There are no words to fully describe the beauty and magic of the Takefue Ryokan. In a nation that consistently exceeds all expectations, Takefue Ryokan is beyond the best Ryokan in Japan.
It is located up an isolated mountain, in Kyushu, just outside the amazing town of Kurokawa Onsen, deep in a bamboo forest.
The hospitality is beyond anything expected – even in Japan. A member of the staff is allocated as your sole contact throughout your stay. They gently guide you, from choosing a yukata and coat, to designing and scheduling menus, to assisting your reservation of baths. Without out going into overt detail; it is beyond anything we’ve experienced -anywhere in the world. The combination of service and planning creates the feeling that you are the only guest at the hotel.
Each room has a private onsen (hot spring bath). There are several other larger baths that one can reserve. Each of the magnificent shared baths have a changing room complete with hot and cold drinks (including sake and beer) as well as an oven with warm towels. As one wanders the grounds, keep an eye out for random snacks, free of charge, placed throughout the hotel paths: sodas, water, tea, even freezer with the most delicious ice-cream pops !
When it is time to eat, be prepared for a most exquisite and elaborate meals. The cuisine is similar to other ryokan; with a large breakfast and a lovely Kaiseki dinner included. Here it is the overall quality in preparation, presentation and flavour.
We have 3 small pieces of advice for booking:
1. Try to stay at least 2 nights – with the check in/out times, there is really not enough time to really feel the entirety of Takefue Ryokan otherwise.
2. Have Takefue be your last Onsen stay while in Kyushu.
3. If you are in Japan and traveling – GO to Kyushu – it is pure Japan!
Contact Info:
Takefue Ryokan
(81) 57.006.4559
5725 Manganji, Minamioguni, Aso District;
Kumamoto Prefecture 869-2402, Japan
Open Hours to non guests:
8:30 – 21:00 Daily
