Akira Miri 18th Generation Family Innkeeper at Ryokan Sakaya -Mike Smith

Akira Mori is 18th generation family owner of the historic Japanese inn – Ryokan Sakaya – which is ideally located in the mountainous Nozawa Onsen (hot spring) resort area – a haven for guests both in winter and the warmer months. It’s a town where visitors are often seen wearing traditional yukata robes on their walk to and from the hot springs. To stay at his ryokan is an experience in the true sense, far from the typical western style of accommodation. Guests can even help with the harvesting of vegetables for the dinner table as team member and veteran reporter Mike Smith Mike discovered during the interview. Photo by Mike Smith - Akira Mori and daughter Yukimi