Hanaichi (Okutsumagoi Onsen )

For a moment of comfort and relaxation created with samue made with natural materials

The Charm of Tsumagoi Interwined by the Four Seasons

Tsumagoi Village, located on the western edge of Gunma Prefecture, is a mountain village near some popular tourist destinations in Nagano Prefecture, such as Karuizawa and Shiga Kogen. Surrounded by a few of Japan's 100 most famous mountains, Mt Asama (2,568 m above sea level), Mt Kusatsu-Shiranesan (2,160 m above sea level), and Mt Shia (2,354 m above sea level), the average elevation is 1,F000 m. It is blessed with a cool climate with an average annual temperature of about 8°C. Being far from the city, Tsumagoi Village has maintained a lot of natural beauty to explore, and its clean air and refreshing water are very attractive to many. This wonderful environment allows visitors to fully experience the fresh atmosphere of the highlands.

Tsumagoi Village is well known for its expansive cabbage fields. The cabbage grown in the village is characterized by its sweetness and umami, which is brought about by the difference in temperature between day and night. From summer to fall, Tsumagoi Village accounts for about half of the nation's cabbage shipments, and is the top cabbage producer in Japan. The natural beauty of the area is particularly striking from July to August, and visitors can enjoy an extraordinary landscape.

Winter in Tsumagoi Village, on the other hand, has temperatures sometimes falling below -10°C. The high-quality powder snow is comparable to places like Hokkaido and Zao. The village is also a popular spot for skiing, snowboarding, sledding, wakasagi (pond smelt) fishing, and other outdoor winter activities.

The Story of an Inn That Began As a Tofu Shop

Hanaichi, a Japanese inn, is nestled in the rich nature of the highlands, looking up at the majestic Mt Asama. Its history began with a small tofu shop. In the 1940s, school teachers and ski resort construction workers visiting Tsumagoi did not have a place where they could relax and unwind. In response to such demand, a ryokan, the predecessor of "Hanaichi," was established. During the ski boom that followed, the 28 guest rooms were filled with visitors. When this sudden popularity slowed down, the ryokan took on a new role as a hostel for soccer and other sports camps.

Later, in 1992, Hanaichi succeeded in drilling for hot spring water and was renovated as an onsen ryokan. A major turning point came in 2002, when the family visited a "ryokan with a hot spring bath in the guest room.” This was the push needed to decide to rename the inn "Hanaichi" and to pursue a higher quality of hospitality. With the drilling of its own hot spring, Hanaichi took its first step as a full-fledged onsen ryokan (hot spring inn). This decision laid the foundation for today's Hanaichi, which places the highest value on heartfelt hospitality.

Onsen to Heal Body and Soul and Exquisite Dishes

Okutsumagoi's natural hot spring, which bubbles up from 1,000 meters underground, is rich in salt and causes the body to sweat, warming the body from the inside. It is safe for people with atopic dermatitis and skin diseases, and all guests who have stayed at the hotel return home relaxed as if they have been purified. Guests can enjoy the hot spring water in the bathtubs in their guest rooms and in two private baths.

The cuisine, which has been well received by the guests, is centered on local vegetables grown in the fresh mountain air and beautiful sunshine, and pesticide-free vegetables picked at the inn, as well as seasonal offerings utilizing Gunma's Jyoshu beef, Japanese char, sweetfish, and other ingredients. To serve their guests with the utmost care and to ensure that the food is delicious and safe, the ingredients are carefully selected by the chef for the best taste. If there are any leftovers after the meal, the staff make every effort to find out why and make improvements for the next time. The chef's dishes are sometimes served at the town's marché.

You can check information about the cuisine on the Instagram account of the inn's head chef who will be the fourth generation of the inn.

Heart-warming Welcome from the Adorable Cats

One thing that must not be left out when introducing Hanaichi is the presence of its signature cats. Although they are shelter cats, they have become accustomed to people and naturally greet visitors in a friendly manner. This "cat hospitality" has become a healing experience for cat lovers, and many customers keep coming back just to see them.

The cats are also happy to be cared for by the guests, and will sometimes come nearby to play with them, or even pop into the guest rooms. Their free-spiritedness seems to create a warm and relaxed atmosphere.

You can see the daily lives of the cats on the Instagram account of the inn's proprietress.

Warmth of Natural Materials Created by Young Artisans

Introduced Samue: 1051 Tate Slub Samue, Gray

Samue is one of the amenities used at the inn to create an exquisitely relaxing stay. When considering a new samue, there were two important keywords. They were "natural materials" and "made in Japan, preferably in Gunma Prefecture”. With this clear policy in mind, the encounter with WASUIAN products began.

After requesting a catalog, Mr.Hideo, the third-generation owner, and Ms.Yoko, the proprietress, took time to personally visit the WASUIAN brick and mortar store, and what particularly caught their attention was the "Tate Slub Samue in Gray color" made of 100% cotton. This samue is made of "slub yarn," in which thick and thin parts are spun alternately, and is characterized by its rustic yet soft and familiar texture. The moderate thickness of the fabric and comfortable feel provide a pleasant wearing experience.

Another impressive experience for the couple was a tour of our own factory, located just across the street from the store. There, they were impressed by the earnest work of young artisans who carefully engaged in manufacturing while preserving traditional skills and techniques, and this experience was a major factor in their decision to implement our samue.

Three Semi-Customized Options

To pursue a comfortable wearing experience for samue, we have semi-customized the product to reflect the inn’s wishes.

1.Buttons were put on the collar of the jacket to prevent the garment from falling apart. 2.The hem of the trousers was changed to an elastic hem to eliminate the need for tying strings. 3.The inn's logo was embroidered on the upper back of the jacket to add a touch of originality.

From the selection of materials, to the tailoring of the garments, each step of the process is done with care, providing guests with a comfortable and relaxing time through an item that enhances the charm of the inn.

Create a Relaxing and Peaceful Atmosphere, like a “homecoming”

Hanaichi, an inn that began as a small tofu shop, continues to value the traditional spirit of Japanese hospitality, while also working to create new values through renovations that utilize natural materials. The chef, who will take over the inn as the fourth generation in the future, has set the concept of "a relaxing and peaceful atmosphere as if you have returned to your home," and under this vision, he intends to pursue the goal of warm hospitality.

Surrounded by a magnificent, idyllic landscape of vast cabbage fields and tractors passing by, it is a special place to forget the hustle and bustle of daily life and refresh the body and soul. The feeling of “omotenashi” that the staff weaves with all their hearts fills the hotel with a warm atmosphere and brings a deep sense of relaxation to the hearts of all visitors.

Hanaichi will continue to be a special place of relaxation that will be close to the hearts of its visitors.