Ryokan Taishoro

Ryokan Taishoro dates back to 1912. It was the first year of the Taishō era, which continued until 1926 under Emperor Taishō. The ryokan's name derives from the name of the era as a tribute to its roots. It is patronized by Ōmiwa Jinja, one of the oldest shrines in Japan. The current owner, Masahiro Uda, ensures the ryokan stays true to its cultural heritage.

Taishoro's historical roots can also be seen in its architecture. The traditional architectural style of the era has been painstakingly preserved. You can see it in the intricate wood and bamboo work throughout the property. The courtyard garden also offers a nostalgic vibe with its old stone lanterns. Plus, you'll find Showa-era plate glass in some places. The guest rooms surround the courtyard garden and have quintessential Japanese features such as tatami mats, chabudai (low tables), zaisu (low chairs), cedar ceilings, Yukimi shoji screens (Yoshino type), and fusuma sliding doors. You can find Honma rooms and Kyoto-style rooms here.

Ryokan Taishoro offers gourmet Japanese food through kaiseki meal plans that you can book with your accommodation. Outsiders need to reserve their meals five days in advance. You can enjoy your dinner in your room or at the private dining room; breakfast is served either at the private dining room or the shared dining hall.

Choose from different plans, including Somen Kaiseki Cuisine Plan, which features the famous Miwa somen noodles, Lobster Kaiseki Cuisine Plan with lobster gratin and salad, and Ancient Inishihe Plan, which comes with ancient rice, cheese, and sake. You can also go for the special kaiseki meal plan, with fresh whole fish sashimi as the centerpiece. The type of fish varies depending on availability. Other delicacies to enjoy at Taishoro include Sake-steamed abalone and Yamato round eggplant dengaku. Spiny lobster dishes and Yamato chicken and pork dishes are also available. The ingredients, including the fresh fish, are locally sourced from Nara. The ryokan also promotes sustainability by using delicious deep-sea fish in its meals, as this type of fish is usually avoided for its bones and aesthetics.

If you wish to host your special day at a culturally significant location, Ōmiwa Jinja will be the perfect choice. It's one of Japan's oldest and most sacred shrines, and the location is amazing as well. After a serene ceremony at the shrine, have a wonderful reception at Ryokan Taishoro's banquet hall. The staff at the ryokan's wedding reception desk will guide you and help plan the event. Private guest rooms are available for the bride to change into or out of her wedding clothes; they're also great spots for clicking wedding photographs, aside from the beautiful courtyard garden.

As for your wedding dinner, you can choose from the wedding cuisine plans available. The plans are named after the constituents of the Shochikubai symbol: Pine plan (15 dishes; 12,000 JPY/80.24 USD), Bamboo plan (13 dishes; 10,000 JPY/66.87 USD), and Plum plan (12 dishes; 8,000 JPY/53.49 USD). Consumption tax and a 10% service charge will also be charged. The meals are elaborate, starting with an appetizer and ending with a delicious dessert. The main course includes sashimi, grilled dishes, simmered dishes, and clam soup.

Cultural and Outdoor Experiences

Ryokan Taishoro is in itself a cultural attraction, with its period architecture, authentic Japanese meals, and Japanese-style rooms. The courtyard garden dates back to the origin of the ryokan and still boasts the stone lanterns from that era. You can stroll around the garden and take in the beauty of the plants and trees that change with the changing seasons. In monsoon, you can witness vibrant hydrangeas; azaleas also bloom in this garden. The courtyard makes for a beautiful backdrop for various private events. If you wish to explore the cultural attractions in the area, head to the many ancient temples, such as Asukadera Temple, Hasedera Temple, or Shorinji Temple. Don't forget to check out Sakurai's famous cave-in stone chambers such as Akasaka Tennozan Tomb or Koshizuka Tomb. Outdoor enthusiasts can embark on a hiking adventure along the Yamanobe-no-michi hiking trail. Walk or cycle along the train and admire the Man'yoshu poem monuments. You can even try climbing Mt. Miwa during your stay. The ryokan staff will help you plan picnics, visits to Ōmiwa Jinja, and other excursions.

Other Celebrations

Ryokan Taishoro welcomes private events, including Shichi-Go-San celebrations, weddings, reunions, company retreats, and engagements. The private rooms or the restaurant's open banquet space can be booked for events.