Overview

Step into another era at Kyotoya, a nostalgic inn filled with the charm of Japan’s Taisho period. Founded in 1910, this ryokan invites you to leave the present behind and relax in a setting filled with antique music boxes, soft lighting, and timeless design. Located in the center of Takeo Onsen in Saga Prefecture, Kyotoya blends elegance with deep history, creating an atmosphere that soothes and inspires.

Walk through the entrance and enter a lobby where antique furniture and vintage melodies surround you. The quiet tones of an old music box drift through the air. Time slows. Here, you’re not just staying the night—you’re stepping into a living memory of old Japan.

Accommodation

At Kyotoya, you can choose between two styles of accommodation: a Western-style wing filled with Taisho charm and a traditional Japanese wing with serene, simple rooms. Each room carries its own personality, but all are designed to make you feel completely at ease.

You’ll find five distinct room types:

• Taisho Roman: A spacious two-room suite (10 tatami + 8 tatami) with antique furniture and twin beds. Renovated in 2021, this room combines vintage elegance with comfort.
• Kichi: A compact 6-tatami Japanese room perfect for solo travelers or business stays.
• Roman: A cozy room for couples or friends, offering 6 to 8 tatami mats depending on your group size.
• Haikara: A larger space for families or small groups, featuring 8 tatami mats or more with up to four futons.
• Danran: A special suite designed for gatherings and extended relaxation.

All rooms include air conditioning, a TV, a refrigerator, Wi-Fi, and essential amenities like towels, yukata, shampoo, and a hair dryer. Check-in starts at 3:00 PM, and check-out is at 10:00 AM. Smoking is not allowed in any room.

Dining

Start your morning with a complimentary light breakfast served in the dining room. You’ll enjoy freshly baked bread, salad, soup, coffee, and tea in a space finished in warm wood tones.

For other meals, the ryokan’s dining area welcomes you with calm lighting and quiet conversation. Although Kyotoya does not serve full-course dinners, the front desk can guide you to nearby restaurants where you can explore local flavors.

Onsen and Wellness

Kyotoya sits atop Takeo Onsen, one of Saga’s most historic hot spring areas. The spring water here is known as “Bijin no Yu”—a beauty bath—thanks to its gentle, moisturizing quality. The water has a soft texture, almost like lotion, and feels especially kind on the skin.

The men’s bath, Tonoyu, features a high-ceilinged indoor bath made of granite and an open-air bath where you can enjoy the wind and the seasons. The women’s bath, Himeyu, offers the same luxuries, with extended operating hours so you can bathe at your own pace—morning or night.

Both baths provide natural weak alkaline water (pH 8.2, 26.5°C) with benefits for muscle pain, joint stiffness, fatigue, and circulation. Outdoor baths and saunas are open from 1:00 PM to 11:00 PM and again from 6:00 AM to 9:30 AM. Indoor baths remain open from 1:00 PM to 9:30 AM.

Guests with Tattoos

Tattoos are not prohibited. If you’re concerned, ask the front desk about less crowded bathing times for a more private experience.

Facilities

Kyotoya is more than just a place to sleep—it’s a museum of Taisho nostalgia. Antique furniture, rare gramophones, mechanical music boxes, and vintage records decorate the lounge and public spaces. You can even enjoy daily music sessions featuring SP records and handcrafted mechanical instruments.

Other facilities include a banquet hall, meeting rooms, vending machines, a fax service, massage reservations, morning calls, luggage delivery, and free parking for 60 cars. A coffee corner on the first floor is available for both overnight and day-use visitors.

Activities

Kyotoya places you in the heart of Takeo Onsen, a great base for exploring Saga’s cultural landmarks:

• Takeo Onsen Romon Gate: A five-minute walk from the inn, this red gate designed by Kingo Tatsuno (of Tokyo Station fame) is an iconic local landmark.
• Mifuneyama Rakuen: A 150,000 square meter garden with seasonal flowers, just five minutes away by car.
• Yutoku Inari Shrine: One of Japan’s three major Inari shrines, located 35 minutes away by car.
• Keishu-en and the Yoko Museum: View art and architecture about five minutes from the ryokan.

The staff at Kyotoya can provide maps and tips for sightseeing. Whether you enjoy gardens, architecture, or local pottery, there’s plenty to see nearby.

Additional Features

• Free Wi-Fi throughout the property
• Free parking for up to 60 cars
• Barrier-free wheelchair access available
• Coffee service and morning light breakfast
• Unique music box and antique audio collection
• Located eight minutes on foot from JR Takeo Onsen Station
• Sauna reopened in May 2025 after full renovation
• Car camping now available (call for details)
• Credit cards accepted (VISA, MasterCard, UnionPay)