In Osaka, how a family-owned ryokan and onsen is preserving its heritage
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Remarkable Living
In Osaka, how a family-endemic ryokan and onsen is preserving its heritage
Yukiko Yamasaki and her husband Kazuhiro run Amami Onsen Nanten-en, a traditional ryokan in Osaka prefecture. Amongst rapid modernisation, the couple are striving to preserve their authenticity, while showcasing true Japanese hospitality.
The onsens (hot springs) in Amami are extra special as they comprise radium-rich water, known to boost the allowed organisation, relax muscles, lower blood force per unit area, heighten the metabolism, soften skin, and much more. (Photograph: Freestate Productions)
xviii Jan 2022 06:30AM (Updated: 17 Aug 2022 10:28AM)
You lot oasis't fully experienced Nippon until y'all've stayed at a ryokan, the very essence of Japanese culture and hospitality, where you discover the truthful meaning of being zen.
If you're ever in Osaka, Yukiko Yamasaki and her married man Kazuhiro invite yous to stay at their traditional ryokan, Amami Onsen Nanten-en – a tranquil piece of paradise that's merely a 40-minute train ride from the bright lights and bustle of key Namba.
Surrounded past the forests and hills that mark the border with Wakayama Prefecture, Nanten-en's appeal is in its secluded location and verdant landscape, boasting a sprawling 10,000 sqm garden that lets guests experience the seasons.
"Y'all can experience nature's iv seasons in our garden – in that location are cerise blossoms in leap, fireflies in summer and leaves turning red in autumn," said Yukiko, the okami (chief female manager) of the inn.
For spa hedonists: The onsens (hot springs) in Amami are extra special every bit they contain radium-rich water, known to boost the immune system, relax muscles, lower blood pressure, raise the metabolism, soften skin, and much more. Nanten-en has dissever onsens for men and women, and is open 24 hours a day.
The other unique feature of Nanten-en is the traditional architecture of the residence itself, which retains its original woods structure built 106 years ago by renowned builder, Kingo Tatsuno, who also designed Tokyo Station and the Banking concern of Nihon.
Nanten-en's building was originally located in Ohama, Sakai City, as role of an entertainment complex. In 1953, the building was relocated to Amami by train to create an onsen destination for holiday-makers. After the second world war, Yukiko's father-in-law bought the building and started Nanten-en.
While it has been updated and upgraded several times throughout its history, the Yamasakis have always taken care to retain the atmosphere of the earlier years, which include newspaper sliding doors (shoji and fusuma), indoor verandahs (engawa), and traditional accents like tatami mats and paper scrolls. "Nosotros desire to keep these old Japanese mode elements equally they are what makes us unique," assured Yukiko.
Every bit the lady of the firm – a role traditionally held by the wife of the ryokan's owner – it's Yukiko's task to handle day-to-mean solar day operations of the inn. "The okami is the confront of the ryokan and supervises everything in order for operations to run smoothly, correct down to the smallest detail," she explained.
Nanten-en'due south spacious accommodations and serenity nooks are conducive for a discreet getaway. "Nosotros want to requite our guests their privacy and nosotros keep our distance, but that doesn't hateful we don't attend to their needs during their stay with usa," she bodacious.
Kazuhiro looks later the business and cultural aspects of their guests' feel. An Ikebana master and renowned Omotesenke Tea Master, he is the one who handles all the floral arrangements in the rooms, and conducts tea ceremonies with guests.
Every bit with most traditional inns, enjoying a beautifully-presented kaiseki repast in your room is part of the ryokan experience. Nanten-en uses seasonal produce from Amami for its sumptuous dishes, allowing guests to capeesh all the flavours of the seasons that are unique to the southern Osaka region. You meal volition consist of everything from sashimi to tempura, and delicious stews and grilled meats.
Over the last few years, Yukiko and Kazuriho noticed a drop in local patrons and a sudden ascension in overseas guests, likely due to Internet reviews and social media. To cater to this growing influx of tourists, the couple has introduced more communal areas for socialising, plus vegetarian and halal menus, too.
"We get people from all effectually the globe who take dissimilar cultural backgrounds and food community. Many things are different from what we used to deal with," revealed Yukiko.
But because of its new-found international appeal, Kazuhiro is hopeful that his ryokan – and Amami, in general – will become a popular destination. "Japan as a nation has a very unique civilization. Considering of foreign tourists, I feel like Japanese culture is being rediscovered," he quipped.
"Nosotros have to protect this traditional Japanese landscape. A place similar this, that has a lot of history, is very important and we want the public to appreciate information technology too," affirmed Yukiko.
Adapted from the series Remarkable Living. Sentry full episodes on CNA, every Sunday at 8.30pm.
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Source: https://cnalifestyle.channelnewsasia.com/remarkableliving/osaka-family-owned-ryokan-and-onsen-177136
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