Yōyōkaku

Staying at Yōyōkaku felt less like a hotel and more like being welcomed into a beautiful, historic home. Everything about our stay was absolutely perfect! The Japanese garden is stunning and peaceful, and it was such a treat to meet the owner. He is a very kind man who stays right there on the property, which adds such a personal and authentic touch to the experience. A very special thank you to the wonderful lady who looked after us. We were so impressed by how strong and energetic she was, serving us so many delicious courses of food with such a warm smile every time! Speaking of food, both breakfast and dinner were highlights of our trip—absolutely delicious. We also really appreciated the shuttle service from the train station, and the communal hot spring bath, while small, was cozy and very relaxing. The location is also excellent for sightseeing, as it's just a short walk to Karatsu Castle. The atmosphere here is so friendly and welcoming. Thank you to everyone at Yōyōkaku for making our visit so memorable. We truly felt the warmth of your hospitality!

This is a gem. The hotel is right at the end of the rainbow pine forest. With a few steps, you can see Maizuru Castle. The city of Karatsu is not very large. We can easily walk to the castle or dining places. The onsen is not very large. But the place has been kept in its traditional Japanese style. Very cosy and classic. The dinner is served in the room. It is elegant and delicious. I find that this hotel is in several collections of fine Japanese traditional hotels. This is some kind of reputation.

We stayed for 2 nights and enjoyed the traditional style of a ryokan. Women power and courteous staffs makes our stay a memorable one.|In house dining experience was fabulous, varieties of Japanese ryori. Kaiseki was also good|The ryokan has a history and the layout and gardens were pleasantly designed.|It’s also walking distance to the Castle

very well maintained facilities although it's over 100 years old. Attentive service and overall experience was above expectations

One of the most beautiful places we've stayed in Japan with a lovely garden, exquisite food, and a great collection of local ceramics. We were lucky enough to meet the owner and he very kindly shared his knowledge of local potters and places to visit. Thank you for a wonderful stay.

This was an beautifully maintained, tranquil ryokan with very attentive staff who take great pride in the inn's 100 year old heritage and great breakfast. We almost missed the entrance to the inn after parking - the staff spotted us and ushered us in. Proprietress in a kimono saw me carrying a bag of trash during check in and promptly took it away for me. Another lady carried our bags. Proprietress showed us around the inn in great english, then made us tea in our room. It felt very right being served tea the traditional way by a lady in kimono in the tatami scented Japanese room. The room was wonderful and comfortable, private garden and all the grounds were amazing. Staff speak English and were very very very hospitable. Would love to be back!

This is a beautiful ryokan with fabulous rooms and a lovely garden. The staff are, without exception, absolutely wonderful. The food is excellent too. It’s a leisurely short walk to both the beach and the castle and only a 25 minute stroll or 6 minute taxi ride to Karatsu station. I couldn’t recommend it highly enough

It was our second stay at Yoyokaku, and it remains our absolute favorite ryokan in Japan. The rooms are impeccable, and the Japanese garden—adorned with beautiful pine trees—is truly serene. The food is exquisite, and we’ll make sure to return whenever we visit Kyushu.

This Ryokan is great! The service, onsen, and food was all top notch. You eat dinner in your room, and they served us about 12 courses! Then they make up your beds for the night (you sleep on the floor) which only takes a few minutes since they are really efficient. When we came back from touring the city for the day they made us tea in our room. For breakfast you had the choice of Japanese style or American. Since we had breakfast two mornings we got to try both. They both were great. Other highlights include the garden you can walk around, free bikes to use, and the rooms with pottery on display.

I have stayed in Yoyokaku for 4 days in last week. It was an unforgettable experience. The services, the room décor, the friendly of employee, all top notch. If you want to enjoy real Japanese culture and hospitality, this is the place you need to be.