Momijiya Bekkan Kawa No Iori Ryokan

Momijiya felt like home. It was unique and charming, beautiful and comfortable in an enchanting yet humble old-school way. The food was delicious and abundant, and they prepared vegetarian meals for me without question (which is very rare in Japan). The room was comfortable and had everything I needed. The open-air bath in HOTOTOGISU was a lovely warm embrace on a chilly evening. The bridge to cross onto the property was a perfect welcome entrance. Before the bridge, just a short stroll up the hill was the most beautiful and peaceful hiking trail along the river. Below the bridge, just a short stroll down the hill was an amazing Zen temple. But the best part of Momijiya itself, for me, was my nakai-san. I was traveling solo, and everything was very new to me because this was my first real ryokan experience. My nakai-san helped me feel more comfortable with her kindness. She explained my meals at dinner time. She greeted me on arrival and showed me where everything was and how to use it. She prepared my comfortable bed for me in the evenings. And she was even there to help me when I forgot my towel on the way to the public bath. I never had to ask for anything. Somehow, she just knew. I couldn’t have asked for a more wonderful person to make me feel at home. She was like an auntie, and I am grateful to her for making my stay special and memorable. I could lose myself here. The forest location itself is so breathtaking. I felt so relaxed and taken care of at Momijiya Bekkan. It was a magnificent ending to my solo trip to beloved Japan. I will be back.