I wanted to find a place to stay while I do hiking around Shiroishi and I chanced upon this ryokan.
I did not arrange a shuttle to the ryokan in advance, but a call to the ryokan led them to immediately send a car to pick me up from Shiroishi station. What a surprise it is to find the owner of the ryokan driving the car! When we arrived, the staff were all lined up to welcome me. I felt a little overwhelmed but it shows their level of commitment to hospitality.
The ryokan is situated in the midst of lush and verdant greenery, being in the late spring/early summer season. I can imagine how beautiful the mountainous backdrop will be in Autumn, or even for the rest of the other seasons.
I heard there will be fireflies at the rice paddy fields in July!
The tatami room was spacious, with the fragrant smell of the tatami. The cuisine was very sumptuous and served by an attentive staff. I also had a relaxing time in the rooftop onsen. During the time I was there, there was a group of swallows fighting off a big crow, and I got to enjoy this natural performance in an outdoor stage.
Probably one of the most amazing point was that I was ferried around to all the different locations! The fox village, the kokeshi village, to the various sights and locales of Shiroishi village. Perhaps because I came during a quiet time, but it felt like a very personalised trip and tour for me.