• An inn with architecture and atmosphere from the Taisho era (1911-1926).
• A gentle aroma in the private room
• The relaxing, open air bath
• Map

Hi, I am Sawaco and its been a long time since I wrote my last article. I would like to say sorry to the readers who have been looking forward to an article from me. I’m back!

I will show you a Japanese inn in Sumatakyo Onsen area for the series, “A one-day trip to Shizuoka’s hidden region”.

For previous articles, see the links below.
●A one-day trip to Shizuoka’s hidden region. Vol.1: Time travel to the early Showa period on the SL locomotive!
●A one-day trip to Shizuoka’s hidden region. Vol.2: It’s a thrill to make a wish on the “Bridge of dreams”!
●A one-day trip to Shizuoka’s hidden region. Vol. 3: Get smooth and moisturized skin at Bijo-dsukuri-no-yu, or the“bath for beauty!”

Summer has passed and autumn is here. This is a great place to go and see beautiful foliage.

An inn with architecture and atmosphere from the Taisho era (1911-1926).

After relaxing at the hot spring in the Sumatakyo Onsen area, now is the time to go to Suikoen. Going past the water wheel and through the aesthetic entrance, you’ll find yourself in an old world. The general manager of the inn welcomed us, and as we entered we saw the massive and retrogressive lobby. Its tranquility fits in with the town’s atmosphere.

A gentle aroma in the private room

When we got inside our room, we could smell the sweet aroma of an incense burner. We noticed that they were using tea leaves instead of the usual incense. The tea leaves are a specialty of the Kawana region, where the Sumatakyo Onsen is located.
※This tea incense service is only available for those who reserve a room via the website.

The restaurant, “Haikara-Tei”
We visited the Inn’s restaurant “Haikara-Tei” dressed in Yukata, a traditional Japanese night gown. (Yukata is common apparel for guests staying at a Ryokan) We were very hungry and looked forward to dinner after walking all day.

Every dish at the restaurant included fresh, local ingredients such as fresh river fish and wild vegetables grown in the surrounding mountains.
My favorite is the “Green Hot Pot” (the dish in the upper left of the image).
We usually cook hot pot soup with seaweed or fish powder, but this was made with green tea. The harmony between the green tea soup and locally grown ingredients is delicious.
※The dishes vary, depending on the season.

The relaxing, open air bath

At the end of the day, we went and soaked in the Onsen again.
Suikoen has its own Onsen, and in its open air bath, the night breeze is so comfortable and refreshing, that you may want to stay longer. Cold green tea is prepared and ready for you to cool down your body after taking a bath.

We finally came back to our room and lied down on our Futons (Japanese style bedding). We enjoyed conversation regarding today’s trip and then fell asleep.

On the second day, we floated on a lake in a mine cart. Let’s go on a mysterious journey…！

Map

〒428-0411 静岡県榛原郡川根本町千頭279