Tokinenoyado Yunushi Ichijoh

It isn't an exaggeration to say that the story of Tokinenoyado Yunushi Ichijoh is closely tied to that of Kamasaki Onsen's. Legend has it that the hot springs were discovered 600 years ago when a lumberjack struck a rock with his sickle's tip and water began to gush out. The onsen village was soon established in 1428, and with it was the first incarnation of Yunushi Ichijoh.

From official records, we can glean that the Ichijoh family, who run the inn to this day, has their origins in Kyoto. Their ancestor Ichijoh Ichibei was a retainer of the warlord Imagawa Yoshimoto, daimyo of Suruga Province, which is now part of Shizuoka. Following Yoshimoto's defeat and death in the Battle of Okehazama in 1560, Ichijoh Ichibei left the Imagawa clan and eventually ended up in Kamasaki Onsen. By this time, the onsen village had been neglected due to the damage caused by floods. Discovering a new passion past the career of being a samurai, Ichibei devoted his life to becoming a Yunushi, which literally means "hot spring master". With the approval and support of the locals, Ichibei began restoring the onsen village by building a road as well as an inn - the Yunushi Ichijoh.

Success followed the family for generations, and during the Edo Period, they were recognized by Sendai's ruling Date Clan as Yumori, or guardian of the hot springs. The famed founder of Sendai, Date Masamune, is even recorded to have stayed and bathed at Yunushi Ichijoh. During the Taisho Era, the main building underwent major renovations. It was done using traditional techniques and still stands today.

Due to Yunushi Ichijoh's reputation, the inn was listed in the Onsen Banzuke, which is a ranking list of onsen in Japan during the Edo Period. This further propelled their popularity as both a leisure and wellness resort destination. The success of Kamasaki Onsen was also tied to the town of Shiroishi, with locals often using the baths of Kamasaki to recuperate after a long day.

Another major factor the ryokan's success is attributed to is its system of having a proprietress. This was inspired by Kichi, who supported the 9th generation Ichijoh. When the 9th generation head passed away at a young age, she managed the inn while assisting the 10th generation head, who was just 8 years old at the time. This eventually became integrated as a tradition for the family and Yunushi Ichijoh, where the Ichijoh head works together alongside the proprietress in running the ryokan.

While much of the ryokan has modernized since 2008, it still stays true to its traditional centuries-old charm and ambiance that won the hearts of the Japanese for generations. The guestrooms are available in traditional Japanese or Western configurations, putting the comfort of guests as of the utmost importance.

To better serve a prestigious and discerning clientele, the ryokan opened new luxury suites made with red pine wood and has private open-air hot springs. They have also refurbished an old kura storehouse, turning it into a posh heritage suite decorated with historic items related to the Ichijoh family.

As for the main highlights of the ryokan, the hot springs have been divided into two categories. Yaku-to refers to the medicated hot springs; these springs are popular with both the old and young because of their restorative properties. These are indoor springs designed like a modern Japanese bathhouse, providing privacy and convenience for guests. The other category is Dokutsu-no-yu, meaning hotspring of the cave. They are designed as pleasant, open-air baths where guests can take long dips to their hearts' content.

Located in the main building, diners can enjoy a sumptuous and exquisite meal in the private rooms of Shoan, the ryokan's signature restaurant. Yunushi Ichijoh has created an immersive experience not just with the food, but also the act of dining itself. First, guests must cross the Toki-no-Hashi (Bridge of Time), basking in the wondrous forest setting of Kamasaki. Upon entering, they are greeted with a Taisho Era atmosphere, brought about by the historic structure and decor.

The ryokan's signature kaiseki course is the Mori-no-Bansan, or Feast of the Forest. This fabulous course cuisine is carefully prepared by the inn's masterful chefs, with each item crafted using Sendai's freshest ingredients and finest seasonal picks. A special add-on item is also available for those who wish to celebrate a special moment; Shoan's extraordinary Foie Gras Daikon Radish marries French and Japanese gastronomy, creating a complex and elevated dish that is as memorable as it is wonderful.

Breakfast

Aside from exceptional kaiseki dinners, Shoan also serves traditional washoku breakfasts. Start your day the traditional Japanese way, which isn't just delicious but also very healthy.

Cultural and Outdoor Experiences

While visiting Yunushi Ichijoh and Kamasaki Onsen, guests can discover many interesting sights and activities in the region. Nearby are several mountain villages with their very own special locations. Shiroishi is known for its beautiful 16th-century castle and Buddhist temples with groves of sakura trees. Kawasaki has Kamafusa Lake and the colorful Michinoku National Park. Mount Zao is famous for its scenic peaks, natural parks, and powdery ski slopes during winter.

When you're not out and about, you can enjoy a pleasant evening listening to pre-dinner performances at the ryokan. Watch and listen to local performers play classical instruments such as the harp, the violin, and the shamisen. There's also a handicrafts class where you can learn how to make paper fans using traditional materials.

Other Celebrations

Yunushi Ichijo will be very glad to help you celebrate or commemorate important milestones in your life. Enjoy a cheerful birthday with the fantastic food served by Shoan, which includes special dishes, wines, and even a cake made just for you. Likewise, guests who wish to celebrate anniversaries can also book a private table at Shoan for a special small banquet.