2017's Most Delicious Gourmet Meal in a Japanese Onsen Ryokan

Hedonism is the best word to expresses the unrestricted glowing warmth of pleasure you can feel in the best of the best Japanese ryokan. Japanese inns with  hot springs are all about health, relaxation, and indulgence.

Uchiyu, Indoor Hot Spring

Ryokan Ohashi in Misasa Onsen, Tottori prefecture, offers all of the above. Gratify yourself. This year, if you deserve it, treat yourself to an unforgettable ryokan.

Succulent Crab Sashimi, Still in the Shell

Seafood that is fresh from the sea that laps at the beaches of Tottori, mushrooms and mountain vegetables picked that day from the nearby mountains and fruit grown on local farms are all turned into works of edible art by a nationally aclaimed chef.

The Incredible Edibles of an Almost Never Ending Dinner

Before or after eating, slip into the loose, comfortable yukata and geta (Japanese robe and wooden-soled sandals) provided by the ryokan. Then stroll and take photographs along the quiet Mitoku River and rural spa town where a foreigner is still an unusal sight. Drop in and chat with friendly locals in their tiny shops and art galleries. If you don't speak Japanese, just smile. There is no pressure. Misasa is an unusual mix of stimulation and relaxation.

Ohashi Ryokan Entrance

This Photograph Shows Just Part of our Healthy Heavenly Breakfast

River View from Elegant Lobby of Japanese Inn

Nearby attractions include the following: the famous Tottori sand dunes, where you can ride camels, slide down the dunes on sandboards, paraglide, or just stare at the sea from the peak of a dune; a museum of sand sculpture based on mythical and historical locations worldwide, fruit orchards, intricate shrines and temples that rival those of Kyoto and Hakone in their beauty and cultural value. Climb Mt. Mitoku or Mt. Daisen, both centers of an ancient form of Buddism that worshipped spirits in nature. These two mountains are religiously, historically, and environmentally among the most important mountains in Japan. Read this snowshoemag.com article for more information. There is much more to see and do than I can list here.

Pick Your Pears at Tottori Pear Farm

If you want an English speaking guide, contact Richard Pearce (richard@bushidojapan.com), who lives in Tottori. He is an expert on the region.

Transportation Information: http://spa-misasa.jp/eng/access/

You'll probably regret leaving, and you will certainly want to return.

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