GOURA KADAN

Take a break at Goura Kadan, one of the most famous onsen ryokan (Japanese-style hot spring inn), to prepare for the busiest and craziest year-end ever. 

史上最悪なまでに忙しい年末に備えて、評判の高い温泉旅館「強羅花壇」で一息つく。

We were escorted by three different staff members before we finally met the lady in charge of our room.

最終的に部屋付きの仲居さんが登場するまで、3人の異なるスタッフがエスコートしてくれた。

I enjoyed watching the funicular trains go by in the outdoor hot tub. It was also fun to watch the steam of the hot spring rising around the garden in the room.

露天風呂から登山電車を眺めるのも、部屋から庭の湯煙を眺めるのも楽しい。

Today is the winter solstice. The letter from the hostess talking about the Japanese tradition of yuzu citron for the winter solstice was introduced as if it was a ceremony to start our dinner course. A small citron for yuzu-yu (citron aroma bath for winter solstice day) was attached to the letter.

今日は冬至。冬至と柚子の伝統を語るおかみからの手紙が食前の儀式のように紹介された。手紙には柚子湯のための小ぶりの柚子も添えられている。