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THE KAWAKASUMI RYOKAN
STEP INSIDE
Deep in the middle of a forest quite far from civilization lies the Kawakasumi Ryokan, an inn for the weary traveller and the restless body. Travellers may happen upon it, people may hear of its name whispered in the shadows, or in fact, the beckoning call of the wooden halls of the inn might just reach out and pull you towards itself, gently persuading you to stay for the night.
With a peaceful lake, and a flowing river, our naturesque setting will calm you and play host to your inner turmoil, bringing you on a journey of self-recovery that you will find difficult to break free from. Our rooms are finely furnished; our hallways always clean; the beds freshly turned each morning; hot food always ready at all times of the day; gifts and presents to take home to your loved ones - such efficiency is the inn run that you could swear that it takes care of itself. A rare occasion it would be were you to find the staff at work - We pride ourselves on giving you the complete experience of peace and tranquility, and hope to allow you to enjoy the immersion of tranquil solitude.
Please enjoy our fine, traditional entertainments. With a games and sports room fully furnished with many of your favourite games; respite rooms where one might sit and view the forests around in the comfort of a conditioned room; and the highlight of the inn - fully natural hot and cold baths, with deep-rock mineral water that is not processed or recycled in any way - you are sure to have a memorable and relaxing time, bringing away with you many memories of many recollectable occurances.
Situated amidst the peaceful greenery, let our surroudings bring you back to a world where life need not be such a rush, and one may truly,
rest in peace. |
The inn has no guide, no directions, and no signs. If one must get around, one need simply ask.
Perhaps on your travels you might run into one of these hand-drawn maps, scored by a man from days long past, in his efforts to understand the nature of the building.
Of course, we make no claims to the accuracy of his frantic writing and burdened scribblings. Indeed, nothing you might have read reflects the inn as it is today!
If you were lucky enough to have been passed the map, then perhaps some of this information would have been relayed to you. If not, then it might be an unfortunate inconvenience that you will simply have to explore it yourself.
Although, some people find the thrill of exploring the unknown a pleasant adventure. |
As far as I knew, this was the only entryway into the building. It was cold, dusty, gloomy. It looked as if no one had been there for ages. The paper lanterns that lined the room were torn and broken. The wooden floor was unswept, and every step I took kicked up dust which made it harder to see with each successive move. There was a desk in the corner, with a bell, and a wall full of holes. I can only imagine that this was where once people came to collect their keys for the many rooms in this accursed place.
Over in the corner, racks and tables lay out boxes of unknown contents. I had opened one in curiousity, but was struck with a plentitude of cockroaches that ran out from the home they had made within. The wooden walls, however, bore no life, as if nothing living even wanted to be part of the building. The celing was dark, with no light I could not see past the large wooden beams that supported the slanted roof, and I hoped not to see what might be lurking in the shadows.
To my left and right were corridors to unknown areas, and beside the counter, a door to regions unexplored. I shall mark this room the Key, for I believe it holds many to questions I will certainly have as I explore this place...
- Unknown |
This room was the one I decided to enter first, and what I found was a dining area, of sorts. The tables were round, and large, and could easily sit ten or more people, but the dozen and six of those tables were all on one side of the room. On the other side was a large stone tablet, like a working area, or a slab of some sort. It seemed, from the stains, that this was where they prepared their food.
However, two things caught my attention - one of which was that, despite the great number of tables, there was not a single chair. The other observation was that beside this huge slab of stone, which was very much the size of one half of the room itself, there was not a single oven, not a single stove, nor any place to put a fire. Char marks on the surface of the stone, in circular shapes, however, told me that they might have been the holding places for small fires.
The door that I just stepped through is closed now. There seems to be a trick catch on it. I will have to exit this room by the opposite door.
As this room is undeniably used for eating, I shall lable it with a rice ball.
- Unknown |
I have finally found a sign which tells me where I am, although I fear this is not much comfort. It was carved into a slice of wood, taken straght from a section of tree, the words that read 'Rivermist Inn'. I will lable my map so that people will know what this place is called, and hopefully work to avoid it.
I am now standing in a large building. Possibly the largest room in the entire compound. One side of the wall is entirely open, and looks out onto a circular pond of considerable size. The pond seems to have been made, as there are rocks surrounding the edges and that is definitely not something that occurs naturally. I can hear water rushing, and I feel it might be a spring of some kind.
The room itself stretches on so far in both directions that I can not see the end, and my lantern is by far inadequate to fight away the shadows.
I have decided to walk down one end to the other, and have found strange objects that do not have any purpose being here. I have found small white balls the size of mandarins, laying scattered about. There are many folding screens with elaborate patterns segmenting the room into smaller compartments, and within, hand mirrors and short stools. At one end of the hall I found a beautiful kimono on a stand, prepared and waiting for someone to claim it, although time has eaten it away and it lies practically useless. The other end heralded many other strange objects, and notably, a pair of ivory dice that simply lay in the dust. Although I am sure no one has been here for many an age, there is a circular ring around the dice where the dust has not fallen.
It seems that there is a pathway out of this building on either end, where it turns corners toward the pond. I would step out of the open wall, but there is a slight inclination from the building to the pond, and only the two paths seem to slope gently down.
This room is the largest, and undoubtedly the Heart of the area, and shall be named so.
- Unknown |
The pool is bordered by two wedges of wooden floor that lay against the circular body of water like two brackets holding it in place.
Every so often I hear the sounds of splashing but when I shine my lantern to its area there is nothing but the stillness of the night, and the surface of the brackish, dark, water complimenting it. The moon reflects perfectly in its center, and I can only wonder what its use it. Upon closer inspection, there is another line of rocks that sever the pond in half, a wavy line that makes the entire pool take on a very familiar shape.
I will call it the Yin & Yang.
There is a bad smell coming from the other path down, and I am unable to approach the path on the other side as there is no way across except back through the Heart Room. I shall take this other path to the west, and see where it leads.
- Unknown |
It appears that the entire compound is circled by a river. This might be the source of what I heard earlier. The river does not seem to run fast, but as I am unable to test its depth, shall not venture to cross it. I stumbled upon it as I walked into the forests surrouding the area, but this discovery has forced me back onto the path between the Yin & Yang and the building that it led to.
It has been 15 minutes and I have not found the path.
I have found the path.
- Unknown |
I have just entered a long hallway, and this is where a foul odur is coming from. Immediately on my left and right as I came into this part of the building are two entrances that have no doors, but instead have tattered cloth covering them - the bathrooms.
Inside they are a sight of disgust. Bamboo floors and rotting away with the moisture, and filled baths stagnate with all forms of slimy ichor. There is a brackish muck that covers most of the room, that all seem to be eminating from the main shared washing tub. There are a line of mirrors against one far wall which have bamboo spouts above them with rope hanging down; no doubt the showers. I must leave this place, the smell is beginning to overwhelm me.
The other bathroom is exactly the same.
One must be
Male and Female, they will be labled.
- Unknown |
I have finally found that this hallway that I was walking leads back to the Key. Along the entire way, there are doors numbered one to twenty, and four other doors labled after the seasons. Making one round showed that the bathing rooms were also present in the other corridor. Why they need so many is beyond my comprehension.
I have tried to open a few doors and have found that they are not locked. I have inspected them but have only found more of those strange white balls that I had seen before, and not much else. The rooms are all the same, with tatami matting and a comfortable paper roof. The rooms that line the outside of the building have sliding doors on the far side that open to the forest. The rooms on the inside have sliding doors that open to a balcony that overlooks the pool.
Room starting to look strange. Every room looks the same but not the same. Sometimes I lose count and realise that I wasn't in the room I thought. Getting hard to map building.
I am now back in the
Key room
Doors closing behind me. When opened one door other closed when I walk out
keyholes in Key room full of white balls
did not notice before.
Must have slipped mind.
-Unknown |
All season doors locked. Cannot get in. Don't want to get in but can guess shape, maybe.
Summer room open.
Room is black. very black. lantern not working.
hear scratching from corner. floor back. celing black. walls black.
black black black.
Why black?
Because not white?
Why does light not work in room?
Air is thick, like breathing mist.
Must leave now.
-Unknown |
Went wrong way.
Do not remember this path.
Did I take right or left?
Oh my god.
I cannot describe it.
It is bu
If someone finds this please tell the ri
-Unknown |
The inn offers many beautiful rooms, fully furnished in a delicate Eastern style. Tatami mat floors, sliding glass doors to the forests outside, and even an enclave for a heating pot makes this the full experience, placing you once again in a quainter time from where there is no escape.
Our rooms are large, spacious, with dinner optionally served in your room for a small extra price, and for the more adventurous, you may book one of our executive, seasonal-themed suites, available at a modest rate. |
Each of our 20 rooms are identical in every way except for position along the halls of the inn. All are furnished very comfortably; a generous 5.5 tatami of space (8.91m²) suited for singles or pairs. Each room is furnished with a small television, a wardrobe, a futon roll and a table. Guests are expected to set their own bedding, and breakfast & dinner will be served in the dining room.
Rooms along the exterior wall have a sliding glass door that opens out to a balcony overlooking the forest surrounding the inn. For your own safety, guests are encouraged not to climb over the safety railings.
Rooms along the interior wall do not feature a balcony.
All rooms have basic amenities such as a wash bucket, soap, a cotton yukata and geta sandals, which may be found in your room's wardrobe. |
We have four luxury suites available for those looking for a more comfortable time. Each suite is 9 tatami wide, twice the size of the normal room (14.58m²), enough for four people to rest comfortably. Along with all that you might find in a normal room, all of our Season-themed executive suites feature a wide-screen television, and a personal attendant to set your bed for you, and prepare your meals right in your room. In addition, guests staying in our suites may use any of our serivces in the Heart Room at no additional charge.
Each seperate suite is themed according to the season, and each has a balcony that looks over the front and sides of the inn. |
| t h e f a c i l i t i e s |
Our modest facilities offer our guests the most of what true life has to offer - to soak in a natural bath, to eat their fill of exquisite cuisine, or fine harmony with ones environment by relaxing in the nearby forests. For those who still require the touch of living interaction, one might be able to find many people about their business in the Heart Room, a place which exists only to cater.
Get a massage, play a game of table tennis, or just enjoy an hour soaking up steam and minerals. Either way, you will definitely not regret your stay.
Not with what we have to offer. |
Your stay starts at the Reception area, a room lighted with lanterns and bamboo. As soon as you step through the main door, let the friendly faces of our staff enrich you soul and warm your heart.
Please make arrangements with the Front Desk to book a room. If you are here merely to have a bite to eat or rest with a drink, you may proceed directly to the dining area behind.
Please note that guests not staying at the inn may not enter any area other than the dining hall.
If you require assistance, please find the conceierge situatied beside the Front Desk. |
The inn offers two ways to relax, with our special hot and cold springs. Using natural mineral water (our water is not recycled!), one may enjoy a relaxing, calming soak in the mineral-enriched outdoor baths. Temperatures are at 42 and 6 degrees celcius respectively, so be careful when entering!
The springs are situated in the main area behind the Heart Room, and are accessable via the ends of the hallways or through the Heart Room itself.
Please note that the Hot spring is located at the West wing and the Cold spring is located at the East. The springs are seperated by a series of rocks that run down the center in a wavy pattern, seperating the two temperatures evenly, and a wooden divison lengthways to segregate gender.
Before entering the springs, please note the changing areas that border either side. These buildings have shelves for you to store your belongings and clothing while you enjoy the spring.
Within these changing rooms, please enter the respective gendered areas which have their own respective entrances into the spring.
Please note that you must remain in your own allocated area! Any attempts to cross into the other side will be met with eviction.
For the hygene of yourself and other guests, please shower before entering the spring.
All guests entering the spring is requested to be modestly attired. Please use the Spring Bathing Towels that we have provided for you in your rooms. |
We have four bathing rooms, two of each gender, located at the end of either corridor. Guests are required to take a shower before entering the bath.
The bathing rooms have individual stalls for showering, and have optional potions that may be requested at Concierge.
If you wish to infuse your shower with a potion, please purchase a token at Concierge and insert it into the slot next to the shower handle prior to showering, and wait for the signal (Free for guests staying in one of our fine suites).
For more information please inquire with any of our helpful staff. |
Our Dining Hall is situated behind the Lobby. Please find the entrace to the rear of the room.
Within we have many tables that can sit a capacity of 52, and we serve traditional Japanese cuisine which changes daily. Set meals are served to stay-in guests for breakfast and dinner, but may otherwise be purchased at a modest fee. Lunch is not provided unless by request.
Along the other end of the Dining Hall is the entrance to the Heart Room, which is out of bounds to guests not staying in the inn.
Please note that any guest of any kind may not enter the kitchen area.
Our Dining room also serves many different kinds of drink. If you have a preference, please request. |
The Heart Room, as it is affectionally known, is a long room that overlooks the hot springs. Along the wall facing the spring is a glass window that stretches from one end to the other, proving guests with a clear view of the forests beyond.
Within this room one might find many forms of entertainment or relaxation. Board games and table tennis sets may be rented from the Games Station, along with other forms of table games.
And if you merely wish to relax, there are large chairs along the room that face out for some personal time.
Please note that all guests entering this room are required to be dressed in your provided yukata.
For more information please inquire at the Games Station. |
| Please enjoy our live entertainment, which plays every two days at the inn. For schedules and line up, please speak to the Games Station. |
For adults only; we hold daily gambling matches in our gambling den located along the East Corner of the Heart Room starting at 10 P.M.
Enjoy traditional games! Purchase chip sets from our Games Station. (Not included in Suite package) |
For the guest with that extra kink, work it out at one of our Relaxation Cubbies. Our trained professionals will massage all stress away from you in these semi-private booths.
Utilizing the ancient form of shiatsu, our pressure therapists will make you feel brand new.
Acupuncture is also available. |
| Feeling in the mood for a snack? Please stop by our gift shop located within the Lobby. Purchase some tidbits, cakes, or traditional hand-made sweets made fresh that morning. |
| For the safety of the guests, we request that you do not approach the pond or the river that surrounds the inn. |
Our staff will never hinder, never bother, and never be seen unless absolutely necessary. This is the pride of the Kawakasumi Ryokan, that nothing will interrupt your daily dealings.
Of course, this is not to say that we do not have a fully-trained staff whom are not only eager but would love to do anything to fall to your every will and whim. Whenever you need to find some assistance, you shall find all this and more.
Here are some of the lovely faces you might see walking down the halls of the Kawakasumi Ryokan. |
 | Titlement: Head Matron
Duties: The boss of the inn, Kyouko-san will tend to your check in and check out needs. Please consult her if you need to know anything about the inn. She has all the answers you seek. You will find her around the main desk, usually in the Lobby. If you have any complaints, requests, or comments, please direct them to her. |
 | Titlement: Chief Attendant
Duties: The Chief Attendant is the head concierge of our inn. She is personally in charge of all other matters regarding the state of your room, general inquiries, and the purchase of bath potions. She can arrange special bookings, and handle special requests. If you have any problems whatsoever, please find Clover. |
 | Titlement: Banquet Mistress
Duties: You do not need to know her name. Simply attracting her attention with a well placed 'Excuse me, Miss?' and a gesture of a hand will call her to your side, where she will take care of your food and beverage needs. you may find her mostly in the Dining Hall, although during non-peak hours, she might be found serving drinks to our guests in the Heart Room. Remember, all you need to do as ask for Miss. |
| Titlement: Masters of Ceremony
Duties: Be it Ai or Koi who serve you, you can be sure of the best service possible. Our Masters of ceremony will surely be able to help you with your entertainment or relaxation needs. Koi runs the Gambling Game at night, and Ai may be found giving a guest a relaxing massage. Both may be found at any time either tending the Games Station Window, or walking around seeing that everyone is happy. Remember, Ai is the sister of the twins, and Koi is the brother. You certainly would not want them to mistake you for anyone else, so pay them the same respect. |
 | Titlement: Groundskeeper
Duties: Burton is found outdoors at all times of the day. He makes sure the trees are well kept, the grass is neatly cut, and bushes do not take over the gardens. He also patrols the inn at night, and you may always tell him coming by the red light he hangs from his Veil of Worldly Disassociation. Please note that he takes tresspassing very seriously, so be sure not to run afoul of his shears. |
Endo: Porter
Shikoku: Porter
Yamazaki: Waiter
Matsumoto: Heart Attendant
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| Temporary Staff: (Please send us a letter for work enquiries) |
- We kindly ask you not cause trouble. While we understand that your needs may clash with the needs of others, we must inform you that any excessive distress may cause instant eviction.
- If you find that you might require special consideration, it is only polite to call ahead and leave message with the staff.
- If you believe that there are problems occuring and wish to bring it to the attention of the staff, do not hestitate to let any one know.
- You may find contact details at the lower left corner of this document. |
- Your room, once inhabited, is your own. Any actions you wish to take may be done so in the privacy of your own room, away from prying eyes. If you believe that your actions require a certain level of privacy, you are more than encouraged to take advantage of your own personal quarters.
- Please do not disturb the other guests or enter any room that is prohibited to you.
- Please do not enter any room that has not been assigned to you.
- Please do not attempt to swim in the lake, or cross the river. This is for your own safety. |
- All rooms are checked before and after any stay. If you have taken any item from the room that is not exclusively yours to keep, you will be charged.
- If, while during your attendance at the inn, you break or damage any property belonging to the inn, you will have to compensate for the damage.
- Your stay in the inn comes with complimentary meals at the alloted times, and free access to all our facilities. Equipment rental is free. Standard rates apply for massages. All food requested outside the alloted meal times will be charged. Bath ehancements and/or bookings will be charged. |
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