It was always a dream of mine to stay at a ryokan, a traditional Japanese inn specializing in “omotenashi,” hospitality of the highest caliber. My stay at Sanyo-so quickly became one I will remember for the rest of my life.

Meaning “Villa of Three Nourishments,” Sanyo-so is a ryokan with a story that has been maintained just as elegantly as the property itself. A former summer home of the prominent Mitsubishi family, it has become one of Japan’s most cherished and protected homes, transformed over the years into a place for travelers to discover the very essence of Japan.

To arrive at Sanyo-so is to escape the chaos of the outside world- here, you are reminded of the ceremonious ways of traditional Japanese living, the rituals of life, in perfect harmony with nature. The staff, the respectful caretakers of this beloved place, don kimonos and the finest fabrics as they lead you through the sun-filled halls to your room.

My days staying at Sanyo-so were some of the most significant of my life. It was in this balanced way of Japanese living that I found meaning not in seeking, but in noticing. Each small daily ritual held, within it, a glimpse of eternity, a deep indulgence in the present moment.

Every morning I would soak in my private onsen, dress myself in a gorgeous yakuta, and float through the ryokan as if it were my very own. I would sit before my private garden writing, or simply gazing out at the greenery before me. I would dine at the ryokan’s restaurant, kaiseki meals inspiring me with every new dish. I would wander the property’s lush Japanese garden, greeting the koi fish swimming about and taking a moment to reflect on how very lucky I was to be in this unforgettable place.

Of all of the beautiful places I’ve stayed, it is this one which is most sacred. Sanyo-so is a true sanctuary for those seeking a reconnection with nature, themselves, and an esteemed level of cultural remembrance which has been lost to the rest of the world.