A century-old ryokan only found in Japan—Ochiairo in Izu

The historic Ochiairo ryokan, located on the Izu Peninsula of Japan, has been welcoming guests since the 7th year of the Meiji era (1874). Both its main building and the Nemunoki-tei, along with all guest rooms, have been designated as Japan's national tangible cultural properties. Design The main building is constructed with rare woods such as mahogany, exuding a sense of grandeur; whereas the Nemunoki-tei offers a bright and soft atmosphere, adopting the Sukiyabashi architectural style. This century-old ryokan has attracted countless Japanese literati and artists. Rooms The ryokan has a total of 14 rooms, spread across the main building and the two-story Nemunoki-tei, with room sizes starting from 56 square meters. The shoji paper doors in each room are handcrafted by Japanese artisans, showcasing the intricate kumiko technique and reflecting the unique charm of this old ryokan. Dining The ryokan offers cuisine with fresh ingredients that change with the seasons, from spring bamboo shoots, summer reeds and vegetables, Izu's special Hime-tengu and log-grown shiitake mushrooms in autumn, to game in winter—all carefully selected and prepared to create delicious dishes. Experience The ryokan's hot springs are sourced directly from the Amagi-Yugashima hot springs, known as 'the beauty skin bath'. It offers three different hot spring experiences: the cave bath 'Tengu no Yu', the open-air bath 'Hoshi no Yu', and the indoor bath 'Tsuki no Yu'. Bathing here, one can gaze out over the Kano River valley and blend with the surrounding natural scenery. Additionally, the ryokan provides a sauna room themed after a tea house and a tent sauna room by the Kano River, allowing guests to experience the outdoor wilderness life.