"What is the reason for starting the Pension?"
"I moved here 8 years ago. At first, it was inconvenient for me to live. But with a wonderful nature and friendly local people, I was getting used to living in Osori, and my friends were fond of Osori, so I started the pension to introduce Osori to other people."
"By the way, how did you name your pension "Jusen-an"?"
"Though I was thinking it over and over, a Buddhist priest in Iwashina named "Jusen-an" finally."
"Ju" is woods/forest, "Sen" is a fountain, and "An" is a monastery. If you close your eyes, you can imagine a thatched cottage surrounded by woods and a fountain.
"Are there any sales points in this pension?"
"Generally, a pension doesn't have a guest room on the 1st floor. But in this pension, there is a room especially for handicapped or elderly people. A bathroom is installed next to the room so that they can go to the bath easily. There are other minor points; I try to make a chopsticks case/cover with Japanese paper by myself. If possible, I am going to ask my friend to make a bud base and ash tray."
"We saw a very beautiful view from the window. Did you design so?" "Yes, that's right. There is a river in front of the pension and the surrounding area is very beautiful, so we installed a balcony at each room to enjoy the view. Also, the bathroom has a wide window to enjoy the scenery."
Nowadays, we have less accommodations where handicapped and elderly people can rest and relax. So we are very glad that a real heartfelt pension with a gentle care for the people was built.
"Do you have already an idea of the meals that you are going to serve?" "Well, I am going to use maily the products from the mountain and the sea. This pension is a Japanese style, so I would like to serve local products, such as an eel from the river. I am growing vegetables in my garden. Also, my neighbors kindly give me some of their vegetables. They are very kind and helpful."
"Are you going to hire some people for running the pension in the future?" "In the beginning, I am going to ask some people to teach me how to cook and ask help for running the pension. But when I get used to it, I am going to run the pension by myself."
"Are you making efforts to make the pension public, ahead of the open date of April 15?" (We visited her on April 3.)
"Not, formally, but my friends and my daughter's friends often come here, and the pension is becoming public by word of mouth. Also, I would like to offer this as a fishing lodge, so the pension is going to be advertised in a fishing magazine."
"Did you design the arrangement of the rooms?"
"I discussed with a designer over and over, and finally, we decided that this arrangement would be the best. Since the room accommodates 15 people, I would be happy if 10 people stay here constantly."
From the Watanabe-san's smiling face, we felt her enthusiasm and energy showing that it is going to start.
Other than the guest rooms, there is a place of relaxation and communication. She made a hearth so that guests can talk each other around a fire. When we sit in this Japanese classic room, we feel relaxed as if we were in our local home town.
Watanabe-san told us that she would like to invite elderly people who live in Osori, to this hearth room for dining and talking.
There was one thing in her talk by which we were surprised. Amazingly, foxes and raccoon dogs visit this pension at night. One day, when she put some food in an earthen pot, they turned up. Since then, she has been giving them some remains and sweets everyday. If you are lucky, you may see wild foxes and raccoon dogs through the window. We would also love to see them.
In this pension located in a rich feature of nature and offering a gentle care, everyone can fully enjoy the nature of Osori and relax with body and soul. We hope that the "Jusen-an" will become one of popular spots in Osori.