GS ASTUTO RIDERS HOUSE and CAFE
Japanese 'Riders House' evolved from the country trade resting stations along established routes that serviced economy for a thousand years. There are many kinds of 'shuku' (宿) which loosely mean lodge or dwelling, ranging from elaborate Onsen Ryokans , Minshuku and to Riders Houses. The Riders House originally served a brief stopping space / shelter for motorcyclists in Japan. Oftentimes setup and supported by the many motorcycle touring clubs. As a rest station they fell outside the regular rules about hospitality and could be offered free or for very low, often donations, price to visitors.
I love this concept and having done lots of cycle touring, found that one of the gaps was to find easily accessible, affordable and interesting places to rest and spend the night. So, we've taken our 160yo 'Kominka' and converted 2 of the rooms into a simple, rustic, Riders House, which we offer for short term stay (up to 3 nights) especially oriented towards cyclists and travelers on the Nakasendo Trade Route.
Our space is a rehomed structure located directly on the Nakasendo. It was built in Edo period towards the end of the era (1861). (registered at Daruma Shrine in Takasaki). This was a very busy time along the Nakasendo as the shogun was preparing to receive a princess (Kazunomiya) to marry into his family and thus forge a new generation of Imperial-Shogun strength. The Shogun sent 20,000 escorts to Kyoto to 'retrieve and protect' the princess. The Emperor responded in kind and Kazunomiya started her journey to Edo in 1862. Due to the large size of this unwieldy procession literally thousands of support structures were built along the Nakasendo. It would not be far from conjecture to consider that our place was one of those structures.
I love this concept and having done lots of cycle touring, found that one of the gaps was to find easily accessible, affordable and interesting places to rest and spend the night. So, we've taken our 160yo 'Kominka' and converted 2 of the rooms into a simple, rustic, Riders House, which we offer for short term stay (up to 3 nights) especially oriented towards cyclists and travelers on the Nakasendo Trade Route.
Our space is a rehomed structure located directly on the Nakasendo. It was built in Edo period towards the end of the era (1861). (registered at Daruma Shrine in Takasaki). This was a very busy time along the Nakasendo as the shogun was preparing to receive a princess (Kazunomiya) to marry into his family and thus forge a new generation of Imperial-Shogun strength. The Shogun sent 20,000 escorts to Kyoto to 'retrieve and protect' the princess. The Emperor responded in kind and Kazunomiya started her journey to Edo in 1862. Due to the large size of this unwieldy procession literally thousands of support structures were built along the Nakasendo. It would not be far from conjecture to consider that our place was one of those structures.
GUEST ROOMS
Our guest rooms are traditional Japanese style with futon platform beds and tatami floors. They are simple, functional and spacious. Since they are separated by fusama (Japanese sliding door) , it's easy to open into large common room for bigger groups. We rent the rooms by the guest count and include some important amenities especially for travelers.
CYCLING FRIENDLY
Our core business is cycling and we've been established in Japan more than 10yrs. Offering custom wheels, frames and complete bikes. We expanded to include tour support and rentals making us one of the leaders in Japan Cycle Touring. We can offer packages that include high quality bike rentals making our Riders House the perfect getaway weekend. Professionally maintained bikes along with a super convenient and affordable stay! Not to mention our famous English or Japanese Breakfast options.
cafe
Cycling works up an appetite and we offer some of the best local foods to keep you rolling! Our signature breakfasts feature mainly locally sourced vegetables and meats. We have plenty of options to cover almost any diet concerns. In addition we have maybe the best water in all of Japan! Thanks to our amazing local Gunma mountain sourced water and filtering system.
For lunch and dinner we recommend visiting some of our local restaurants and onsens.
Momoji no Yu Onsen - Beautiful onsen and Japanese cafe located on Mt. Myogi
Minatoya - 500yen lunch in a renovated Nakasendo kichinyado.
Fuji-ya - Ramen and other dishes served in an informal setting. Next to 7-11.
Daikichi - Japanese quaint Izakaya open later than most places.
For lunch and dinner we recommend visiting some of our local restaurants and onsens.
Momoji no Yu Onsen - Beautiful onsen and Japanese cafe located on Mt. Myogi
Minatoya - 500yen lunch in a renovated Nakasendo kichinyado.
Fuji-ya - Ramen and other dishes served in an informal setting. Next to 7-11.
Daikichi - Japanese quaint Izakaya open later than most places.
EVENTS
Have a group and need a place to stage an event? We love to host cycling and other traveler oriented events! Our place is perfect for hosting groups as large as 20 people. We can offer special menu , catering as well as support for cyclists. Holding a special test ride as a brand? Or corporate training / getaway? Let us help you!
