TATESHINA AI -Cuisine Reports（1）-
| The exterior of the restaurant "Yamami-an" in the evening twilight. The restaurant can be used for one-day trips (lunch and dinner). Basically, meals are served in this private dining room. Overnight guests use the passageway that leads through the ryokan. | |
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The English poem on the frame is the lyrics of the Beatles' song "In My Life". |
| Restaurant "Yamami-an" | |
| The inn's cuisine is based on the "Home-style kaiseki cuisine" originated by Ms. Yukiko Niwa, the mother of the current president, at the time of the establishment of the inn. The elegant and graceful menu, which contributed to the many repeat customers, has been handed down to the current head chef, along with its flavor. The restaurant is named "Yamami Ryori" (mountain flavor cuisine) because it uses an abundance of seasonal mountain produce. In addition to the flavor, the presentation of the dishes is also superb. The fact that the dishes are pleasing to the eye makes one feel as if one has gained something. And, the cuisine, which never loses its somewhat homey feel, has a very good reputation for both taste and presentation, and is one of the reasons for the popularity of this inn. |
| In March 2008, a guest room (D type) with a dining room was created in the "Honkan" so that guests can enjoy their meals more leisurely. Other guest rooms in the main building also offer dinner in the room. However, the guest rooms in the "Shinkan Airakutei" are separated from the kitchen, so dinner is served in the "Yamami-an" private dining room. This is a very thoughtful way to ensure that you enjoy your meal as slowly and as deliciously as possible. The menu changes once a month because it uses seasonal ingredients in abundance. Since it was December on the day of the interview, the menu was titled "Shiwasu no Okondate"(runnning master menu). Even normally calm people like "Shi" (master, monk) are so busy in December that they "run" around, hence the name "Shiwasu" (running master). The dishes are mainly made by modern ceramic artists, but also include old pottery such as "Ko-Imari". It is also enjoyable to focus on them. Let us introduce the menu served on the day of our visit (December). |
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The appetizer, served with an aperitif drink of ume (plum) wine, is "nama-yuba" (fresh yuba) imported from Kyoto, the home of yuba. It is accompanied by chicken skin, mizuna greens, Daitokuji fu from Kyoto, and polo leeks from Shimonita. The textures are also enjoyable. Aromatic sencha tea with ume and gyokuro tea with kombu was also available. |
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The appetizers were "Ebiimo Okakiage (Fried shrimp with potato)" (Ebiimo is one of Kyoto vegetables and has a chewy texture), two pieces of "Kuwai Monaka" (sliced and deep-fried kuwai with mashed lily bulb between), "Zakuro Sushi" (turnip wrapped in yuba), and "Aomi-Daikon Rikyu-boshi, Mochi-Ginko, Salmon Housho Matsuba-zashi" (dried mini daikon with salmon rolled in it and soft ginkgo nut). All the 5 items were very tasty and the flavors of the main ingredients were fully expressed in all. |
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| The soup dish consists "Kikka Tofu" (chrysanthemum flower tofu with chrysanthemum petals in white fish paste), "Yose Ginkgo" (ginkgo paste hardened with Yoshino kudzu), and "Soba Dango" (buckwheat dumplings). Uraji mushrooms (shimeji mushrooms), radish sprouts, arare crackers, and pickled ginger also make up the side of the soup. Edible chrysanthemums are also a sight to behold. | |
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For the tsukuri (shashimi dish), red trout purchased from an aquaculture farm by Lake Tateshina was cured on kombu (kelp) and wrapped in turnip. On top of this was placed chishatou (lettuce family). Some people may have an impression that river fish has a fishy smell, but this rainbow trout had no odor at all. The freshness of the ingredients is evident. The snow trout chrysanthemum flower isobe maki wrapped with grated yam and konbu (kelp) was served with tonburi. Enjoyed with special vinegared soy sauce. |
TATESHINA AI Travel Journal
Articles
Tateshina Ai is now known as a popular ryokan, but of course, it was not built overnight. The efforts of the proprietor and his family are scattered throughout the 3,500 tsubo (about 2.8 acres) of land......
Private ＆ Open-air Bath Reports
This inn has two private open-air baths that are well-known for its unique atmosphere. The "Sanko-no-Yu" is surrounded by rocks, and bathing in it gives you the illusion of blending in with nature......
Facilities ＆ Hot Spring Reports
Tateshina Kogen is only a 3-hour drive from the Tokyo metropolitan area, easily accessible. It is also a popular tourist destination spread out in Chino City, Nagano Prefecture. The environment is also wonderful......
Guest Room Reports
There are a total of 17 rooms in the inn, which can be divided into 8 types. Let us introduce the rooms from the highest grade......
Cuisine Reports
The exterior of the restaurant "Yamami-an" in the evening twilight. The restaurant can be used for one-day trips (lunch and dinner). Basically, meals are served in this private dining room......
Extra Reports
One of the attractions of this inn is the "indigo dyeing experience". Ms. Yukiko Niwa, the mother of the current president, is the one who teaches the indigo-dyeing experience to the guests......
| Keywords for this ryokan | |||
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| Healing space reminiscent of second house | |||
| Rooms with open-air baths for holidays | |||
| Private open-air baths for enjoying the elegant outdoors | |||
| Yamami Kaiseki cuisine that skillfully expresses the four seasons | |||
| Hospitality with the spirit of indigo dyeing |
| Check-In | 3:00 p.m. | ||
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| Check-Out | 10:30 a.m. ※Early check-in and late check-out options available with official reservations | ||
| Card usage | VISA / MASTER / AMEX / DINERS / Debit | ||
| Room Views | Garden | ||
| In-room Meal | Some yes | ||
| Dinner | Yamami Kaiseki cuisine | ||
| Breakfast | Japanese cuisine | ||
| Official website's online reservation benefits | The most economical rates are available for reservations through official website. ＜Official Reservations Only - Choice of Special Offers＞ 【A】Cuisine upgrade 【B】Early check-in / Late check-out ※If you select【A】,you must contact the hotel at the time of reservation or by 6:00 p.m. the day before your stay. Check the Official Website for details |
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| Special Packages | Guest room one-day meal plan, anniversary plan, Shinshu gourmet plan, women's group plan, single traveler plan, multiple night plan, etc. Check the Official Website for details★ | ||
| Guest room with open-air bath (D/NA/ND/NF type) |
From 35,200 yen Japanese-style room (10 tatami mats) + Bed R+Dining space R+Veranda + Shower booth + Open-air bath (Max. 6 persons) / Japanese-style room (12.5 tatami mats) + 6 tatami mats + Sunken kotatsu + Indoor bath + Open-air bath (Max. 6 persons) / Japanese-style room (10 tatami mats) +Veranda + Indoor bath + Open-air bath (Max. 4 persons) / Japanese-Western-style room (10 tatami mats) + Shower booth + Open-air bath (Max. 3 persons) |
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| Standard Japanese/Western Style Room (A type) |
From 30,800 yen Japanese-style room (6 tatami mats) + Bedroom (8 tatami mats) + Living room + Japanese cypress indoor bath (Max. 4 persons) |
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| Standard Japanese-style room (NB/NC/B/C type) |
From 25,300 yen Japanese-style room (12.5 tatami mats) + Sunken kotatsu + Indoor bath (Max. 8 persons) / Japanese-style room (10 tatami mats) + Sunken kotatsu + Indoor bath (Max. 4 persons) / Japanese-style room (10 tatami mats) + 4 tatami mats + Japanese cypress indoor bath (Max. 6 persons) / Japanese-style room (10 tatami mats) + Indoor bath (Max. 4 persons) |
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| Establishment / Reconstruction / Renovation | Established: 1982 / Reconstructed: 1996 /Renovated: 2022 | ||
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| Number of Rooms | All 17 rooms (8 rooms with open-air bath) | ||
| Number of People Accommodated | 72 persons | ||
| Private bath | Private open-air bath×2 Fee: 2,000 yen/45 min. Usage hours: 5:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m, 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. Reservation method: At check-in View: Garden |
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| Public Bath Information | Public baths for men and women (men and women are interchangeable) Usage hours: 3:00 p.m. to 9:30 a.m. the next day ※Open-air baths are turned off at 11:00 p.m. Available the next morning when outside is bright. |
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| Parking Area | 21 cars | ||
| Pets | Not allowed | ||
| Barrier Free | Not supported | ||
| Esthetics / Massages | Esthetics: None Massages: Yes(5,000 yen/40 min.) |
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| Internet | Wi-Fi available in all rooms | ||
| DVD | Available (D type guest rooms "Akane" and "Suho" only) | ||
| TV Channels | NHK: 2 stations, Private Broadcasting: 4 stations | ||
| Facilities | Banquet hall, Store, Lounge, Aizome workshop, Private dining room (Yamami-An), Bar (Sake Kitchen Chirori) | ||
| Refrigerator System | Declare only what you use (space for drinks you bring in/freezer available) | ||
| Vending Machine | None | ||
| Sales shop | Available | ||
| Yukata | ◎ | Bath towels | ◎ |
| Towels | ◎ | Soap | ◎ |
| Body wash | ◎ | Shampoo | ◎ |
| Conditioner | ◎ | Rinse in shampoo | ◎ |
| Shower cap | ◎ | Toothbrush | ◎ |
| Hair dryer | ◎ | Brush | ◎ |
| Comb | ◎ | Razor blade | ◎ |
| Cotton bud | ◎ | Toilet with washer | ◎ |
| Wheelchair | Stairway and passageway handrails / Wheelchairs for free rental | ||
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| Child | Children's slippers / Children's yukata | ||
| Foreign Languages | － | ||
| Recommended Souvenirs | Indigo-dyed products (inn's original) | ||
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| Nearby Convenience Store | 10 min. by car | ||
| Cellular Antennas | ◎docomo | ◎au | ◎softbank |
| Charges | － | ||
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| Usage time | － | ||
| ※With meal plan (reservation required) | |||
| Charges | ①Private open-air bath for outdoor fun ※Limited to 4 groups per day for lunch use only: Lunch fee (Yamami cuisine: From 3,900 yen, Yamami Kaiseki cuisine: From 7,500 yen) + Charter fee: 1,500 yen ※Private dining room (available for meals only) ②Guest room 6H stay + Lunch (Yamami cuisine): From 9,000 yen / 9H stay + Lunch (Soba set meal) + Dinner (Yamami Kaiseki cuisine): From 17,000 yen |
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| Meal Details | Soba set meal, Yamami cuisine, Yamami Kaiseki cuisine | ||
| Settlement Date | ①Private open-air bath for outdoor fun (Limited to 4 groups per day for lunch only): Every day except peak season ②Guest room stay: Weekdays and Sundays (Except for the day before a holiday, holidays, and peak season) ※Reservations accepted 3 days in advance |
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| Usage Time | ①Private open-air bath for outdoor fun(No room stay, limited to 4 groups per day for lunch use only): Private dining room (available for meals only): 11:30 a.m to 2:30 p.m. / Private open-air baths: 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., 1:00 p.m.-2:00 p.m. ②Guest room 6H stay: 11:30 a.m to 5:30 p.m. / 9H stay: 11:30 a.m to 8:30 p.m. |
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| Other | Public baths for men and women + Open-air baths, Private open-air baths are free for charge | ||
| Spring quality | Alkaline Simple hot spring (Alkaline, Hypotonic, High temperature hot spring) | ||
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| Temperature of the source | 52.8℃ | ||
| Output rate | － | ||
| Hydrogen ion | pH 8.9 | ||
| Total dissolved substances (excluding gases) | － | ||
| Gushing of the source | Hot water carried from "Serigasawa Onsen" | ||
| Add water / Circulation Filtration | ●Large public baths for men and women, open-air baths for men and women ●Private open-air bath・・・Using a circulation filtration system. Fresh hot spring water is added for the decreased hot water. ●Guest room open-air bath・・・Using a circulation filtration system. No chlorine sterilization is used. ●Guest room indoor bath・・・Using tap water. |
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| Water heating | Yes (Because of using a circulation filtration system) | ||
| Sterilization of bath | Yes (Chlorine is used under the guidance of the public health center) ※Excluding guest room open-air baths | ||
| Replacement of hot water in bathtub | ●Guest room open-air bath・・Replaced for each customers ●Large public baths for men and women, open-air baths for men and women, private open-air baths・・・Replaced once every 5 days. |
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| Bath Additive | No using | ||
| Indications by Spring Quality (Revised on July 1, 2014) | Autonomic instability, Insomnia, Depression | ||
| General Indications for Bathing (Revised on July 1, 2014) | Chronic pain or stiffness of muscles or joints (chronic phase of rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, lower back pain, neuralgia, frozen shoulder, bruises, sprains, etc.), muscle stiffness in motor paralysis, sensitivity to cold, peripheral nerve disorder, decline of gastrointestinal function (slow digestion, intestinal gas formation, etc.), mild high blood pressure, impaired glucose tolerance (diabetes), mild hypercholesterolemia, mild asthma or emphysema, hemorrhoidal pain, autonomic instability, various symptoms from stress (sleep disorders, depression, etc.),convalescence stage of illness, recovery from fatigue, promotion of health. | ||
| Color of hot water | Colorless | ||
| For drinking | Cannot | ||
| Indications for drinking | ― | ||
| Smell / Taste | Odorless | ||
| By Train | JR Chuo Line, from Chino Station, 30 min. by bus, 20 min. by car | ||
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| Shuttle bus | None | ||
| By Car | From Chuo Line Suwa I.C. to Route 299 approx. 30 min. | ||
| Nearby Sightseeing Spots | Lake Shirakaba, Kitayatsugatake Ropeway, Kurumayama-kogen, Barra Klein English Garden | ||
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| Recreation (tourist farms, parks, etc.) | － | ||
| Sports | Golf, Skiing, Tennis, Skating, Cycling | ||
| Staff messages |  Message from Mr. Yuji Niwa, Representative DirectorWe serve Yamami Kaiseki cuisine, featuring mountain and river ingredients, using antique ceramics and original dishes. Please come and relax and forget the hustle and bustle of the city. |
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| Date of Interview | Jul. 10, 2018 | ||
| Date of Information update | Sep. 9, 2023 | ||
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※When making a reservation, please mention that you saw "kashikiri-onsen.com" |
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Article creator of this ryokan
CEO of Onsen.com Co.,Ltd.
For more than 30 years, he has been visiting hot spring ryokans all over Japan, persuading innkeepers of the need for "private baths". He is still a traveler who spends half of the year at a hot spring. In addition to being a article creater, photographer, and drone pilot, he also designs websites and provides consulting services.
