Onfunayado Iroha

Time spent at the traditional Japanese house in Tomonoura.

Tomonoura is a scenic area with an old town scape more than 300 years ago, and it was designed as the first national park The inn "Iroha" is located in a corner of this area.

This building was a historic "machiya" (Japanese traditional house) which had appeared on history's stage. The owner who had been trying to decrease empty houses in Tomo decided to renewal this "machiya" when he heard it was set to be demolished. Though the historic worth of town scenery of Tomo is well-known, he would like many people to enjoy town scenery and "machiya" actually. So he has opened "Onfunayado Iroha" here as a restaurant and inn.

This building was renovated based on the sketch of Hayao Miyazaki, the animation creator of Studio Ghibli. The sketch is hung in the restaurant to display a feeling of thankfulness for him. (Mr. Miyazaki once stayed here in Tomonoura to work over his plot for the movie "Ponyo on the Cliff by the sea")

Each refurbished guest rooms have various atmospheres. There are a room located in the warehouse whose construction makes use of a joist, two serial Japanese style room and a nostalgic and small Japanese-style room of 6 mats. You can see Japanese traditional techniques on doors, sliding screens and paper screens. A deep sensitivity can be seen on furnishings and decorations.

A meal served here is semi-western original kaiseki meal. A young chef with fresh sensitivity amuses us by seasoning, set-out and choice of dishes. A place for dining is the room which appeared on history's stage described above. There is harmony between historical atmosphere and originality of a meal served here.

The capacity of this inn is 3 groups, so the distance between staffs and guests is very close. The owner jokes that "Offering no service is our service". Confidence ans sincerity can be felt through his words. He hopes that the guests can touch Japanese traditional style beauty and feel something without being worried about the time, so there is no clock in this inn.

Click to see beautiful images of Onfunayado Iroha (Photo Gallery)

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