The first place I was guided to upon arrival was this beautiful tatami room. In the alcove, a hanging scroll and traditional crafts were displayed\u2014subtle touches that reflect Aizu\u2019s refined aesthetic sense. Discovering local craftsmanship during a trip always feels special, and I truly enjoy those moments of quietly observing these hidden treasures.Check-in takes place in this room, and I was immediately impressed by the staff\u2019s warm smile and graceful demeanor. I usually find the check-in process a bit tedious, but here it felt like an integral part of their hospitality\u2014so pleasant that the time passed in the blink of an eye.<\/p>\n\n\n\nWe then moved to the adjoining room, where a welcome drink was served. Freshly whisked matcha and a traditional sweet were presented before me in a serene tea room\u2014a setting so beautiful it felt like a scene from a Japanese film. I visited in early November, when autumn colors in eastern Japan are at their peak. The vibrant gradation of red, yellow, and gold leaves outside the window naturally brought a sense of calm and richness to my heart. It was the kind of space that makes you want to sit quietly with a book, write a poem, or simply enjoy the moment.<\/p>\n\n\n\nThe Royal Suite of Tsuruga Higashiyama Sohonzan<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nThis is the Royal Suite, the one and only room available to a single group each day. While preserving a traditional Japanese atmosphere, the space features modern Scandinavian-inspired furnishings that create a refined and luxurious design. The entire floor is covered with soft-toned tatami, and walking on it barefoot felt incredibly soothing\u2014the gentle texture easing the fatigue in my feet with every step.<\/p>\n\n\n\nTo the left, behind a set of shoji screens, is the bedroom featuring a Simmons bed. When the screens are opened, the entire suite becomes one spacious, open room; when closed, they create a comfortable private space. I loved being able to change the atmosphere depending on my mood.<\/p>\n\n\n\nWhat truly stands out, however, is the terrace on the right side of the room. The soft rustling of bamboo leaves and the gentle murmur of the river created a soothing soundscape, and enjoying a small fire in the central fire pit became one of the most memorable moments of my stay.<\/p>\n\n\n\nAnd it\u2019s not only the terrace where you can enjoy the bamboo grove up close. This private bath, directly connected to the suite, quickly became my favorite place\u2014where I spent most of my time during the stay, as someone who loves bathing. A sweeping view of the bamboo forest unfolds right before your eyes, creating an incredible sense of openness, as if you\u2019re wrapped in greenery itself. The water is a luxurious sulfate hot spring, known for promoting skin regeneration and leaving you feeling wonderfully refreshed. The floor is lined with tatami-style mats, which stay non-slippery even when wet and feel smooth and gentle underfoot. I often visit onsen facilities in Tokyo, but a bath area with tatami flooring is quite rare\u2014so as a hot-spring lover, I couldn\u2019t help but get a little excited. What surprised me even more was the presence of a private sauna, fully equipped and perfectly in line with Japan\u2019s recent sauna boom.
everything<\/em>.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\nSpending time in this bathroom\u2014surrounded by the presence of the bamboo forest and the gentle sound of the wind\u2014felt like a bathing experience wrapped in the heart of the forest itself.<\/p>\n\n\n\nAfter getting out of the bath, I settled into the lounge and enjoyed a slow, relaxing drink.e<\/strong>very luxury can be enjoyed without ever leaving your suite. What makes it even more special is that the stay is all-inclusive. I usually feel a bit hesitant about ordering drinks when I travel, but thanks to this style, I was able to enjoy everything completely freely\u2014and truly relax.<\/p>\n\n\n\nAnother signature feature of Tsuruga Higashiyama Sohonzan<\/em> lies right here:One of the joys of visiting a bar is the conversation with the bartender, and this ryokan offers that entire experience\u2014within the comfort of your stay. It\u2019s a level of hospitality so rare in Japan that it truly makes the place stand out.<\/p>\n\n\n\nHere, you can enjoy a curated selection of sake, along with beer, champagne, and more. Even if you\u2019re not familiar with Japanese sake, your concierge butler will kindly guide you and recommend options that suit your taste, so you can relax with confidence. After fully savoring the comforts of the suite, it was finally time for dinner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>Aizu Kaiseki Dinner Around the Irori Hearth<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\nDinner is a beautifully refined expression of Aizu\u2019s traditional cuisine\u2014crafted from ingredients nurtured by the region\u2019s climate and culture, and elevated with thoughtful technique. Blessed with four distinct seasons and diverse microclimates, Aizu is home to a wide variety of agricultural products, and only the finest of these are selected for the meal. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
According to the head chef, \u201cIn the countryside, nothing makes us happier than seeing guests so full that they can\u2019t finish everything.\u201d True to his words, the menu was quite generous. Yet the more I ate, the more it felt as though I was tasting the culture and spirit of Aizu itself\u2014and I found myself unable to put my chopsticks down.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"TSURUGA](\"https:\/\/ryokan-book.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/MG_0660-1024x683.webp\")
\n <\/div>\n ![\"Aoi\"\/](\"https:\/\/ryokan-book.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/aoi.webp\")
\n <\/figure>\n