Iwashita Onsen Ryokan

I love coming here. The area is quiet and after a day of touring and grape picking it was lovely to arrive and be welcomed to the ryokan. After settling into our room, we changed into our 'yuukata' ( sizes to suit the larger foreigner as well) and strolled across to the old Iwashita onsen building. This is an experience I have not had elsewhere in Japan. A warm bath is on one side of the corridor and after warming yourself there, you head across the corridor to go down some steep stairs (watch your head) to a natural source bath. Quite cool but very refreshing. This process can be repeated as often as you like. The building is quite retro and a great place for a look around. Dinner was delicious- fresh sanma sashimi, basashi, wine beef marinated in the ryokan's own miso and houtou noodle dish to name but a few. The wakaokami is a great source of knowledge in suggesting local wine and after listening to our preference brought us two distinctive wines which were delicious. I am still surprised and so very pleased to see the wine in this area has come so far and can definitely compete with other global wines. After a good rest we had a delicious breakfast before another bath ( this one in the main building and with a rotenburo) before being farewelled by the staff. What a lovely place.