Uematsuya's Sunrise Bath
別所温泉は信州の最古の温泉と言われ、9世紀から歴史が記録されている。今は旅館17軒がその伝統と歴史を守っている。先日は県の旅館組合青年部で「上松屋」にお世話になりました。
入口のステインドグラスが特徴でお料理は手が掛かれて、宿の主人が活発的（宴会の時に侍の格好で挨拶してくれた）、若旦那が米国の大学を卒業し、若女将が台湾生まれ、国際的な宿です。
一番良かったのは朝風呂。高台にある風呂場の露天風呂からの別所温泉、奥の塩田平の眺めに上がってくる太陽の光、最高の朝風呂でした。
湯質は単純硫黄泉で温度は40℃前後。千数百年の歴史で続いてきた価値が分かる。
Bessho Onsen is said to be the oldest hot springs in Nagano with a history dating back to the 9th century. The 17 current ryokans work hard to preserve that history and tradition.
The other day, the Nagano Ryokan Junior Innkeepers Association gathered at Bessho, and the inn we stayed at was Uematsuya. With its distinctive stained glass entrance, and equally distinctive owner (he greeted us at our banquest dressed as a samurai), Uematsuya makes a unique impression on its guest. The son was educated in the States, and his wife is from Taiwan, so there is an international flair to the inn as well. The meals were elegantly prepared -- the chef's dedication to his art was evident.
But the best part of the experience was the morning onsen bath. Uematsuya's baths are set on a point overlooking the inns of the onsen as well as the Sanada Plain in the distance. With the sun peaking over the ridge, it made for a mystical sight.
Bessho's onsen water is a sulfur spring, and the bath temperatures were a pleasant 40 degress Celsius.
Samurai Host
The Gorgeous Dinner
Indoor bath
Uematsuya's facade
Our guru, Nakamura-sensei
今回の青年部の集まりは研修会の為でした。会計プロの中村先生が旅館の経営者の知るべきな専門情報を教えてくれました。あまりにも専門的で、さっぱり分からなかった。資料を持って帰ってきたのでうちの会計士と相談しま～す！
The keynote address for this gathering of the junior innkeepers was by accounting guru Nakamura-sensei. He explained the technicalities that a proprietor needs to know. It was way too technical for me, though. I brought all the info home and will have to go over it with our accountant!
The after-the-banquet party
