Wabizakura Kakunodate

Wabizakura

Nestled in the forested mountains of Akita Prefecture, a short drive outside the historic samurai town of Kakunodate, Wabizakura is a charmingly rustic luxury ryokan. With a combination of Japanese and Western influences, each of the ryokan’s ten rooms is distinctly unique and features its own private, free-flowing hot spring spa and terrace with both tatami and living room areas. Suites include Japanese style futons or western beds. and the main building is a renovated, traditionally thatched farmhouse.

Dinners are traditional Japanese style multiple course meals prepared by the restaurant’s Michelin 2 Star chef using locally sourced ingredients. Meals can be served in your room or in the dining room.

Wabizakura is one of northern Tohoku’s most exclusive ryokan and well deserved of its excellent reputation. This ryokan is perfect for those seeking a secluded getaway from which to explore Kakunodate and its surroundings.

One of the Touhoku region's few true luxury ryokan, the charmingly bucolic Wabizakura is located just a short drive outside the samurai town of Kakunodate but due to its surrounding forests, feels even more remote than it actually is. With no light pollution nearby, the night skies, when clear, are gorgeous and the serene calm of the place lends itself to total relaxation. I really enjoyed the atmosphere here, which is enhanced by the tasteful use of lighting, and wished my stay was longer. Inside, it feels like a well restored ancient farmhouse and the rooms, which all come with a hot spring, semi open-air bath, are connected to the central courtyard by a series of corridors. For a serene base from which to explore northern Touhoku and enjoy delicious, high quality food, things don't get much better than this!

Reviewed by Robin