Nestled in the heart of Shinshu, Komoro is a town steeped in history. Once a castle town surrounding Komoro Castle (now Kaikoen Garden) and a post station along the Hokkoku Kaido route to Zenkoji Temple, it retains much of its ancient charm.

This enchanting locale also holds a special place in literary history. It was here that the renowned author Shimazaki Toson spent nearly seven years in what is known as his "Komoro period." Inspired by the town's serene beauty, he pondered, "Is there not a way to refresh oneself, to live more simply?" (from "Chikuma River Sketches"). It was in Komoro that Toson finally resolved to dedicate his life to literature.

In this storied setting lies Nakadanasou, a hidden gem among inns. As an establishment with deep connections to Shimazaki Toson, we embrace his philosophy of seeking freshness and simplicity in life. Now in its fifth generation of family ownership, our inn continues to honor this legacy.

Nakadanasou comprises three distinct buildings: the Heisei Hall, the Taisho Hall, and our dining facility, "Harikoshi-tei," a registered tangible cultural property. Though we may be modest in size, we invite you to immerse yourself in our tranquil atmosphere and experience true relaxation.

In 1899, the literary giant Shimazaki Toson took up a position as an English and Japanese language teacher at Komoro Gijuku (a private school), where he spent approximately seven years. During this formative period, he questioned himself, asking, "Is there not a way to refresh myself and live more simply?" It was in Komoro that he married, had children, and ultimately resolved to become a writer, marking this time as a significant chapter in his life known as the "Komoro period."Supporting Toson during his time in Komoro was Kumaji Kimura, the headmaster of Komoro Gijuku. A frequent visitor to Nakadanasou (then known as Nakadana Kōsen), Kimura had studied medicine in the United States. He discovered that the spring water in the Nakadana area accelerated the healing of cuts and wounds. With Kimura's assistance, Nakadana Kōsen was established in 1898, providing a sanctuary for those seeking both healing and inspiration.

In Shimazaki Toson's renowned poem "A Song of Travel Sorrow by the Chikuma River" from his collection "Rakubaishū," there is a poignant verse that reads:"Upon the rippling waves of the Chikuma River,
I ascend to an inn close by the shore.
Drinking cloudy sake in my clouded state,
I find brief solace on this grassy pillow."The "inn close by the shore" mentioned in this evocative stanza is none other than our very own Nakadanasou. This literary connection imbues our establishment with a profound sense of history and cultural significance, offering our guests not just a place to rest, but an opportunity to immerse themselves in the same inspirational setting that moved one of Japan's most celebrated authors.

Every year, from October to around April of the following year, we hold the "First Love Apple Bath." The theme of "First Love" in the "First Love Apple Bath" is inspired by Toson's poem "First Love."

"When I saw you beneath the apple tree,
Your hair just starting to be pinned up,
The flower comb in your hair made me think,
You were a blossom yourself."
(From "First Love" in Shimazaki Toson's "Wakanashu" collection)This famous poem "First Love" was first published in 1896. At that time in Japan, it was not yet common for couples to freely fall in love and marry of their own accord. The portrayal of two young people honestly following their hearts was bold and refreshing, befitting the dawn of a "new era" influenced by Western culture.Inspired by this "First Love" theme, Nakadanasou offers guests the opportunity to enjoy our "First Love Apple Bath" from October to around May. During this period, we float apples in our indoor baths, creating a unique and romantic bathing experience.October 30th is designated as "First Love Day." This date commemorates the day in 1896 when Shimazaki Toson published his "First Love" poem as part of the "Koigusa" series in the 46th issue of "Bungakukai" magazine. Nakadanasou applied to the Japan Anniversary Association to have this day officially recognized.