of its garden.
A lush Japanese garden lies in the center courtyard of Nishimuraya Honkan. Replete with tall, ancient pine trees, moss-covered stone statues, intricately trimmed bushes, and gentle ponds full of koi fish, the garden instills guests with a deep sense of serenity.
Filled with classical European furniture and Japanese-style architecture, guests are invited to have a cup of coffee or tea while in the lobby lounge Seigetsutro. This space is perfect for looking over the garden, reading, or chatting with friends.
Over its 150-year history, the Nishimuraya Honkan has collected an impressive collection of photographs, paintings, and artifacts. All are placed on display in this two-floor museum.
In accordance with ryokan customs, meals are served in-room.
The Nishimuraya has 150 years of experience to draw on when serving Japanese-style kaiseki (course) meals with dishes that range from Matsuba crab to Tajima beef, and fresh seafood dishes are all but guaranteed. The handpicked course meals for breakfast and dinner change along with the seasons to utilize the freshest ingredients. Head Chef Etsunobu Takahashi, who has nearly two decades of experience at the Nishimuraya Honkan, oversees all meals to ensure they are meticulously prepared.
With Remote Lands you'll travel with people who have made Asia the solitary focus of their own lifelong adventure. As our guest, you'll discover Asia on a journey that is completely, authentically your own, adapted from our own remarkable experiences and adventures over the years.
An Asia-focused magazine brought to you by Remote Lands - a platform for adventure, luxury, and authenticity from experts and explorers around the continent.
Here is a small selection of the kind words our clients have said about us recently.
People keep asking us which country we enjoyed the most, it's very hard to say, there were special experiences everywhere.
The guides and drivers were very knowledgable about the areas and took care of us well