Nanten-en has quite an interesting history going back over 100 years. Built in 1913 and designed by Kingo Tatsuno (the famous architect behind the Bank of Japan building and Tokyo Station and a student of Josiah Conder), the original wood structure was actually part of Shio-yu, an entertainment complex in Ohama, Sakai City, about 40 kilometers (24.8 miles) away from its current location. Nanten-en was actually an annex of the complex and was called the 'Family Bath', and was a place for families to play, rest, and bathe.

The structure was damaged during the Muroto Typhoon and was relocated to Amami in 1935 by train as part of a plan to develop the area as an onsen destination. The rest of the complex in Sakai City burned down during the war. The situation was equally grim for the new onsen destination as it had to put down the shutters due to the general refrain from extravagance practiced during the war, however, it reopened in 1949. Sadly, much of its history wasn't written down, and the tales of its illustrious past were passed down as only rumors, until an investigation by the Meiji Architecture Research Group. The effort bore fruit with the discovery of certain archival records of the Nankai Electric Railway, where the connection between Nanten-en and Shio-yu (the entertainment complex in Sakai City) was revealed. Accordingly, in 2003, it was awarded the status of a Tangible Cultural Property.

The property is currently run by Yukiko Yamasaki (the 'okami' or landlady of the ryokan) and Kazuhiro Yamasaki. After the conclusion of World War 2, Yukiko's father-in-law bought the building and it passed into the family.

Design and Architecture

The Yamasakis are adamant about preserving the traditional aspects of the ryokan and take pride in its shoji and fusuma sliding doors, tatami mats, and stunning engawas (Japanese indoor verandas). The decor scheme relies on traditional paper scrolls and unique flower arrangements done by the property's Ikebana master, Kazuhiro. The flowers are sourced from the on-site garden,

The garden is not to be outdone by the ryokan, and perhaps its centerpiece is the pond across which is a sleek bridge with red railing, perhaps harking towards the bridges in certain Shinto shrines.

The Seiryuu-tei open-air hot spring annex is the most premium accommodation option, and its beautiful and authentic design features affirm the reasoning. The annex has an irori, which is a traditional sunken fireplace around which you can lounge or even prepare some tea. Of course, chabudai and tatami chairs are provided, as are sitting mats.

Shunju Banquet Hall

This is the ryokan's breakfast hall fitted with elegant furnishings and floor-to-ceiling windows.

Dinner

Washoku dishes are served kaiseki-style at this ryokan. The dishes are prepared from locally sourced seasonal ingredients so that the guests can savor the authentic taste of the region. Spring vegetables feature heavily in dishes from March through May, while summer sees a delectable selection of seafood and seasonal vegetables. Autumn sees the incorporation of matsutake and grilled beef in dishes, while winter is for nabemono (Japanese hot pot dishes). A la carte options are available as well and you can complement your meal with delicious sake or wine. Specialties include grilled Japanese black beef, live abalone, Yanagawa eel, kongo nabe, duck nabe, botan nabe, and grilled sweetfish with salt.

Vegetarian and halal dishes are available, and for any personal preferences, make sure to contact the hosts. Dinner is usually served in the room and will be delivered between 6 pm and 7 pm.

Breakfast

A traditional Japanese breakfast is provided here and you can expect a rolled omelet with rice and miso soup with fresh clams, however, the menu changes each month.

Cultural Experiences

Kazuhiro Yamasaki, the owner of the property, is a famous Omotesenke tea master and organizes tea ceremonies for guests! His floral arrangements allow you to study the intricacies of the art from an expert. Yukata are loaned to guests so that they can take pretty photos and immerse themselves in Japanese culture. The natural-radium-rich onsens allow you to partake in an age-old Japanese tradition.

Traditional Japanese weddings (called Shukugen) can be organized at this ryokan. The property frequently works with 'Shukugenya' a wedding planning company that specializes in organizing traditional Japanese weddings with packages. Wedding packages start from 505,000 JPY (3,400 USD) and include a family crest for the groom, white kimono for the bride, kimono dressing, hair styling, makeup, travel expenses, and a banquet meal for 10 people. Photography and florist services are available separately, and fees for the dressing room use and drinks are separate as well.