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If you’re looking for an amazing place to stay during your travels in Kumamoto Prefecture, look no further than Takara-yu in Hitoyoshi. The Hitoyoshi area was once a large castle town that served as a major hub for trade, thanks to the Kuma River. This city has a lot of things to do if you’re interested in the history of Japan. For the ultimate experience, you can stay at Takara-yu, a traditional Japanese inn with a 700-year history.
![Stay at Takara-yu Onsen Ryokan]()
Stay at Takara-yu Onsen Ryokan
The exterior of Takara-yu features traditional Japanese architecture and a traditional garden. The inside of the inn is a combination of stone and woodwork, giving it an old feel. From the tatami mats to the sliding doors, Takara-yu transports you to another time. Every aspect of the inn is carefully thought out and no expense is spared to create a narrative for your stay. While the interior of Takara-yu resembles a classic Japanese inn, there are small touches, such as the dinnerware or the bathroom facilities, heavily influenced by sleek, minimalist, Western sensibilities for a perfect marriage between the old and new.
![Stay at Takara-yu Onsen Ryokan]()
Stay at Takara-yu Onsen Ryokan
One of the biggest draws of Takara-yu is their private onsen and bathing facilities. Guests can enjoy a private bath or opt to join others in their communal bathing area. The private bath is only lit by natural sunlight during the day; combined with the wooden interior and the traditional paper windows, this room is a tranquil space that’s perfect for a relaxing time.
![Stay at Takara-yu Onsen Ryokan]()
Stay at Takara-yu Onsen Ryokan
The room for guests to stay in is quite large for a Japanese room. The floors are covered with tatami mats and the room can be divided by a partition. One part of the room has a floor table with chairs and a TV, so it’s a great spot to enjoy some tea in the morning. The sleeping area has traditional Japanese futons, but Western-style beds are also available. Each room also has a private balcony area where you can relax and look out into the trees surrounding the inn. Along with the space itself, each minor aspect of the room is carefully thought out for a completely immersive aesthetic experience.
![Stay at Takara-yu Onsen Ryokan]()
Stay at Takara-yu Onsen Ryokan
Breakfast is included and consists of traditional Japanese Kaiseki dishes. There’s a dining room where you can enjoy gourmet, minimalist dishes that emphasize the flavors of individual ingredients. If you’re in the mood for a drink, they also have a fully furnished bar with a wide range of alcoholic beverages to choose from.
![Stay at Takara-yu Onsen Ryokan]()
Stay at Takara-yu Onsen Ryokan
This inn is located in the western part of Hitoyoshi, right next to the Kuma River. To get here, the best way is probably by car. If you haven’t rented a car, you can catch a taxi from Hitoyoshi Station. It’s about three kilometers from the station, so the total fare should be around 1,100 yen. Prices for rooms vary depending on where you book through. Some sites have prices starting as low as 23,000 yen per night, while others go up 35,000 yen per night, so it’s a good idea to shop around to make sure you get the best deal.
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