About this Stay
I had long wanted to visit Lake Kasumigaura, the second-largest lake in Japan, and found this ryokan while searching for accommodations nearby. Established about 40 years ago, it stands along the lakeshore overlooking Lake Kasumigaura and the Hitachi-Tone River. The ryokan has eight Japanese-style guest rooms as well as a large banquet hall. I stayed here for one night.
The building has two floors, with the guest rooms located on the second floor, while the reception area and large public bath are on the first floor. The place was very clean, and the floors were spotless and gleaming.
I had both dinner and breakfast, and every dish was absolutely delicious.
The highlight of dinner was an extra-large unagi-jū (grilled eel over rice), which is said to be the signature dish of this ryokan.
Table of Contents
Arrival at the Ryokan
Top
Ryokan Lighting
This is the entrance to the kappo-style ryokan Kasumigaura. I arrived at night.
Ryokan Exterior at Night
The ryokan building stood behind a row of pine trees.
Inside the Ryokan
Top
Interior View from the Entrance
I entered the ryokan. It was very clean, and the floors were shining.
The staircase in the back has a wonderful, traditional charm.
First Floor View
After going up the stairs, I looked down at the first floor from the second floor.
First Floor Sofa Area
This is also the sofa area on the first floor.
This ryokan has a hot spring, and the large public bath is located further inside.
Stairs to the Second Floor
These are the stairs leading from the first floor to the second floor. The guest rooms are located on the second floor.
Guest Room
When I entered the room, the futon had already been laid out.
Display of a Rice Cooking Pot
This is a rice cooking pot displayed at the reception.
The rice served at this ryokan is sourced from Ibaraki Prefecture. Displaying the pot is quite an interesting touch.
Dinner
Top
Drink Order Sheet
This stay includes a plan with both dinner and breakfast.
Drinks are charged separately, and this is the drink order sheet for dinner.
Appetizers and Pickles
These are the appetizers. When I arrived at the dining area and took my seat, the appetizers, salad, and pickles had already been prepared like this.
Appetizers
These are the appetizers.
- • Sesame tofu
- • Simmered enoki mushrooms
- • Boiled corn
- • Turban shell
- • Candied chestnuts
- • Sweet simmered sweet potatoes, etc.
Appetizers, Sashimi, and More
Sashimi, salad, chawanmushi (savory egg custard), and vinegared dishes were served.
Sashimi
This is the sashimi.
- • Sweet shrimp
- • Tuna
- • Squid
Sake “Yume no Shizuku”
I had this sake called “Yume no Shizuku.”
It is produced by Aiyu Shuzo, a sake brewery in Itako, Ibaraki Prefecture, which has been operating since the Edo period.
Main Dish
This is the main dish. A large square container was brought to the table.
The fruit dessert was served together with it.
Liver Soup
I opened the lid of the bowl of liver soup.
Extra-large Unaju (Grilled Eel over Rice)
I was surprised when I opened the lid—an impressively large unaju.
This unaju is the signature dish of the ryokan. The eel is grilled to perfection after being repeatedly coated in a secret sauce passed down from the previous generation.
Unaju Lid
The inside of the lid is inscribed with “Kasumigaura Hotel.”
Morning of Departure
Top
Japanese Breakfast Set (1)
This is breakfast. A variety of side dishes are included in the set.
Japanese Breakfast Set (2)
This is breakfast.
- • Grilled salted salmon and rolled omelet
- • Salad
- • Grated yam (tororo)
- • Natto, okra, spinach dressed with tofu (shiraae), hijiki, salted squid, simmered vegetables with satsuma-age
- • Pickles
- • Rice and miso soup
Check-out
My enjoyable stay at the ryokan came to an end, and I checked out in the morning.
The design on this noren curtain is “Ushibori in Hitachi Province” from Katsushika Hokusai’s “Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji.” Ushibori at that time is said to correspond to this Itako area.
This ryokan would be perfect for people visiting Kasumigaura by bicycle. You can relax in the large hot spring bath, enjoy delicious meals, and recharge your energy with their signature extra-large unaju.
Ryokan Exterior in the Morning
This is the exterior of the ryokan.
