From a Lovely Ryokan to an Aging Preoperty, such are the contrasts of travel - Six Wheels Through Japan - Osaka To Sendai and Hokkaido - Part 4 - CycleBlaze
From a Lovely Ryokan to an Aging Preoperty, such are the contrasts of travel
Ajira to Odawara
We have had a memorable stay at Ryokan Taisekan in Ajira and it is one of our favourite traditional inns of this trip. It is family owned and the current owner is the grandson of its founder. 85 years ago, his grandfather dug to quite a depth, to access the hot springs for the Onsen. He told us a wonderful story about how guests in the early days could cast a line from their room and fish for their supper. Today, that is no longer possible as the road that takes you through town and some development stand between the Inn and the ocean.
Onsen Inns usually have a corner like this where you choose your Yukata to wear during your stay.
The Ryokan Taisekan is furnished and organized in a way that encourages relaxation. There are very pleasant common areas available for guests to spend time.
This is a photo of one of the Onsens at the Ryokan. Normally you would never take a photo of an Onsen but it was closed for cleaning. There is a modest sized pool inside as well as an extensive and deep pool outside.The hot springs were dug from a depth by the founder of the Ryokan 85 years ago….the grandfather of the current owner.
We had a wonderful time chatting with the owner and his daughter, the third and fourth generation who are continuing their family’s tradition. He shared wonderful stories about the history of the Ryokan.
Traffic along the coastline of the Izu Peninsula has been heavy. The combination of traffic, narrow windy roads, and steep climbs has meant we have had a lot of white knuckle riding.
This lovely old building is the residence on the upper floor and a shop at street level. The same family has lived here for generations. The woman who lives there continues to sell confections, but what was interesting was that much of it had historic photos and items which made it feel like a Museum, but no photos allowed.
Our one frustration riding in Japan is that sidewalks are all too often not weeded or maintained (outside of cities). As much as we would like to be off the crowded roads, it is not worth it to try the sidewalk as we find situations like this and have to join the road.
We couldn’t resist a serving of ice cream for dessert once we read that they only served Hokkaido soft serve, which is so good and creamy.The chocolate syrup is served on the side.
Well, that was a nice climb and the payoff is the view. We were able to get on a quieter road on the descent. No traffic and a wonderful 6 km speedy ride to the bottom.
Today has been a great ride but the humidity really got to us and then it started to rain. We struggled finding a place to stay but ended up at an older hotel by the train station, The Drake. Like us, The Drake is feeling its age.
