【Nara Prefecture】Birthplace of Sake & Sumo: Secret Ryokan by Japan’s Oldest Shrine | Ryokan Taishoro

【Nara Prefecture】Birthplace of Sake & Sumo: Secret Ryokan by Japan’s Oldest Shrine | Ryokan Taishoro

Konnichiwa! This is Anette Hansen from Onsen with Hansen or Ryokan Meguri, where we rediscover Japan one Ryokan at a time. You step off a quiet local train, walk just three minutes through a sleepy village, and suddenly you’re transported to Japan’s spiritual birthplace. Today, I’m taking you to Ryori Ryokan Taishoro (料理旅館 大正楼). a hidden gem that sits in the shadow of Omiwa Shrine（大神神社）, Japan’s oldest Shinto sanctuary. This isn’t your typical Nara experience. While crowds flock to Todai-ji Temple and deer parks, We’re heading to Miwa, the legendary birthplace of Sake brewing, where ancient gods are said to dwell in the sacred Mount Miwa itself. Just a three minutes stroll from Miwa Station on the Jr. Sakura Line, Taishoro feels like stepping into a different era entirely. Four generations of the Uda family have welcomed travelers here, and when I arrived, the current owner, Uda-san greeted me with that rare combination of genuine warmth and deep local knowledge that only comes from a lifetime in these sacred lands. My room embodied the Japanese concept of Ma (間), that’s beautiful use of space and emptiness that creates tranquility. Overlooking the wide inner garden, the tatami floor space felt like a meditation retreat. Now, let’s talk authentically here. This is old-school ryokan hospitality. No private toilets in the room, walls that whisper your neighbors’ conversations, and those early morning sunrises that peers right through the traditional curtains. Some might see these as drawbacks, but I found them charmingly authentic. This is how Japanese travelers have experienced it for centuries. My pro tip from experience when visiting a ryokan is to always pack an eye mask and maybe some ear plugs. Trust me on this one. The Futon was surprisingly plush, softer than many that I’ve tried at more expensive places. The shared Ofuro here is something special, freshly renovated, but respectfully so. It features this stunning brick wall mural depicting a local shrine that transforms your bath into an almost ritual experience. It’s intimate in size, perfect for that contemplative soak the Japanese call hadaka no tsukiai, the naked communion where all pretense falls away and you connect with the essence of the place. This is where Taishoryo truly shines. This is a ryori ryokan, a cuisine-focused inn, and the Uda family treats every me like a love letter to their region. Dinner arrived in my room like a kaiseki ceremony, But the star? Those legendary Miwa Somen noodles in the most delicate pink hue I’ve ever seen. These ultra-thin noodles were actually invented right here in this area over 1,200 years ago, making them some of Japan’s oldest pasta tradition. Each dish told a story of a local terroir I’ve never experienced before. No wonder this ryokan sometimes hosts traditional Japanese wedding dinners. The food quality rivals some of Kyoto’s most celebrated establishments. As darkness fell, something magical happened. The profound silence of this sacred valley envelops everything. No city hum, no traffic, just the occasional rustle of ancient cedar trees. This is what the Japanese call shijima. that deep, contemplative quiet that allows your spirits to settle. I understood why pilgrims have sought this tranquility for over a millennium. I enjoyed a stroll through the Nakaniwa Garden, so refreshing! Breakfast upstairs in the bright dining room felt like a gentle awakening ceremony. Overlooking that serene inner garden, every element, from the delicate miso soup to the perfectly grilled fish, spoke to the family’s devotion to culinary craftsmanship. You can taste the omotenashi, the uniquely Japanese hospitality that comes from the heart in every carefully prepared bite. Taishoro’s location is ideal for exploring what many consider the spiritual and cultural roots of Japan. Just minutes away stands Omiwa Shrine, a site older than the Ise Grand Shrine and often regarded as the prototype for Shinto architecture. Unlike many shrines, Omiwa Jinja has no Honden or main hall. That’s because the sacred Mount Miwa itself is worshiped as the Kami (God). This form of nature worship reflects the earliest form of Shinto belief. But what truly sets this area apart is its connection to the origins of sake. Omiwa Shrine is closely associated with the Omononushi, the kami of sake and nation-building. It’s considered by many as the birthplace of sake brewing in Japan, with a long tradition of offering sacred sake to the deities that dates back over 1,000 years. Even today, brewers from all across Japan visit the shrine to pay for successful brewing seasons, as especially during the annual Sake Festival held every October. Man, I gotta go back. If you’re a sumo fan, there’s even more to love. Miwa is linked to the origins of sumo wrestling. According to the Ancient Nihon Shoki, Japan’s earliest chronicle, the first recorded sumo bout took place here. While the precise site is debated, Omiwa Shrine is deeply embedded in the mythological foundations of sumo as a sacred performance. The surrounding Sakurai and Asuka region is like a living museum of ancient Japan. Just a short drive away, you’ll find Asukadera, considered Japan’s first full-scale Buddhist temple, and the Ishibutai Kofun, a massive 6th-century stone burial chamber, believed to be the tomb of Soga no Umako, a powerful noble during the Asuka period. Mr. Uda also shared insider tips about the Japan’s oldest recorded road mentioned in the Nihon Shoki. It weaves through sacred landscapes, ancient shrines, and rustic farm villages, offering a quiet, contemplative journey into Japan’s earliest spiritual geography, far from the tourists and crowds of Kyoto or Nara. For the adventurers, there’s even the opportunity to climb Mount Miwa, but note: the mountain is considered a sacred body of the kami and hiking requires a special permission from the shrine. It’s not just a trail, it’s a pilgrimage and one of the most spiritually immersive experiences you can have in Japan. Taishoro Ryokan is not for everyone and that’s exactly what makes it so special. If you need luxury amenities and sunproof walls, this isn’t your place. But if you’re seeking authentic Japanese hospitality, exceptional regional cuisine, and a genuine connection to Japan’s spiritual roots, this hidden gem delivers in spades. Important practical notes. Bring cash for extras. pack that eye mask I mentioned, and yes, summer brings mosquitoes. But these small inconveniences pale next to the profound experience of staying where ancient pilgrims once rested. This is Homono, the real thing. A place where four generations of passionate hospitality meets Japan’s most sacred landscape. Personally, I would like to come again and do a workation here. Maybe stay for a few days just to do more exploration of the excellent hiking opportunities in the area. This is a really a relaxing and pleasant place to stay. Thank you for joining me on this journey to Japan’s spiritual heartlands. If you’re planning beyond the typical tourist trail, Taishoro offers something increasingly rare: an authentic window into Japan’s soul. I’m Hansen, reminding you to relax, rejuvenate and rediscover Japan’s hidden treasures, one ryokan at a time. If you enjoyed this video, please don’t forget to like and remember to subscribe for more hidden gems across Japan. Let me know in the comments what’s your most memorable ryokan experience. Sore dewa matajikai! Arigato gozaimashita!

🌸✨ Experience Japan’s hidden heartland in this video tour of Taishoro Ryokan — a family-run gem near Japan’s oldest shrine, Ōmiwa Jinja. Known as the birthplace of both sake and sumo, this region is rich in history and spiritual heritage.

🍶🍜 From pink somen noodles (Nara’s specialty) to locally inspired feasts, Taishoro is a ryori ryokan where food is as sacred as the surroundings. Wander the ancient Yamanobe Trail, soak in the peaceful garden views, and immerse yourself in the warm hospitality of this 4th-generation family inn.

🎥 Video Highlights:
0:00 – Welcome to Taishoro Ryokan
0:28 – Path to the Ryokan from Nara
1:00 – Arriving at the Ryokan and greeting by the owner (Mr. Uda)
1:22 – Room tour: Tatami, garden view, and futon
2:26 – Beautifully renovated bath area
2:58 – Dinner experience: local dishes and pink somen
4:28 – Breakfast with garden views
4:52 – Exploring Miwa Shrine and the Yamanobe Trail
7:47 – Tips & final thoughts

📍 Access:
From Nara Station, take the JR Sakurai Line to Miwa Station (approx. 40 min), then walk 3 minutes to the ryokan.

💴 Note:
・Bring an eyemask to increase your sleep quality!
・In-house charges (like dinner) are cash only!

#JapanRyokan #Taishoro #NaraTravel #SakeAndSumo #RyoriRyokan #HiddenJapan

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👋 YOUR HOST (認識主持人):
I’m Hansen, a Scandinavian who has lived in Japan since 2010 and worked in the Japanese travel industry for 5 years. I created this channel, Onsen with Hansen (Ryokan Meguri), to share my passion for traditional ryokan, onsen and cultural experiences across Japan. 我是漢森，一位在日本生活超過15年的斯堪的納維亞人，並在日本旅遊業從事了5年的工作。我創立了這個頻道「日本旅館：漢森的秘境探索」（Onsen with Hansen），旨在分享我對傳統日式旅館和日本各地文化體驗的熱情。

🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell for more ryokan adventures.
👍 喜歡影片的話，別忘了按讚、訂閱並開啟小鈴鐺！您的支持是我持續探索的最大動力。
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✨ Let’s relax, rejuvenate, and rediscover Japan, one ryokan at a time.
和我們一起放鬆身心，重新發現日本，一次一個日式旅館的故事！
✨ 温泉が大好きなハンセンでした。次回も一緒に湯っくりしましょう！

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✋ Disclaimer 1: This video is not sponsored. The description contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the links, I might receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.

🎥 Disclaimer 2: Please note that filming in onsen areas is generally restricted to respect the privacy of other guests. Always remember to check with the ryokan staff for permission before filming. Ensuring everyone’s comfort and privacy is a key part of the Japanese onsen experience!
この素晴らしい旅館の美しさをお伝えするために、温泉での撮影を快く許可してくださったことに感謝します。お客様のご迷惑にならないよう、常に最優先で配慮しております。