Today, I would like to report on my visit to " Tokai-kan" in Ito, Izu, Shizuoka prefecture, where Mr. KAWABATA Yasunari, the author of "The Dancing Girl of Izu" stayed. The story of "The Dancing Girl of Izu" is about a young man who is tired of studying and goes to Izu to play, where he meets a pretty young girl and falls in love with her. I think this work beautifully depicts the mountain roads and the sea of Izu, as well as the way people lived in those days.
The main character is a young man who is a rich boy.
The Tokai-kan in Izu, Ito was built in 1928. It was repeatedly enlarged as the clientele shifted from rich people seeking a hot-spring cure to corporate groups, and in 1997, the ryokan's role as a ryokan was completed.
Since then, the building has been open to the public as a tourist attraction, and on Saturdays, Sundays,
and national holidays visitors can also bathe in its hot springs.
Ito has hot springs all over the place, so there may be no need to go out of your way to take a bath in the building's hot springs, but it is a fantasy space that will give you a taste of the extraordinary!
There is a kind of a roof or a brim inside the building. It is somewhat mysterious. Also, the handrail is made of branches, which makes you feel like you are in elf's mansion.
There is a large banquet hall. This is evidence that the hot springs for the local people can now be visited by groups from far away thanks to the railroad. This place is also a fantasy, with tatami mats and chandeliers. It look like a space where a countess would appear, which is very popular nowadays.
Next to it is Matsukawa River, which flows into the sea at Ito.
The rooftop also feels quite high, as you could see Mount Amagi at that time. The western sun was warm and we could enjoy the relaxing atmosphere of Izu.
Kiyo was trying her best to take pictures of the bronze statues. She loves stuones.
Overall, it is a mysterious space with a blend of Japanese and Western styles. If you are ever in Izu, please visit to the "Tokai-kan" a 200 yen fantasy space for adults!