Higashibaba
TEL :0428-78-8446 Address :54 Mitakesan, Ome, Tokyo Access :JR Mitake Station > (bus) > cableshita bus stop > (cable car) > Mitakesan stop > 10 minutes walk Parking :Paid parking available at Mitake Tozan Railway Takimoto Station Time :Check-in 14:30 Check-out 10:00 Room :Limited to 1 group per day (up to 4 adults) Shukubo stay including 2 meals 8,400 ~ yen |
Shukubo (shrine stay)
Higashibaba is a shukubo of Musashi-Mitake Shrine. One of the highlights is the thatched roof building, which was built in 1866 and is designated as a cultural property.
shrine cafe
I didn’t stay overnight but did pop into the cafe which is open during the day. Just past the entrance are two adjacent 10-tatami mat guest rooms with desks lined up. The room is just as tasteful as the exterior, with a vintage wall clock, beautifully carved transoms, and sliding wooden doors.
When I went in in March, the stove was on and there was a brazier set up. This brazier was unusual, and a family who happened to be there at the same time had children constantly peeking at it and putting their hands over it.
The menu offers a variety of carefully selected items, including coffee made with hard water from Mt. Mitake, matcha from Uji (Kyoto), and amazake (is Japanese traditional beverage that is made from fermented rice) made with pure water from Mitake.
I ordered sweet red bean soup with mochi (rice cake) in it. It was rich in sweetness and warmed my body. The accompanying vinegared dish was also delicious.
Finally, I bought some homemade cookies as a souvenir. These cute, bite-sized sweets are said to bring good luck.