Yudanaka Seifuso has been around for over a century. It was established during the Meiji Period (1868 - 1912), specifically in 1890, in the onsen town of Yudanaka in Yamanouchi. The town itself dates back around 1350 years, when it was founded during Emperor Tenjin's reign by a Buddhist monk, Chiyu. Famous haiku poet Kobayashi Issa is also said to be associated with the town, as he composed one of his works there. It's no surprise that the ryokan is influenced by its rich historical and cultural setting.

Design and Architecture

The ryokan boasts traditional architecture with a generous use of wood and bamboo. You can find 12 Japanese-style rooms here, all featuring tatami mats made of rush grass on the floor, shoji screens from where you can admire the snow on a winter day, and a tokonoma (alcove for displaying art) adorned with fresh flowers. The Matsu no Ma, especially, is a beautiful room showcasing traditional Japanese architecture. You'll find intricate artwork on the transoms, ceiling, and glass doors. The garden outside is also a sight to behold, with its koi pond, stone lanterns, and lush greenery.

Yudanaka Seifuso guarantees a wonderful gastronomic journey for guests, featuring fresh seasonal ingredients presented in a visually pleasing manner. It offers a quintessential kaiseki or multi-course dinner with locally sourced high-quality ingredients such as apple-fed Shinshu beef. Fresh seafood is also available, and you can relish it in home-style meals such as salt-grilled trout, sashimi, and tempura. Don't forget to try the trout bone sake when you're here. As for breakfast, the ryokan offers grilled fish, miso, rolled omelet, and seaweed. The best part is that you can request special meals for kids.

Reservations: Reservations can be made on the ryokan's official website.

Cultural and Outdoor Experiences

Yudanaka Seifuso is ideally located, close to both cultural and outdoor experiences. Culture buffs should check out the Miroku Stone Buddha statue, which is believed to protect the area from natural disasters and diseases. An eight-minute walk away, Yumiya Shrine is another must-visit. It's located by the Yudanaka Falls hot springs, so you can enjoy a dip when you're there. You can also spend some time admiring the natural stone architecture of the Sansha Shrine, which features many deities, including Daikokuten from Izumo Taisha.

When you simply wish to unwind, choose any of the onsens featured on site. Both private and public baths are available, the latter including an open-air bath featuring natural stones from Shiga Kogen. There's also a r etro-style indoor bath that dates back to the early Showa period. Don't forget to try the refreshing and aromatic apple bath! For those looking for a private bath, there's one that's made of four-centuries-old Kiso cypress.

The ryokan has plenty of experiences to offer for outdoor lovers as well. Thrill-seekers can get a ski pass from the on-site vendor and have fun on the slopes or go trekking on Shiga Kogen. Hiking and cycling in the area are also possible. Less than a 20-minute drive away, Jigokudani Monkey Park offers a wholesome experience of feeding snow monkeys and watching them enjoy an open-air onsen.

Other Celebrations

The ryokan comes with a Great Hall , which can be booked for banquets or private events. It can fit about 52 tatami mats. You can also get the restaurant team to arrange a cake for you.