Asahikan

If you are looking for a traditional Japanese guest house, look no further than Asahikan. This was one of the most authentic and memorable stays of my trip to Japan. This historic house is approximately 150 years old and is run by the 6th-generation owner. It has been meticulously maintained, with beautiful traditional decoration and exceptional cleanliness throughout. The location is in Kawakami Village, about a 30–40 minute drive from Yamato-Kamiichi Station, which makes it very quiet and peaceful. Transportation requires a bit of planning, especially on Sundays when there is no public bus service. I took a taxi to reach the property, and on my return the owner kindly arranged a taxi for me, which made everything very smooth. The room was very well prepared, and staying in a tatami room while wearing yukata truly added to the experience. The staff were warm, welcoming, and attentive. The highlight was the meals. Both dinner and breakfast were carefully prepared using fresh local ingredients, including river fish and wild boar. The presentation and quality made it a true cultural experience. Overall, I highly recommend Asahikan to anyone looking for a genuine and peaceful traditional Japanese stay.

Our first vacation in Japan was concluded by the extraordinary stay at Asahikan. This family run ryokan is one of a kind with a fantastic owner and staff that continues the magic of Japanese hosting culture. This gems hidden in the mountains has been running for over 150 years and we understand why as our stay was absolutely memorable. We stayed 3 nights with our two 6 years old daughters which almost believed to be in a fairy tale and kept on looking for Totoro their favorite movie. The owner went the extra mile by getting Totoro cups and souvenirs for our girls. The girls will never forget their first visit of Japan thanks to this extraordinary customer care. The room was large enough for us 4 and super clean and well maintained. The food was amazing. The staff and chef (who is the owner and his family) made us discover all traditional Japanese food with local touch with speciality of the region and freshly caught and brought for the breakfast and diner. Once again truly amazing. We went there to rest and do some hiking in the area. There is multiple shrive and temple near by to explore and walk. For even better view the owner suggested us to take a bus and go to the Odaigahara national park to do some hiking in a unesco recognized park. Again a fantastic suggestion by the owner. I would recommend Asahikan 1000 time ove to whoever wants to discover Japan at its finest and enjoy nature, quite places and hiking.

It was a great place to stay, the owners were accommodating and made sure it was comfortable for us. Traditional style Japanese lodging that has been in the family 6 generations!

This inn was remote and serene and the staff were incredibly hospitable and helpful! We loved our stay.

We had a wonderful stay at Asahikan. The hosts were exceptional and made delicious and abundant meals for us, were super friendly and helpful, and gave us many suggestions on things to see and do in the area. We highly recommend Asahikan and definitely would return.

Ryokan Asahikan is a beautiful traditional Japanese Inn established in the 1880’s and it is a wonderful, unique experience for those looking for a peaceful environment off the beaten track and away from the bustling cities. Asahikan is nestled in stunning mountain scenery, with beautiful wood paneling and a courtyard garden inside which seems to have been formed over time with loving care. There are several activities in the area, such as nearby caves and hikes to explore. The owners are very friendly and we had traditional Japanese meals prepared at the Ryokan, which consisted of local or home-made foods and were delicious and beautifully presented. This stay at Asahikan was so memorable and was the best part of our first visit to Japan. We intend to return again!

We traveled around Japan for three weeks, but our stay at Asahikan was definitely the highlight of our trip. It was three wonderful days of amazing Michelin-level food, hot baths and relaxing in yukata - surrounded by an interior architectural gem. Asahikan is easily accessible from Osaka and Kyoto - a short train ride followed by a short bus/taxi ride. We took the taxi, which was very cheap and easy. You get incredible value for your money - the place is beautifully decorated and well maintained, the hosts are warm and friendly, and the food is absolutely amazing. We ate traditional Japanese food with a focus on local ingredients, and got to try many of the dishes we wanted to try during our Japan trip. On the last day we were allowed to make our own wishes for the main course. The hosts were very nice - they gave us tips on things to do in the area and showed us how they grow shiitake. There are many nice places to walk nearby, for example we went to a beautiful temple in the forest and found a pond along the river where we took a refreshing bath. There were also several beautiful cherry trees in the area if you want to see them in bloom. There are few guests at a time, which makes for a quiet and luxurious stay. This place is truly a hidden gem.

Dit is een werkelijk prachtige oude Ryokhan, een absolute aanrader als je met de auto reist. Heel erg mooi gebouw en erg goed eten. De eigenaar was erg aardig. Goed te combineren met een wandeling in Odaigahara.

また行くと思う

Our stay at the inn was incredible and one of the best parts of our Japan trip. First of all, the inn itself is beautiful and very relaxing to stay at with its beautiful rooms and stunning Japanese garden – we really enjoyed looking at the view of the garden from our room. The host was super helpful and amazing! He was incredibly kind, and went out of his way to show us some of the beautiful natural attractions of the area. He made it feel like a second home in Japan. The food at the inn was just as great as the rest of the inn, with different traditional food experiences. The host made vegetarian food especially for one of us, which was just as delicious. The food is definitely the best traditional food we had on our Japan trip. So all in all we really can’t recommend it enough! It was an incredible experience on all counts, and we especially appreciated the hospitality and kindness of the host. Can’t wait to come back for our next Japan trip!

夕食後に花火をさせてもらえ、子供が大喜びでした。

After an extensive three-week exploration of Japan, from the bustling streets of Tokyo to Osaka, Nagoya and Kyoto, our adventure found its highlight in the serene embrace of Asahikan Ryokan. This traditional Japanese inn, nestled away in a tranquil haven surrounded by nature's untouched beauty, offered a moment of calm and a breath of fresh air, quite literally a world apart from our previous stops.What truly set Ryokan apart was the extraordinary hospitality extended by the host and owner. Their genuine warmth and exceptional service went beyond mere hospitality, making us feel like honored guests in a home away from home. The attention to detail, personalized care, and willingness to share the beauty of Japanese culture were truly unparalleled.The Ryokan itself was a sanctuary of peace, enveloped in mist and the serene beauty of the surrounding mountains, providing a perfect backdrop for reflection and relaxation. The culinary delights served were a testament to the richness of Japanese cuisine, each meal crafted with the utmost care and attention to detail, promising an unforgettable dining experience.In summary, Asahikan Ryokan was the pinnacle of our Japanese voyage, offering not just a place to stay but an immersive cultural experience, thanks to the incredible hospitality of the host and owner. For those seeking an authentic encounter with the heart of Japan, Asahikan Ryokan is a must-visit destination that promises warmth, tranquility, and culinary excellence