Beniya Mukayu

Yamashiro Onsen, Japan - map
www.mukayu.com

Nestled amidst the tranquil embrace of nature, Beniya Mukayu stands as a testament to serenity and peace. This enchanting retreat boasts an impressive array of 16 spacious rooms, each a sanctuary of calm and repose. The very essence of the establishment is rooted in the forest garden, where trees unfurl in unrestrained freedom, and a sense of quietude prevails.

Each of the guest rooms is thoughtfully designed, their windows opened wide towards the garden, a deliberate invitation for nature to flow in unhindered. The intention here is not merely accommodation but a harmonious communion with the rhythms of the natural world. Private open-air hot spring baths, a hallmark of indulgence, grace every room, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the soothing embrace of thermal waters whenever their heart desires.

Beniya Mukayu finds its perch upon the gentle slopes of Yakushiyama-Healing Buddha’s Mountain, a place steeped in sacred reverence within the shadow of the revered Hakusan Mountain. This locale once cradled the historic Yakuoin Temple, where devoted monks delved into the depths of Buddhist scriptures. Moreover, it played a crucial role as a sanctified haven of healing, where the monks administered medicinal herbs and hot spring baths to restore wellness. The echoes of this history resound through the establishment's offerings.

Within this hallowed space, a Library beckons—an abode for quiet contemplation and exploration. A grand communal bath houses the essence of the healing hot springs, invoking relaxation and rejuvenation. Named Horin, a tranquil oasis reminiscent of a temple, stands as a serene haven. Spa Entei, a modern facet of curative practices, employs the synergy of medicinal herbs and thermal waters for holistic rejuvenation.

As one approaches along the narrow path from Yamashiro Onsen Town, the inn unfolds in welcoming embrace. Verdant foliage frames the entrance, leading to a lobby that dances with play of light and shadow, a prelude to the private Japanese garden that lies beyond. Here, a venerable 300-year-old Akamatsu Red Pine tree stands as the garden's emblem. Nature's tapestry, woven by the branches of mountain cherry, weeping cherry, maple, and camellia trees, paints a vibrant seasonal panorama. The garden walk, a symphony of mosses underfoot, is a visual feast.

Intriguingly, the tea room "Eirakuan" links to Eiraku Wazen, offering two spaces separated by intent. The anterior bathes in light and white, a canvas for the appreciation of garden flora. The posterior, swathed in serene black tones, houses bookshelves, a perfect retreat for scholarly pursuits. Here, tomes by authors connected to the region rest beside art volumes and botanical illustrations.

Indoor and outdoor communal hot spring baths, together with a sauna, cater to all guests, thoughtfully separated for gentlemen and ladies. The Yamashiro-Onsen source, renowned for over a millennium, gifts its waters with a rich mineral bounty of Calcium, Sodium, and Sulfate. This elixir bestows improved circulation, relief from fatigue, and enhanced dermatological vitality. Skin becomes silk under its touch, supple and radiant.

“Kaiseki Horin” is more than a culinary experience; it’s a forest of 25 pillars framing a view of the natural garden and spacious terrace. The word "Rin" within "Horin" speaks of togetherness, an apt description of the gathering space where novel sensations are savored. Here, dinners and breakfasts unfold in harmony with nature's symphony. Morning yoga sessions weave another layer of serenity.

Entei holds a circular pond, adorned with the sculpture "Tsukubai Ho-sun." Spa Entei draws inspiration from Yakushiyama, a site of healing spanning millennia. In homage, signature treatments are tailored to foster inner peace and physical renewal.

“Kaiseki Horin,” a fine dining endeavor, extends to the terrace, affording vistas of the natural garden where red pines, quinces, wild cherries, camelias, and maples thrive. It’s an invitation to sip an aperitif and let nature's artistry infuse your senses. Chef Hiroaki Kaku, a culinary maestro, curates seasonal courses woven from the finest regional ingredients. Every plate is a symphony of flavors.

The locale's distinctiveness springs from the convergence of the Daisyouji River and Iburibashi River, flowing exclusively through Kaga City's embrace. Originating from the lofty Mt. Dainichi, the rivers craft a tapestry of ecosystems—forests, primeval realms, semi-primary woodlands, lakes, rivers, wetlands, and paddy fields. Biodiversity flourishes, evidenced by 11 raptor species, a testament to Kaga City's vibrant avian realm. This rich landscape bestows an abundance of ingredients from mountains, lakes, and the Sea of Japan, enhancing the culinary tableau of Beniya Mukayu.

Beniya Mukayu is not just an inn; it's an immersion into nature's embrace, a retreat where history whispers in the breeze and every corner is a testament to the sanctity of serenity.