Nagato Yumoto Onsen is rich in seasonal charm. In spring, cherry blossoms along the Otozuregawa River paint the town pink. Early summer nights are graced by dancing fireflies, soothing the soul. Autumn brings vibrant crimson leaves to the “Koyo no Kaidan” (Autumn Foliage Staircase), while winter is enveloped in crisp air, allowing guests to feel the distinct transitions of each season. Visitors can enjoy the gentle river breeze and sun filtering through the trees – a natural richness not found in urban settings – as they prepare and enjoy tea at their favorite spot in the hot spring town, spending a tranquil time.
The outdoor tea experience includes a dedicated tea basket filled with all the necessary tools for Nodate, an informal outdoor tea gathering. This basic set is designed for effortless enjoyment, even for those new to whisking matcha.
For the matcha, bowls specially crafted by Zenemon Sakakura, the 10th-generation artisan of Sakakura Zenemon Kiln, are used. This kiln is part of the distinguished Fukagawa-Hagi tradition in Nagato Yumoto Onsen. Hagi ware, famed in the tea ceremony world for its beauty and quality (often ranked “First Raku, Second Hagi, Third Karatsu”), has been treasured by tea masters since the Edo period. Among these, “Fukagawa-Hagi,” produced near Nagato Yumoto Onsen in Sonose, is particularly esteemed as a formal tea bowl. Tea ware can be selected from this collection, whose kiln fire has been continuously burning for 360 years, to truly personalize the Nodate experience.
Akebono Cafe, operated by Hoshino Resorts KAI Nagato, offers handmade dorayaki daily. Three year-round flavors are available: Natsumikan (summer orange), Azuki (red bean), and Yuzukichi (a local citrus). In addition to these classic three, seasonal limited-edition dorayaki featuring seasonal ingredients are also offered: cherry blossom bean paste in spring, gelato dorayaki with Onocha-flavored gelato in summer, chestnut paste made with whole Japanese chestnuts in autumn, and sake lees paste using local sake brewery’s sake lees in winter. Guests can choose their favorite dorayaki to enhance their Nodate experience.
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