和歌山の秘宝、心満たす旅。
Ryunohara Hatago 龍乃原旅籠の特徴
自然豊かな和歌山で、滝巡りや温泉体験が楽しめるリトリートです。
地元の食材を使った美味しい料理を提供してくれる料理人、Jeremiahの絶品料理です。
心温まるおもてなしで、地域の人々とのつながりを感じられる特別な体験が味わえます。
We had one of the most memorable retreat thus far, at the Ryunohara Hatago!It was meant to be a birthday treat for hubby on the day we arrived. XJ was sweet enough to have asked Chef Dana made a miso-banana cake 🍰 and sang the birthday song for him - Thank you all! We both love the cake too much ❤️We were well-fed and well taken care of by XJ. He is such a sincere, friendly, helpful in many ways and super knowledgeable guy!Even though it was a 120 year-old house but was modernly furnished and tastefully put together by XJ himself - so proud of him! 👍We both enjoyed staying in the guesthouse so much - so warm & cozy!Highlights:We were so honoured to be the first to try out the traditional outdoor fire Onsen (newly built) attached just next to the guesthouse! Thanks much XJ for that 🙏This is what Albert is still missing 😂I personally enjoyed having White tea under the Sakura tree very much at the other guesthouse! It was spot-on! Great idea XJ💡The paper-making workshop with Okuno-san was also an eye opening session. Enjoyed all his paper art pieces as well. We wanted to support him, so bought 2 pieces! 😉XJ is a brainchild to have put all these together, with the help of volunteers as well. Thank you for all the hard work! So so proud of what he is doing and he mentioned he will continue to do this forever!Thank you so much XJ! Hope to be back for another season.Take care!
My family and I just finished a 6D5N retreat at Ryunohara and it’s one of our fave travel experiences ever!Accommodation: The 120-years-old guest house was restored and equipped with extremely modern facilities such as toilet, strong WiFi (not that u need it while u’re there), fluffy beds, smart lights etc. It was very clean and furnished beautifully.Food: The retreat included most meals and all were healthy and delicious! The home cooked meals at the Main House especially are meticulously made with fresh seasonal local produce and their own harvested rice (sadly not-for-sale), we were very well-fed throughout our retreat. The days where we head out to eat, the food were all very delicious! We missed the food tremendously once we left Ryunjinmura. 🥲Experiences: I was initially very skeptical about coming for the retreat as I am not a hands-on or “artsy” person but my family and I enjoyed thoroughly the cooking class with Kaka-san (who grows her own vegetables), natural dyeing session with Negi-chan and traditional washi paper making with Okuno-san. Oh, and a tea appreciation session with the super witty Othniel, who makes tea appreciation so relatable and practical for even non-tea lovers.The mega highlight for us was Xian Jie (XJ), the passionate owner of Ryunohara. He was an exceptional host, doing the driving, translating, tour-guiding throughout the retreat, and I’m grateful that he even tried to translate to Mandarin for my mum who understands limited English. He is so genuine and sincere in sharing all kinds of knowledge with us, be it different plants, animals, local etiquette, practices, culture and even Pokémons, one can learn so much just from talking to him! It is also heartening to see how he has fully integrated with the local community and thanks to him, we got to enjoy interactions with the many warm-hearted locals in the village. I’m rooting for XJ and his team in their future initiatives and definitely hope to return to Ryunohara again! Thank you for the unforgettable memories!
Being a longtime fan of the Youtube channel and the renovation journey, I finally visited in late April 2024 to see it for myself. It's a true labor of love... just beautiful. Lee is incredibly talented, a man of not only good taste but also of drive, guided by a vision. It makes me more optimistic of the future of rural Japan, and I'm looking forward to seeing the rice farming operation grow and evolve... and to revisit soon. And of course, it goes without saying that Jeremiah is a great chef... Thank you for the hospitality, everyone!
I recently had the pleasure of staying at Ryunohara, a hidden gem nestled in the breathtaking Kii Tanabe region, and it was nothing short of magical. From the moment we arrived, it was clear that the host, XJ, had invested immense care and effort into tailoring the retreat experience for our group.Our days were filled with unforgettable adventures—whether hiking to stunning waterfalls, visiting serene shrines, or exploring the refreshing natural spring water pools. Each activity was thoughtfully curated to showcase the natural beauty and cultural richness of the Wakayama area. A highlight was our picnic by the river, a peaceful moment that perfectly encapsulated the essence of our retreat.The experience of exploring Wakayama and delving into local traditions was enhanced by our host’s insightful guidance. My first onsen experience was an absolute delight, a perfect blend of relaxation and cultural immersion.The cherry on top was witnessing the vibrant Matsuri (summer festival) in Tanabe during our stay. The festival’s lively atmosphere and traditional performances were an incredible bonus, making our visit even more memorable.Ryunohara is more than just a retreat; it’s a gateway to discovering the profound beauty and rich heritage of Japan. From farming to gastronomy and local economics to its creative pool of talents; there is just so much to offer and for us to learn. Thank you to our amazing host, XJ, for creating such a precious and unforgettable experience. This retreat is truly a must-visit for anyone seeking a genuine connection with Japan’s natural and cultural wonders.Special mention: It is a huge bonus if you are an animal lover. Ryunohara's friendly residents are always ready to welcome visitor to their home.
If I can describe my experience at the retreat with one word, it would be *soul nourishing*. The trip turned out to be one of the best decisions I made all year, and one of those trips that would be baked into my core memory for a long time.*The Retreat*While the days were packed, everything was so meticulously curated. You could tell that XJ and his team really went to great lengths to ensure an enjoyable and comfortable experience for the guests.Some of my personal highlights:- hiking through waterfalls (XJ is extremely knowledgeable and took care to make many pitstops along the way to explain and point out the natural flora and fauna around)- When making our way to one of sites on the itinerary, we drove by a tree in the middle of the road. XJ stopped the car and shared that one of the famous lullabies in Japan was inspired by this tree. So we sat there in the middle of the empty road, admiring the tree as he played the music in the car and explained the story behind this tree. I share this not to be overly sentimental but I think that was a prime example of how XJ goes to great lengths to add a lot of lovely and subtle details in the program. Even down to the song curation at the guesthouse as well as the driving playlist in the car!- Dining at one of the resident's house and interacting with the local community and local older folks who are so keen to meet new people and learn new cultures. It was one of the most soul-nourishing dinners I've had.- The food served were incredible - my fellow retreat mate and I were fed very well throughout the program, thanks to chef Jeremiah! There were days where we would head out to eat and they were all really amazing as well!- I also had a great time meeting XJ and fellow like-minded Singaporeans-turned-friends as we all congregate at XJ's beautiful little guesthouse in the small village of Ryujinmura. Some nights were spent chatting away and it was really lovely to have made new friends this way.XJ runs a tight ship with the program - driving, translating, tour guiding, sharing knowledge, coordinating logistics mostly by himself. He is very hardworking and sincere, trying his best to accommodate to requests and also going the extra mile to ensure that his guests were well taken care of.*The Accomodation*The accommodation itself was very comfortable and clean, and the place has been done up really beautifully. While there were no convenience stores or typical amenities nearby, everything was provided for and I find myself hardly missing or needing anything while I was staying there. I came to the retreat wanting to really just slow down and take a break and the guesthouse was a perfect space for it. Highly recommend to book a stay at the guesthouse even if you're not looking to join the retreat.I enjoyed myself so much I stayed on for a couple more days as a volunteer. No better therapy than this, if you are looking for a soul-nourishing break in nature, look no further.Will definitely hope to return and join the retreat again soon!S
A summer retreat to be remembered, deep in the lush, green forests and mountains of southern Wakayama. Having fallen for the charms of Ryunohara in the still, sleepy winter via Airbnb, I was keen to experience it differently in the summer. My friends and I booked up all 4 spots of Retreat no.8 and entrusted ourselves into the good hands of XJ and Jeremiah for 6D5N. The itinerary was thoughtfully curated to maximize what summer has to offer in Ryujin and the greater Tanabe area.Nature: Short hike for waterfall meditation, paddle boarding & swimming in the Hidakagawa, trail up Gomadansan to the highest peak; day trip out to the popular seaside town of Shirahama to explore the Senjojiki rocky cliffs carved by water and wind since time past. Despite blazing hot temperatures in the day, early mornings and nights were cool. On clear nights, we sat outside drinking beer and witnessed a galaxy of stars, constellations, and even shooting stars.Local life: Small town vibes - meals at local diners; bumping into the youth baseball team and discussing the sumo competition showing on TV while eating tonkatsu; catching a taiko drum performance at a local festival; an invigorating soak in the crystal clear, silky soft, odorless water native to Ryujinmura onsens; a spontaneous stop at the Dragon Museum and meeting locals who were there to celebrate its anniversary; a natural dyeing workshop to make and bring home our own creations; lively chatter about our names and rice farming with the lovely Naochan!Food: A culinary experience designed to showcase local produce, served with heart and soul, non-commercialized. We were nourished and pampered by Ryunohara's private chef, Jeremiah's inspired creations, the vegetarian eatery with a view, the local tonkatsu diner, and Ryujin soba farmed just right outside the restaurant. Also a visit to local microbreweries (Voyager, my fave ever), nothing like ice cold beer on a summer's day!Lodging: The lovingly restored 120 yr old Hatago is equipped with everything a modern traveller needs and more (fluffy beds, aircon, state of art toilet and bath, full kitchen). The main house where we had our meals and could sit and relax, ensconced us in time centuries ago. Through XJ's detailed explanations, we gained an appreciation of the ancient wisdom of old Japanese homes and beliefs.What's truly distinctive about this retreat experience is the story - the mission and passion which XJ, through Ryunohara, has been weaving into the local fabric shines through - preserving history and revitalizing traditions (organic rice farming, architecture, aesthetics, culture), sustainable eco living, treating the surrounding flora and fauna with respect and care, and fostering community.And of course the companionship and soundtrack of many farm/pet animals, especially Shiro-chan the silkie chick peeping and chirping around us every morning!
After visiting Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto, Lee's home was a welcome respite from the crowds. We stayed one night, but we wish we stayed longer. We rented a car and took the no-tolls route along the beautiful river through the lush terrain. A wild monkey even crossed our path at one point!Kuminka Farmstay is part of Ryunohara, a unique farm experience. This mountain retreat offers many things to love:1) The home has an old-world traditional vibe, but the interior design feels magazine-worthy, and the amenities are all modern. The beds are very comfortable, and the kitchen is fully stocked.2) Nature in Japan is truly worth experiencing, as the foliage and lushness are unique. This is a great area to explore spiritual trails and waterfalls. We also went to the nearby Ryujin Onsen, one of the top three onsens for enhancing beauty. The water is known to be silky and high-quality, which smooths the skin.3) Lee and his chef, Jeremiah, are not just hosts, but exceptional hosts. Their warm hospitality makes you feel genuinely welcome. Lee and Jeremiah try to live off the land as much as possible. The vegetables are regional or home-grown. They grow their rice (you'll be sad you can't have it again once you leave) and make tea from plants grown in the area. Lee knows about growing rice, local flora and fauna, and tea and is willing to impart his knowledge to those interested. He also has many animals on the property, including his sweet dog Mori, pet chickens, and goats, with which you can interact.I recommend ordering the food served at the home as it's quite a pleasant experience. The dining room is private and feels very special, and the meals are delicious and well-presented. We had pork sukiyaki for dinner and an Asian breakfast. To celebrate my daughter's upcoming birthday, we commissioned Jeremiah to make a special dessert, and he produced a lovely banana cake with a crisp top, salted caramel, and ice cream. We are a family of foodies...I've had several recipes published in cookbooks, competed, and won several cooking contests; my younger daughter is a certified tea sommelier, and my older daughter loves exploring buzz-worthy restaurants worldwide. We appreciated the soul-satisfying food.4) Cool add-on experiences. Lee offers a variety of add-on experiences, such as hikes, washi paper making, plant dye workshops, and tea-making. Jeremiah is a world-class, competitive coffee master who will share his expertise during a coffee experience. We wish we could have had all the experiences! Thankfully, Jeremiah accommodated our tight schedule and enabled us to participate in the coffee experience, where we tried three exceptional coffees and learned more about the intriguing world of coffee masters. We also visited the rice field and had the opportunity to engage with a memorably charming local grandmother.At some point, I hope Lee will publish a book about his journey from Singapore to attending college in Japan, building the hatogo, and creating a visionary farm compound deep in the hills of the beautiful Wakayama region. He is building an additional guest house and runs a cafe, retreats, and a volunteer program where people worldwide have come to farm rice, make tea, build with natural materials, and live in rural Japan.Take part in Lee's journey and make it part of yours. You will cherish the memories.
Ryunohara Hatago is a very very special place.I booked it on Airbnb to experience rural Japan with family and our stay here was... immaculate.Our hosts, Lee and the volunteers, went above and beyond to make our stay very memorable!This is truly a once in a lifetime experience that we would more than gladly repeat.
It was definitely worth the drive from Osaka up to Wakayama for the amazing views, fresh air, spring water, local produce and hospitality of XJ and Ryunohara. We got to meet the friendly locals and resident animals, had a great dinner and breakfast by Jeremiah and we hope to be back for the onsen and to explore the forest!
| 名前 |
Ryunohara Hatago 龍乃原旅籠 |
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| ジャンル |
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| 電話番号 |
050-5809-8908 |
| HP | |
| 評価 |
5.0 |
| 住所 |
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ストリートビューの情報は現状と異なる場合があります。
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周辺のオススメ
It was a superb experience joining Ryunohara’s retreat. I felt recharged after it. The house is wonderfully restored and the amenities are modern. You get an excellent balance of the past and present together! I highly recommend!