Ryokan Yoshino

One of Kumamoto Prefecture’s most historic inns, Ryokan Yoshino has shared in the history of the region since its founding. Once a gathering place where political and business leaders and prominent cultural figures talked late into the night, the inn still evokes the atmosphere of those days. Its interiors are filled with the stately ambiance that has developed over more than a century.

Its story began in 1909, when it opened as a traditional Japanese restaurant. The two-story wooden building has survived numerous disasters and been passed down through generations. It is now registered as a National Tangible Cultural Property. The warmth of the wood and spaces showcasing traditional craftsmanship transport guests back to the romantic atmosphere of Japan’s Taisho era.

The inn has 15 guest rooms, each with its own distinctive character. Options range from rooms with nostalgic Japanese furnishings to Japanese-Western rooms with beds and a special room with a semi-open-air bath. Traditional details such as antique transoms, latticework, and carefully polished wood are also highlights. Beyond the windows lies a beautifully maintained garden, where delicate cherry blossoms in spring and brilliant foliage in fall add seasonal color to each stay.

The baths are filled with 100% natural hot spring water drawn from the source of Hitoyoshi Onsen. The water feels gentle on the skin and leaves it feeling soft and moisturized after bathing. In addition to the large communal bath, a private bath overlooking the garden is also available, offering a peaceful experience befitting this historic inn.

As the inn began as a traditional Japanese restaurant, it also takes great pride in its cuisine. Carefully prepared dishes featuring primarily locally sourced ingredients are served as a kaiseki course. Each seasonal creation showcases the bounty of the region and the changing seasons through all five senses.