Located at the tip of Irago on the Atsumi Peninsula, surrounded by the sea and blessed with a mild climate, is a long-established, purely Japanese-style inn founded in 1926 (Showa 1).Wami no Yado Kakujoro"Nippon Adult Trip" to Kakujoro!
Fukue Town on the Atsumi Peninsula was once a thriving port town, the only one on the peninsula for maritime transport. Kakujoro is a long-established inn that was founded in 1926 (Showa 1) as a high-class restaurant in a corner of that town, which was once a bustling geisha district!
The current head of the familyJunji Uemura"Kakujoro," which was inherited from the previous generation when Ms. M got married, cherishes the atmosphere of the building that allows you to feel the charm of the time when it was founded, but after several renovations, it has been created by working hand in hand with the proprietress to be a "completely new, completely nostalgic" inn!
The property, spanning approximately 3,000 square meters, features three buildings: the main building "Kakujoro," built in 1925; the new building "Unjoro," added in 2005; and the separate villa "Suijoro." Ten guest rooms are arranged around a lush garden, offering a peaceful and relaxing stay!
Here, the restaurant prides itself on its local mountain and sea delicacies and regional cuisine. In autumn and winter, they offer natural tiger pufferfish from the Mikawa Bay and Enshu Sea area around Cape Irago, one of Japan's leading production areas. In spring, they serve blackthroat seaperch, in early summer, hairtail fish, and in each of the four seasons, they offer a variety of shellfish dishes featuring the best local fish of the Atsumi Peninsula, making for a truly unique Japanese kaiseki meal!
This year, released in May 2019Michelin Guide (Japan Edition)In the "Aichi, Gifu, Mie 2019 Special Edition," this inn was featured as a "particularly comfortable" inn, equivalent to a 3-star rating, yet it offers a tranquil, secluded retreat-like atmosphere—a true hidden gem for adults!
Stepping out into the parking lot in front of the building, the purely Japanese-style building that greets you at the end of the cobblestone path has a quiet presence that seems to stop time.
The gentle, calming light of the lampshades and the vibrant checkered pattern of the navy and white noren (curtain) along with the carved wooden sign that reads "Oryokan" (Japanese Inn), evoke a sense of history and welcome you!
In the spacious earthen-floored entrance hall, a corner lantern gently illuminates the ground.
Hotei, one of the Seven Lucky Gods, stands majestically, his cheerful expression bringing a sense of peace.
You'll be captivated by the vibrant green of the courtyard visible through the glass doors! The warmth of the wood and the comforting, nostalgic atmosphere are already making me incredibly excited!
Inside the building, they intentionally do not provide footwear so that guests can directly experience the wood. When you walk barefoot, the single-plank pine corridor creaks and flexes, producing a pleasant sound!
At the main entrance, there's a small room with a glass door labeled "Telephone Room"!
Inside, there's a vintage rotary dial telephone hanging up, making it a popular spot for Instagram photos!
On the side wall of the telephone room hangs a wooden reservation book that was used at the time. Small pieces of wood were inserted into the vertical and horizontal holes, which were left open for each day and room, and used as markers, making the reservation status immediately clear!
I filled out the guest register at "Tan's Room," the front lobby located next to the entrance, and successfully checked in!
I arrived a little early, so Ms. Fujii, who usually works behind the scenes as an office worker, kindly assisted me!
Here, you'll find a delightful service as soon as you check in: from 3:00 PM to 5:30 PM, you can enjoy free-flowing food and drinks during "Happy Hour" at the "Muse Salon" on the first floor of the main building!
Tan, a Vietnamese man working as a maid, gave us a tour of the lounge. He told us he's been in Japan for six years and has worked at this inn for two, and that he's currently studying Japanese very hard!
This space, originally the kitchen on the first floor of the main building, was renovated into a salon and, starting in April 2017, was transformed into a place to entertain hotel guests with a happy hour!
With spoke chairs arranged around a central hearth, a wooden counter overlooking the garden, a pendulum clock ticking quietly, and soothing background music, this is a salon that adults will love, transporting them to a world away from the ordinary!
Our drink selection includes draft beer, red and white wine, oolong tea, orange and grapefruit juices, and a Nespresso machine.
"Miso Oden" is a great snack or accompaniment to drinks!
For dessert, you can enjoy an original Tanba black bean cake made with fresh local eggs and milk called "Fukuguchi Aji," and baked with a hint of brandy – it's a truly luxurious experience!
"draft beer"
With our automatic beer dispenser, you simply place a chilled glass in the glass, and the beer will be poured beautifully with a fine, creamy head in a 7:3 ratio, resulting in an exceptional drinking experience!
"Miso Oden"
The hot pot contains quail eggs with a delightful plump texture and konjac skewers with a satisfying chewiness, all served with a rich miso broth!
Other guests are also thoroughly enjoying this thoughtful service, and the automatic beer dispenser is working at full capacity!
I thought, "How wonderful!" when I heard that the welcome drink was draft beer. And then I saw a gentleman who had already taken a bath and was quenching his thirst with a draft beer while still in his yukata, and he looked incredibly happy!
As July begins and we look forward to Tanabata (the Star Festival), the bamboo decorations set up on the veranda are adorned with colorful strips of paper bearing many wishes!
Since strips of paper were provided for guests, we immediately picked up our brushes and wrote our wishes, "May everyone be happy in the Reiwa era as well!"
As you gaze upon the courtyard, glistening with raindrops and vibrant greenery, from the salon counter or veranda, you'll be soothed by the view and begin your relaxing time at this charming inn!
Wami no Yado Kakujoro
Address: 38 Shimoji, Fukue-cho, Tahara City, Aichi Prefecture
TEL: 0531-32-1155
https://www.kakujoro.com/
