An Evening at a Japanese Ryokan—immerse in traditional tranquility, savoring meticulous hospitality, soaking in serene ambiance, and indulging in authentic meals for an unforgettable evening, harmonizing modern comfort with ancient charm.
An Evening at a Japanese Ryokan
Centuries of custom blend together with timeless elegance. A ryokan, a traditional Japanese inn, embodies understatement in its elegance and simplicity.
Inside a Japanese Ryokan
With tatami-woven floors and shoji sliding doors, the unmatched hospitality blends with a ceremonial sense of manners. Originally established to accommodate weary travelers traveling from Edo, the former capital, to Kyoto, ryokans are traditional Japanese inns. They open onto perfectly manicured gardens and are an amazing sliding paper portal to Japanese architectural and cultural legacy.
Hot Springs and Kaiseki
Steam rises from an onsen, a naturally occurring hot spring created by the tectonic plates moving beneath the Earth’s crust, a short distance away.
As people immerse themselves in the simmering waters, the heat radiating from these pools turns the air into a steamy mist, interspersed with quiet laughter. your bones absorb heat and relaxation, creating a comprehensive spa experience for your body and mind. next, unavoidably served, is Kaiseki ryori, a sumptuous dinner indicative of the ryokans’ nearly overpowering generosity. kaiseki is a fancy multi-course meal that is centered around the seasonality of the freshest ingredients and the unique flare of the skilled chefs. it originated from the little meals given at the renowned Japanese Tea Ceremonies.
Once you’ve had a light but always very strong aperitif, take a seat at one of the typical low tables, cross-legged, and be ready for the procession to start.
A plethora of delectably flavorful dishes emerge from the kitchen, escorted by kind waiters: transparent broths or miso soup, premium sashimi, crispy and scorching tempura, sunomono – seafood, typically octopus or shrimp dressed in a sour vinaigrette – pickled veggies, grilled fish or meat, and of course, bowls full of perfectly fluffy rice. this food procession is the best way to experience the most exquisite flavors of feudal, ancient Japan with a contemporary twist—a little version of the nation itself.
