Our 14th wedding anniversary, which is also our ivory anniversary, was celebrated this year. To nurture our "time" together, we visited a renowned inn quietly nestled in Izu-Nagaoka.Izu Nagaoka Onsen Sanyo-so"fart.
When staying with your dog, check-in takes place in your room, and you'll be guided by a staff member to your detached cottage. As you pass through the small gate leading to the Japanese garden, you'll feel the everyday rhythm of time slowly unraveling.
The room I stayed in this time was a special, independent space located a little distance from the main building.
"Fujiuraha ~Wanzu Hanare~" is a separate cottage designed for spending time with your beloved dog.
As I place my hand on the low entrance, my heart races with excitement at the thought of the special time just for us waiting there.
The entrance to the detached building transitions from a black stone-tiled earthen floor to the warmth of wood. The soft light filtering through the shoji screens and the tranquil atmosphere subtly foreshadow the special time that is about to begin.
Fujiuraha boasts a luxurious design with only two rooms. A shared living room is located to the left of the corridor leading from the entrance, beyond which lies Room 309, "Sakae," and to the right, Room 310, "Hana," quietly situated. Each room has its own private garden, and the garden visible from the front door is exclusively for Room "Hana."
The large opening in the shared living room reveals a tranquil, well-maintained garden. Moss-covered rocks and shrubs gently overlap, creating a picture-perfect scene of unspoiled nature.
The shared living room is softly enveloped by lattice-like light that fills the entire ceiling. The spacious area is quietly enhanced by a wall painted with gold mountain scenery, creating the feeling of stepping into a painting. Each of the neatly arranged sliding doors, alcoves, and furnishings exudes a dignified presence, creating a refined Japanese space where elegance and tranquility coexist. The "Sakae" room continues beyond the sliding doors.
Entering the "Sakae" room, you're greeted by a straight, tatami-matted corridor bathed in soft light. Beyond the large glass windows lies a small courtyard, and the interplay of light and shadow through the shoji screens, along with the warmth of the wood, creates a tranquil sense of depth. The tatami corridor is also a welcome feature, as it's gentle on your dog's legs and hips and less slippery. The soft sound of their footsteps echoes gently, creating a safe and comfortable environment where they can walk freely.
When you open the window, a pleasant breeze flows in, gently carrying the scent of spring and the atmosphere of the garden.
I checked in at the main room, receiving guidance from a staff member. The staff member quietly showed me to my room. He was a fine young man who had come to work in Nepal. He had lived in Japan for a long time, spoke very fluent Japanese, and had a gentle smile that left a lasting impression. When I shared memories of my past trip to Nepal, he nodded nostalgically and listened attentively, creating a warm moment of connection in a foreign land.
All drinks in the refrigerator are included, with four bottles of Asahi Super Dry beer, two bottles of mineral water, one bottle of Bireley's Orange juice, and one bottle of Mitsuya Cider.
The guest rooms are spacious, exceeding 76 square meters, and feature a traditional Japanese layout with a main room that serves as a living area and an adjoining bedroom. The tatami mats are gentle on the legs and back, and the soft light filtering through the shoji screens creates a calming atmosphere.
A spacious veranda opens wide to the garden. Soft light falls on the stone floor, and the interior and garden blend together seamlessly.
A rattan chair and a small table were casually placed,
A space where you can feel fulfilled simply by sitting down and gazing at the scenery.
It's a moment where time seems to unfold slowly, as you feel the moss-covered rocks and lush greenery up close.
Just being here, feeling the swaying of the trees and the changing light, makes this tranquility itself feel like a subtle form of hospitality.
The design of the ceiling catches the eye; it is understated yet dignified.
Experience the "aesthetics of subtraction" unique to the Sukiya-style architecture.
The charm of Fujiuraha isn't simply that it's "pet-friendly." It's a comfortable design where you and your beloved dog can spend time together without being disturbed by anyone. Pet amenities (bathtub, foot washing area, towels, hairdryer, cage, toilet tray, toilet sheets, treats, water bowl, lint roller dustbin) are provided, making it a place where you can naturally enjoy a quiet stay with your "precious family member." In addition, you can bring Chocolat's favorite bed, toys, and homemade food to create an environment just like home and ensure a worry-free stay.
A maximum of two dogs are allowed per room.
Only small dogs (generally weighing less than 10 kg) are permitted to stay. A boarding agreement and proof of rabies vaccination are required. (The dog must have received the rabies vaccine and a combination vaccine (5 or more types), and the vaccination must have been administered between 2 weeks and 1 year prior.)
If you proceed further down the corridor next to the main room,
A tranquil courtyard is situated in a corner of the corridor. Pure water flows continuously from a pot, and fern leaves are softly arranged, gently reflecting the light and breeze of the seasons. Its presence within the room creates a sense of depth, and this small garden makes your stay more profound and enriching.
There is a spacious women's restroom.
Next to that is the men's restroom.
Each guest room also features a private hot spring bath.
The free-flowing hot spring water overlooking the garden is an alkaline simple hot spring known as a "beauty spring," and its soft water quality, characteristic of Izu Nagaoka Onsen, makes it very gentle on the skin.
The bathroom has two sinks, allowing you to get ready comfortably. A ReFa hairdryer and bath amenities are also provided.
A veranda leads down to a private, enclosed courtyard.
Pine and plum trees gently spread their branches, the natural stones and soft soil create a pleasant feel, and it's a spacious area where your dog can run around freely.
I spend peaceful moments watching my dog, who is off-leash, wander through the trees and sniff around, enjoying the liberating feeling of freedom, and sniffing out the scents of spring. It's a truly relaxing experience.
Enjoy the hot springs whenever and for as long as you like. In the morning light, or in the silence of the night. Each time you sink into the water, you feel not only your body but also the contours of your mind unravel. It is "time to do nothing" that truly brings contentment to both body and mind.
The bathroom features a bathtub where your beloved dog can also enjoy the hot springs, and Chocolat, who loves baths, is blissfully relaxed in the warm water. The large window overlooks the garden, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere where the whole family can spend quality time together.
After my bath, I stand before the dressing table in the dressing room. As I quietly arrange my hair, a gentle image of my maternal aunt in her kimono, facing the mirror, suddenly comes to mind. Her dignified presence evokes a bygone era. Along with nostalgia, the warmth of time spreads through my heart.
On this day, to celebrate their 14th wedding anniversary, they toasted with a bottle of Ferrari Brut sparkling wine that they had brought with them.
We exchanged words like, "Thank you for everything, and I look forward to your continued support," and as our glasses clinked together, the sound of our blessings echoed in the quiet space, feeling special and filling me to the core.
Take a break from your hectic daily life and spend time simply gazing at the same scenery with your loved ones and your beloved dog.
A stay at Fujiuraha leaves a lasting impression of "depth" rather than splendor. Not rushing through time, not rushing emotions, simply being present. Perhaps tranquility, rather than extravagance, is what truly suits a special occasion. It was a secluded retreat that gently reminded us of the true richness found outside of everyday life.
Izu Nagaoka Onsen Sanyo-so
Address: 270 Tamegami, Izunokuni City, Shizuoka Prefecture 410-2204
TEL: 055-947-1111
https://www.seibuprince.com/ja/sanyo-so-ryokan
