After the pandemic, travel styles are bound to change. The key to this shift is, of course, social distancing. Even though the state of emergency has been lifted, contact with others is still considered a risk. So why not avoid contact altogether? A secluded stay in a private space allows you to maintain social distance while escaping any sense of confinement, and fully enjoy the travel experience.

Now that the state of emergency has been lifted, we are gradually returning to our daily lives. We all hope that "travel," which heals our daily fatigue and replenishes us for the days ahead, will return to normal as soon as possible. However, we all realize that the situation is not so easily resolved. At least until an effective vaccine is developed, we will likely need to act in accordance with these special circumstances.

If there's a possibility of contact with others, wear a mask. Everyone knows that. But can you really relax like that? I certainly wouldn't want to. In that case, it's far more refreshing to stay in a private space and avoid meeting people.

Take, for example, "Kamakura Kokon." Its accommodation style, limited to two groups per night, perfectly realizes a social distancing travel experience. Furthermore, each room is completely separated from the entrance, so guests do not see each other even under the same roof. As it is a small inn, it is operated by a minimal staff, providing a sense of security with their attentive care, including health management. It is also conveniently accessible by car from the Tokyo metropolitan area, minimizing contact risks during travel.

Nestled in a quiet residential area, this inn is a fully renovated kominka (traditional Japanese house) over 160 years old. Looking at the exterior, you feel as if you've slipped back in time to the good old days of Japan. However, the interior is exceptionally comfortable. You don't have to worry about the summer heat, winter cold, or sound leakage that were common in past kominka renovation projects. Insulation has been installed in the ceilings and floors, wall gaps have been repaired, and a complete air conditioning system has been introduced. While elements like the beams, ceilings, and the exterior of the storehouse have been preserved to maintain the kominka aesthetic, the interior is thoroughly 21st century.

While each room has its own unique character, they all feature a sofa in the living area, a bed in the bedroom, and a private bathroom with a 24-hour temperature-controlled bubble jet system. The rooms are designed with the intention of guests staying in their private spaces, so there is nothing superfluous for a social distancing trip.

And the Italian restaurant attached to Kamakura Kokon, "Restaurant Cocon," is also practicing social distancing. It was originally a cozy space with 10 counter seats and one private room for 6 people, but now they are further limiting capacity to 3 groups at the counter and 1 group in the private room.

This is truly a testament to their business efforts, but isn't it a welcome situation for guests to be able to enjoy delicious food safely and securely? The counter seating is arranged facing the same direction, rather than directly opposite each other. This setup is convenient as it prevents guests from getting too engrossed in conversation and allows them to focus on the food.

The restaurant is open to non-guests as well, but priority is given to overnight guests. If you're staying, why not indulge in the luxury of simply heading back to your room without even needing to put on your shoes?

Moreover, this Italian restaurant is a notable establishment produced by Chef Okuda of Al-Checciano. Currently, the kitchen is led by a team of three, headed by Chef Ikeda, who honed his skills under Chef Okuda for six years.

"Restaurant Cocon" serves a course menu only. The menu changes every two months, but let's take a look at an example. For instance, here is a sample course for a spring evening. The number of dishes, from the main course to dessert, is satisfying. The climax is, of course, the Wagyu beef, but the process leading up to it and the lingering flavors that transition into dessert showcase the essence of "Restaurant Cocon."

Stuzzichino Caviar Polenta
Antipasto Rock Oyster
Primo Piatto Spring Vegetables
Secondo Piatto Sea Bream and Firefly Squid
Bamboo Shoot Alfredo Style
Kamakura Kokon Select Wagyu Beef
Digestivo Campari Granita
Dolce Matcha and Sansho Pepper

Let's explain each dish. The "Polenta" in the appetizer (Stuzzichino) is a dish made from cornmeal. It's typically served like porridge, but at Cocon, it was fried until crispy and topped with caviar. The crispy texture and the elegant saltiness of the caviar provided a perfect opening punch for the meal.

The "Rock Oyster" appetizer (Antipasto) enhances the oyster's natural creaminess with a cheese granita. This is complemented by the sharp acidity of citrus and the coolness of ice, creating a dish that spreads umami throughout the mouth. This crisp texture seems to be a gift from the counter kitchen. Since the chef serves it directly from the counter the moment it's ready, you can savor it just before the ice melts.

And the "Spring Vegetables," a true embodiment of Okuda's philosophy, showcased different cooking methods for each vegetable, allowing them to harmonize perfectly. Furthermore, the dressing was warm, a rich consommé of kelp and chicken blended with spinach paste. This mellow flavor enhanced the robustness of the spring vegetables without masking their slight bitterness.

Following the "Sea Bream and Firefly Squid," came the "Bamboo Shoot Alfredo Style." This was a cheesy dish featuring flat fettuccine generously coated with Parmigiano-Reggiano, paired with seasonal bamboo shoots. The cheese's richness connected the texture of the bamboo shoots with the chewiness of the pasta. It's utterly addictive. "'Alfredo style' is an Italian dish that became popular in America," Chef Ikeda explained. Hearing the background of the dishes from across the counter is one of the pleasures of a counter kitchen. Chef Ikeda, without pausing his work, readily answers any questions.

The flawless "Wagyu Beef" grill followed, leading to the "Campari Granita" palate cleanser and then dessert. "Matcha and Sansho Pepper"?! Experience the marriage of sweetness and tingle at "Restaurant Cocon." After all, the joy of dining out lies in surprise and discovery.

The next morning, after a night's stay. Kamakura Kokon's breakfast is a traditional Japanese set meal. The rice, cooked in a donabe (earthenware pot) using Yamagata Tsuyahime rice, is perfectly glossy. The meal features grilled salted mackerel from Tsukiji as the main dish, alongside ganmodoki (fried tofu balls) made by a local tofu maker, grated daikon radish with shirasu (whitebait), and seasonal salads, all using healthy ingredients.

So, "Kamakura Kokon," with its limit of two groups per night, seems to be the perfect accommodation for the travel needs of 2020. What do you think? While the idea of a secluded stay might have seemed inaccessible before, choosing such destinations proactively is now the right approach.

Unlike a private villa, the staff provides support during your stay, allowing you to completely switch off from your daily routine. If you wish to go out into the city, the inn's dedicated vehicle offers free shuttle service. Even for quick trips to the convenience store, they provide means to reduce risk.

In essence, the beauty of this inn lies in its ability to let you truly retreat. The peace of mind that comes from living in a yukata, as if you were at home, is invaluable. The non-ordinary space of a kominka is both novel and comfortable. With complimentary drinks in the refrigerator, including beer and juice (wine bottles are extra), there's no reason to go out. Escape from your confined daily life for a moment and practice self-care. Enjoy Italian cuisine safely and securely. Why not embark on such a social distancing journey?

Kamakura Kokon
Address | 836 Nikaido, Kamakura City, Kanagawa Prefecture
Guest Rooms | Kokon Maisonette Suite Room 101, Kura Maisonette Suite Room 102 (Both accommodate up to 4 people with beds & Japanese futons)
Check-in / Check-out | 15:00 / 11:30
Rates | ¥48,000 (per person for 2 guests), ¥38,000 (per person for 3 guests), ¥33,000 (per person for 4 guests)*All rates include breakfast, tax excluded
Dinner | ¥12,000 (Last Order 18:00-20:00)