Yamanashi

Shimizuya Information Center

Relax in an old Meiji Period inn in Akasawa-juku

Cathy Cawood Oct 14, 2015 - 1 min read

<p>Visitors watching the clouds from the second floor  </p>

<p>The beautifully polished balcony makes you want to sit there</p>

<p>The second floor overlooks the red iron roof of Osaka-ya Inn</p>

<p>An exhibition of paintings of the village and surrounding area on the second floor</p>

<p>The first floor feels open and airy</p>

<p>The peaceful calm of the first floor tatami space</p>

<p>A small shop sells local products like honey, hand made lamps and ink stones for calligraphy</p>

<p>Old saws are displayed on the wall, in memory of many fine lumberjacks and carpenters who once lived and worked in Akasawa-juku</p>

<p>Ancient carpentry on one corner of the verandah....</p>

<p>....and modern carpentry on the other corner</p>

<p>Looking down at Shimizuya from the hillside</p>

<p>Ready for a short tour of the village in spite of the rain</p>

Once Shimizuya was a busy inn full of Meiji Period pilgrims. These days it is still welcoming visitors to Akasawa-juku as an information center and rest space. You can relax with a cup of tea or coffee before or after you explore the ancient post town. Views of the village and Japan Alps from the windows are lovely in every season. There is also a small shop where you can purchase unique local souvenirs such as food (for example, honey) and handcrafts.

Cathy Cawood @cathy.cawood

I came to Japan in 2003 to teach English. I lived in Shiga prefecture for 1 year, and it still holds a special place in my heart. I lived in Kyoto for 9 years, then moved to Machida, Tokyo in 2014 after meeting my Japanese partner. I love to take photos, and my Japan in Pictures Facebook page ha...