Kayotei

Wir haben gerade zwei tolle Tage hier verbracht. Ich habe vor einigen Jahren in einem Ryokan übernachtet und meine Erfahrung im Kayotai war weitaus besser. Jedes Detail ist durchdacht, vom Komfort über die herzliche Gastfreundschaft bis hin zum Essen und der Umgebung. Sie haben einen wundervollen Tagesausflug für uns organisiert (Papierherstellung und Ikabana) und uns in ein französisch-japanisches Fusion-Restaurant geführt, das köstlich war. Eine perfekte Möglichkeit, sich zu entspannen und vom Jetlag zu erholen.

Kayotei is a lovely Ryokan with onsen en-suite as well as segregated by gender. The suites are large with nice decks and outdoor onsen. The level of service is superior, and breakfast and dinner are delicious. Kayotei partners with local suppliers, restaurants and artisans to deliver a very nice and somewhat bespoke experience. We spend a morning with Mika Horie and her husband learning papermaking and making some. Dinner at Enuma Station was superior. The chef owner and his wife could give any James Beard or Michelin star restaurant a run for their money. Get to know Jiro-san, the manager and prepare for a terrific stay.

The Kayotei After 2 weeks on the go taking in the fast pace of Japan’s biggest and busiest cities, we looked forward for a couple of days of relaxing in a more rural setting. We chose the riokan The Kayotei for its reputation as one of Japan’s best of its kind. Arriving at the beautiful property we were warmly greeted by Jiro for some tea and the most delicate mini cake made by a local confectioner. Jiro is an exemplary host in a sublime family run property. We soon relaxed into the calmness, elegance and the ways of Japanese tradition. First night we had a suite with its own outdoor onsen overlooking the woods. The rooms were huge and appointed in Japanese style exuding restrained luxury so typical of the country’s culture. After some relaxing at our private onsen overlooking the woods (Jiro had warned us not to spend to long soaking and I understand why. All the pressure from travelling leaves your body and it would be easy to fall asleep or have to go straight to bed!) In the afternoon he took us to the studio of Yasushi Satake, a wood turner and lacquer craftman. He works with the tools made by his father and grandfather continuing the legacy of making museum quality lacquerware. I have never seen or felt these most delicate and exquisite pieces. You can really sense the art and its cultural significance. We saw other lacquerware throughout Japan, but none with this incredibly quality. Later on we had booked the traditional kaiseki dinner at the Kayotei. We were given a jukata (Japanese robe) to wear for dinner and were given a beautiful private room. We were served by a gentle lady who gracefully served each small dish. It was our daughter’s 15th birthday and they made this delicious birthday cake that enjoyed after dinner in our rooms. Every single produce served at this ryokan is organic and locally sourced from the many exemplary farmers and producers in the area. Next day we experience without a doubt the best Japanese breakfast in all of the country, out of this world. We enjoyed a walk in the woods and a browse at the artisan shops in the main road of this 9.000 people village. Back to the ryokan we enjoyed the communal onsen with stunning views of the mountain that belongs to the family (we met the father who was delightful) Jiro booked us to the nearby Yunomachi Bistro, Enuma Station, an impeccably designed restaurant that serves a superb example of French food made with Japanese precision. Each dish is a piece of art, flavors delicate and delicious. It is run by its talented young chef Kazu Kuchide and his charming wife Toyoko. Unmissable. At the Kayotei we felt the real tradition of Japanese culture, a truly authentic family run roijan. We were sad to leave The Kayotei, an amazing experience throughout that we shall never forget and hopefully repeat in the not to distant future. Thank you to all the wonderful staff for looking after us so well!