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Also known as Heihachi-jaya, a famous old (at least 400 years) ryokan/ kaiseki restaurant/kamaburo sauna by the Takano River in Sakyo-ku. Simply take Kyoto Bus (the brown one, not green City Bus) No. 17 from Kyoto Station or Kawaramachi bound for Ohara to the Heihachiya exit at their front door. This was a point of departure and return to and from Kyoto proper on the road through the mountains past Ohara and on to the Japan Sea for fishermen of bygone ages. A quiet place to get away from downtown if you are so inclined, and a famous clay sauna heated from below by firewood cut in the northern forests. You do know that the finest tokobashira (decorative and sacred pillars in tokonoma alcoves in japanese homes) come from northern Kyoto, right?
More images: Main building and Gate to garden.
Oh, whaddya know, they have a website.
0 comments
Melissa says:
Aug 29, 2003
That looks really gorgeous and serene. I hope I can visit it someday.
Brian says:
Aug 30, 2003
I love this wallpaper! (and your site) I have been looking for a serene Kyoto garden/temple wallpaper and this is perfect. Thanks!
Sumisu says:
Aug 31, 2003
That’s a great picture–is that garden open to the public or do you have to be eating or staying there to see it?
nils says:
Aug 31, 2003
You can see some of it from the street, but you should be eating or staying there to go in.
Hans Morten Sundnes says:
Sep 23, 2003
I will go to Japan in November to write about the meeting between norwegian fish and japanese food culture/tradtion. You mention the road used by fishermen from Japan Sea. I guess that must be connected to the the socalled mackerel road(Saba Kaido). It could be a great(though expensive) idea to me to start in Wakasa bay and end up at the tea inn.But I should find out if they seve mackerel – don’t know if that’s the style and maybe not season.
Hans Morten Sundnes
Norway
nils says:
Sep 24, 2003
Yes, that’s right, the saba kaido comes down from Wakasa through Ohara into Kyoto. it’s a very mountainous route. I have a photo book with scenery on the roads to kyoto that is very beautiful.
The website of Heihachi-jaya is linked above. You can ask them about the menu at the time of your visit, and you can perhaps make a request.
David says:
Oct 12, 2003
Hi
Planning to visit Kyoto for two weeks in February 2005 for my 60th Birthday. Would like to stay in Ryokan and absorb some of the early history as we visit the gardens, temples and palaces. Would appreciate attending a tea ceremony on my birthday.
Life-long vegetarians and definately NOT “tour” people, prefer to travel independently.
Would appreciate any advice??
Regards
David
nils says:
Oct 12, 2003
[Would appreciate any advice]
Hire me as your guide.
One’s 60th birthday, kanreki, is very auspicious in Japan. Your 12-year chinese calendar (horse, dragon, monkey, etc.) and your 10-year japanese calendar (fire, earth, water, etc.) finally match up with the year of your birth. Wear a red vest.
Sumiya Ryokan (use the search box on my site) is run by tea ceremony aficionados.