Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Literary Snow Country - Osamu Dazai

Takahan is not the only ryokan in Snow Country who have links with famous Japanese writers. Ryokan Tanigawa played host to the novelist Osamu Dazai.


His stay was in the original building before it became the modern, high class ryokan it is today, but they have a mock up of his room in one of their salons. They also have an impressive collection of his works and some of his possessions.

His life was pretty turbulent and reads like a novel in itself, with attempted suicides, elopements, alcoholism, illegitimate children and depression. There is even rumor of a mysterious death. Some of his best known books are available in English translation, making them the perfect accompaniment to a relaxing stay in this beautiful mountain ryokan.

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