Sponsored by Fujisawa City Tourism Association
Iwamotorou Ryokan, located in Enoshima, is a traditional Japanese inn that has been run for over seven hundred years by the same family. More than fifty generations.
A Historical Ryokan in Enoshima
During Edo period, this ryokan had been loved by many shoguns (generals) and daimyos (nobles). Since the emperor lived in Kyoto and the Shogun lived in Edo (Tokyo), the nobles and generals stopped here for political, cultural, or economic reasons.
Iwamotorou Ryokan offers a very relaxing setting thanks to its baths and its incredible view of Mount Fuji.
The resort also offers a unique view of the pacific ocean with Mount Fuji in the background from the outdoor pool. From each of these observation points, Hakone and Oyama mountains can also be seen.
Bath
As for the baths, the ryokan has two uniquely decorated baths: one is the “cave bath“, an amazing bath dug in the stone, and the other is the “noble bath,” sparkling with its thousand-colored ceramic tiles and designated a national treasure.
Each bath is open to women or men separately on a rolling basis, three times a day. Apart from the cleaning time (30 minutes between each roll), the baths are open all day and all night. Enjoy!
Museum
To explore the history of the ryokan and the city, there is a museum on the ground floor to show you magnificent treasures from the area.
There you can find hanging drawings (Kakejiku), calligraphy letters and stamps, dishes, shoes … All of them dating back hundreds of years and making it possible to understand the history and legends of Enoshima.
An Experience close to Tokyo and Kamakura
Upon arrival at the ryokan, we were taken care of by a very pleasant, smiling and attentive staff. They took us to our rooms on the ground floor and showed us where to find the baths, the museum and the dining rooms.
Lobby
We settled down in the room and enjoyed a tea service.
The Traditional Room
We were delighted to find yukata here. This traditional outfit, simpler than the kimono, is worn in the ryokans in Japan in order to to help guests be at ease and go to the baths without having to take on and off your clothes. We visited the rest of the ryokan while waiting for dinner.
Through the window, we saw the outdoor pool overlooking the ocean. So we chose to go there and enjoy the view!
Dinner
Coming back to the room, we had dinner which consisted of many small dishes. The dishes are always different according to the season, and the staff came to us to help with the service three times: arrival of the first dishes, followed by about ten minutes by the second dishes, then, finally, the dessert, at this time we had a Matcha tea cake filled with a red bean paste.
The numerous small dishes really let us take the time to savor and taste the different dishes. As we were often surprised by the taste of certain foods, it was a very appreciated discovery!
After dinner, we came to set up our futons, they were very comfortable! The table had to be moved to the corner, but the tea remained at our disposal.
Breakfast
The next morning, we had breakfast in the restaurant downstairs. And it was a feast just as dinner had been!
Iwamotorou Ryokan really makes an effort so that the guests can rest and relax for a few days. Not only do they have amazing bathrooms, but also a table tennis table and a swimming pool …
If you want to relax for a few days and refresh yourself, I recommend that you try this experience to feel, for a moment, like a novelist!
General Information
You can make a reservation for this ryokan via their website (official site in Japanese) but, if you don’t speak Japanese, the simplest way is probably to send a fax in English to the ryokan with your request to + 81-466-24 -0578.
The cost per night (depending on the room, the date, and the meals) can range from ¥10,000 to ¥25,000. In general, it is more advantageous to book a ryokan during the week in order to have a good deal!
For more information, do not hesitate to visit the official website of Fujisawa City Tourist Association in English!
You can also go directly to the tourist center, which is one minute away from Katase Enoshima station, it is open from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm and they will be happy to provide you with information and, if necessary, Wifi information.
[cft format=0]Translated by: Aika Ikeda
