Hakkunsou in Tsuchiyu

Just saw all over the Jp press that an old ryokan in Fukushima was burnt to the ground. Had a closer look and realised it was one of the places we stayed in for a few days while shooting in Tsuchiyu onsen (kokeshi town) The proprietress whom I interviewed is missing. I hope she is ok, so so sad news. Such as shame, especially as it survived the earthquake in one piece. Built in 1917 it was perched on the side of a mountain, and truthfully a total hassle to get to -- even taxis were reluctant. The building was a haphazard mix of architecture, with maybe the wonkiest stairs I have ever seen going to several riverside baths -- however it was one of the best place we stayed in the whole trip. Really old school atmosphere.

Oh and the rice was incredible.

 Here are some pix. (pix: Hakkunsou, Kokeshi artisan Watanabe and Tsuchiyu onsen scenery)