Nestled within a deep valley and surrounded by the mountains of the Yatsugatake National Park you will find Myojinkan Ryokan. While Myojinkan is only a 30-minute drive from the famous castle town of Matsumoto, one feels much more distant from the city here.
The narrow, winding road to Myojinkan passes rice paddies, vegetable fields, and gives way to the verdant tree covered mountains of one of Japan's most beautiful protected forests.
Guests may feel a world away during their time at Myojinkan, but the experience here is world class. At an elevation of more than 1000 meters (3000 feet) summers at Myojinkan are cool and comfortable, and in wintertime snow envelops the property and surrounding mountains. Autumn is crisp, the air clear, and the colors of the fall foliage vibrant.
Guests may wish to explore the nearby footpaths in search of the local mountain shrine, savor the scent of the pine and cedar forest, and discover the natural beauty of Japan that eludes the traveler who has little opportunity to venture from Japan's cities. Established in 1931 as a small mountain inn, Myojinkan has emerged as one of Nagano Prefecture's premier resorts. Befitting an inn surrounded by a national park, the people of Myojinkan believe in a way of life that is in harmony with nature. Myojinkan maintains its own organic farm near the ryokan grounds, where vegetables and rice are grown and harvested for use in Myojinkan's organic kitchen. Here the air is fresh, the scenery natural and untouched, and the cuisine is truly memorable.
UNDERSTANDING THE RYOKAN CULTURE
The Ryokan Collection consists of Category AAA ryokans where you will experience authentic traditional Japanese culture and customs and indulge in traditionalold-fashion Japanese hospitality and service at its legendary best.
By understanding some of the customs and practices of a ryokan, you will be assured of a memorable experience and be able to enjoy the most of your stay.
WHAT'S A RYOKAN
A ryokan is a traditional Japanese-style inn and has been a central part of Japanese culture for centuries. Here guests can get a taste of Japanese traditional home life.
The earliest ryokans were built along the Tokai Highway for travelers journeying between the capital city of Tokyo and the Imperial Palace in Kyoto.
The simplest ryokans were actually homes offering extra rooms for travelers. Others were more elaborate, offering little luxuries and exquisiteelaborate cuisine.
Today, there are around 63,000 ryokans in Japan, of which 1,800 are high quality establishments belonging to the Japan Association. Many are located close to hot springs (onsen).
Traditional Japanese kaiseki multi-course dinners are served by a personal Nakai-san attendant service.
Guests can also sample French delicacies.
Breakfast08.00h - 10.00hDinner18.00h - 20.00h
Myojinkan`s full service day spa features professional massage and aromatherapy treatments. Therapists specialize in natural massage and aromatherapy techniques designed to return the body to its natural state of balance.
Myojinkan's main bath includes a large indoor bath with walls of glass framing the deep green forest beyond, and an outdoor rotenburo with only the sound of the forest and water flowing over a rock fall.
This is an open air bath with no windows to separate one from the beautiful panorama that surrounds this open air bath.
First planted in 1915, the fields have enjoyed a long history that has even seen them featured in the 1990 film “Dreams,” directed by internationally acclaimed director Akira Kurosawa.
The deep mountain gorges around Myojinkan are home to cool forests and numerous mountain streams. With the sound of birds chirping and the babbling of brooks, this is a perfect place to enjoy a little fishing.
This miso factory has been in operation since 1868. Tours of the factory are available with a reservation in advance. After the tour, you can sample the factory’s wares, choosing from a number of miso dishes.
This place is gorgeous. It is the prime attraction of the Central Mountains National Park and the ideal start to many of the adventures to be done in the area.
Matsumoto Castle is one of Japan's premier historic castles, along with Himeji Castle and Kumamoto Castle. The building is also known as the "Crow Castle".
Nakamachi Street is often referred to as Old Street or Old House Street, because the buildings and houses along it have been restored to their original state. The result is a beautiful spot, with lovely little shops, cafes and bars.
The Utsukushi-ga-Hara Open-Air Museum is located on a plateau, 2,000 m above sea level. It is the only outdoor art museum in Japan at such a high altitude.
Go nature trekking in Yashimagahara Marsh. This marsh, 1,630 meters above sea level, dates back some 12,000 years. With some 360 kinds of flowers and plants, it is considered one of the most beautiful highland marshes in the world.
MYOJINKAN
390-0222 Nagano, MatsumotoIriyamabe 8967Japan