The Arashiyama Gift: Romantic and Beautiful Ryokan Retreat
Josh Gebbeken
Arashiyama, a true gem of Kyoto, radiates both beauty and romance. If you find yourself in Arashiyama during Hanami season, take the Romantic Train that winds along the Hozugawa River, offering stunning views of cherry blossoms—a perfect setting for couples. But even beyond spring, the enchanting Arashiyama bamboo forest trails beckon visitors year-round.
A Taste of Luxury: Ryokan Without the Overnight Stay
Did you know there are luxurious ryokans in Arashiyama? Guests can stay in these traditional inns and enjoy natural hot springs with indoor and outdoor options. While Kyoto locals might hesitate at the thought of an overnight stay, imagine indulging in a ryokan experience without the commitment of a full stay.
Hanaikada: A Ryokan Experience Unlike Any Other
Let me introduce you to Hanaikada, a ryokan located on the southern end of the Togetsukyo Bridge. This ryokan offers a unique and accessible option: any guest who dines at the ryokan can reserve a private open-air bath for up to 40 minutes. This Ryokan boosts natural spring water, renowned for its hypotonic alkalescent properties, fills the private onsen, and leaves your skin feeling softer than a bath at home.
Our Hanaikada Experience: An Oasis of Tranquility
Upon arrival, the staff warmly greeted us. After confirming our reservation, they guided us to the elevator, which whisked us to the third floor. As we exited, our kimono-clad hostess welcomed us and escorted us to a cozy, private room, where we enjoyed the space to ourselves. A delightful lunch set awaited us by the window, offering charming views of passersby along the river. We settled onto the cool tatami mats, eager to savor the meal that had been thoughtfully prepared in advance.
For our beautiful lunch, we treated ourselves to the exquisite Yodofu lunch course, a genuine Arashiyama specialty. The locally crafted tofu, cooked to perfection in a nabe pot with a flavorful bonito-infused soy milk broth and served with a variety of delightful condiments, was the star of the meal. The course also included rice, a delicate dashi soup, fresh sashimi, an array of tempura-battered vegetables, and a generous tempura king prawn.
Every aspect of this delightful lunch was a culinary revelation. The yodofu was incredibly soft and silky, with its subtle sweetness complemented by the rich soy milk. Enhancing the flavors with soy sauce, leek, dried bonito flakes, and ginger elevated the experience, providing a bold contrast to the delicate tofu.
A surprising highlight was the sashimi, which we were encouraged to combine with Japanese yam. The fusion of the fresh tuna and earthy yam created a harmonious blend of textures and tastes that exceeded our expectations. The tempura, both vegetables and a prawn, was executed flawlessly. Even as someone who usually avoids shrimp, I found myself captivated by the succulent prawn encased in a crispy, golden tempura batter. It was a truly transformative culinary experience.
The Blue Bird of Happiness
Our window-side seats offered a captivating view of tourists leisurely drifting along the river. The day began with gentle rain, but the clouds soon parted, revealing a glimpse of sunshine. Perched atop a neighboring building, we spotted a vibrant blue bird, likely the Blue Rock Thrush, or イソヒヨドリ. From what the amazing and beautiful love of my life has told me, bluebirds are generally seen as signs of happiness and good fortune. Set against the breathtaking panorama of Arashiyama, its existence filled us with awe and delight.
Private Onsen Bliss: Unwind in Your Oasis
After our delightful meal, our gracious hostess informed us that our bath was ready. She led us through a maze-like path to the private onsen's changing room. This cozy space, designed for two, offered a cherished intimacy not found in the larger communal baths. We could glimpse the iconic Togetsukyo Bridge and the surrounding mountains over the wall. The open-air bath, fed by a natural hot spring, left our skin incredibly soft. The bath was deep and wide enough for ultimate comfort, and The water was the perfect degree of warmth.
As I soaked, I felt months of accumulated stress melt away, replaced by a deep sense of tranquility. The sun, emerging after a morning rain shower, made the experience all the more magical. Our 40-minute reservation seemed to vanish in an instant, yet the time spent in the onsen was truly restorative.
Conclusion to an Amazing Experience
As we relaxed in the post-bath area, we reflected on our exceptional experience at Hanaikada. The meal was exquisite, our hostess's hospitality was warm and inviting, and the bath was profoundly relaxing. This was my first experience in a Ryokan without an overnight stay, and it left me curious about what a full stay would be like. If lunch was any indication, dinner and breakfast would surely be extraordinary. I longed to feel the softness of the futons and linger in a private in-room onsen. Overall, our visit to Hanaikada was nothing short of amazing.
If you find yourself in Kyoto, I highly recommend reserving in advance to experience this wonderful ryokan firsthand. You can find more information about Hanaikada below, including an English version of their website and English-speaking staff who will gladly assist you. To see more amazing areas within Kyoto, visit the latest articles from our local Kyoto info editors here:
Hanaikada Ryokan
57 Arashiyama Nakaoshitacho, Nishikyo Ward, Kyoto, 616-0004
Website: http://www.hanaikada.co.jp/english/onsen.html
TEL: +81-75-861-0228
E-mail: kyoto@hanaikada.co.jp
Author Profile
- Currently a Japanese Language student, a former Android developer with several apps with over 1 million downloads each on the Google Play Store, likes exploring areas outside popular places. I have an amazing, beautiful girlfriend who makes me happy and which I love sending morning messages to.
