Autumn of Appetites: 6 Traditional Seasonal Dishes at Historic Japanese Inns

Travel Center / Comprehensive Report

Rakuten Travel reveals Japan’s 6 “Historic Inn Seasonal Traditional Cuisine” – Numayu Ryokan in Fukushima Prefecture, Yakushi Onsen Ryokan in Kusakabe no Sato, Gunma Prefecture, Hotel Roran in Iriyama Plateau, Ishikawa Prefecture, Wafuu Ryokan Yukimura, Toyosato So, and Minshuku Shioya. Among them, Yakushi Onsen Ryokan in Kusakabe no Sato, Hotel Roran in Iriyama Plateau, and Toyosato So are recommended to Taiwanese travelers..

1. Yakushi Onsen Ryokan in Kusakabe no Sato
Located in the mountainous region of Gunma Prefecture, Yakushi Onsen Ryokan is just a few hours’ drive from Tokyo but retains its traditional charm. The moment visitors step into the inn, they are instantly transported back to a bygone era of Japan’s faded history, attracting countless tourists every year.

The specialty of this rural historic inn lies in its generations-old local cuisine. The chef collects fresh eggs laid by the inn’s own hens each morning,whisking the golden yolks with hand-cut, chewy soba noodles,and pairing them with rich, fragrant wild vegetables to offer guests a warm, healthy, and traditionally flavored meal that creates an irresistible seasonal taste and a nostalgic atmosphere.

▲Rakuten reveals six Japanese historic inn seasonal traditional cuisines – Photo caption: Seasonal delicacies offered by Yakushi Onsen Ryokan in Kusakabe no Sato boost bookings by 83% (Photo provided by Rakuten)

2. Hotel Roran in Iriyama Plateau
Renowned for its traditional cooking methods, Hotel Roran features rustic interiors with open-air hot springs, Japanese sliding doors, and an irori (sunken hearth), allowing visitors to enjoy different mountain village flavors in each season while savoring tranquil moments. The exquisite plating, flavorful dishes, and the deeply nostalgic irori design all exude a strong traditional vibe. Among the highlights, the locally grown Koshihikari rice – cultivated and cooked using the pure groundwater of Ishikawa Prefecture’s Hakusan Mountain – is especially praised by guests. Its aromatic, palate-awakening flavor often brings a satisfied smile.

Also featured are specialties from Hakusan – Hakusan’s firm tofu, which stays intact even when tied with string,paired with skewers and seasonal vegetables for a uniquely delightful taste experience.

▲Rakuten reveals six Japanese historic inn seasonal traditional cuisines – Fresh and exciting flavors at Hotel Roran in Iriyama Plateau boost bookings by 117% compared to last year (Photo provided by Rakuten)

3. Toyosato So in Hakone-Yumoto Onsen, Hakone
Nestled in the outskirts of Tokyo in the Hakone onsen area, the idyllic Toyosato So attracts many visitors each year. One of its treasures in these lush mountains is pheasant – a rare species in Japan. Low in calories and high in amino acids, pheasant offers a tender and sweet taste that pairs wonderfully with either wine or sake, making it especially popular among women. In addition, master chefs also prepareextremely fresh sashimi and aromatic, healthful herbal hot pot dishesfor diners to choose from.

According to Rakuten Travel statistics, due to high demand, Japanese visitors have to pay 10% more than last year to enjoy these irresistible, authentic delicacies.

▲Rakuten reveals six Japanese historic inn seasonal traditional cuisines – Enjoy refreshing pheasant dishes at Toyosato So in Hakone-Yumoto Onsen, Hakone (Photo provided by Rakuten)