Overview
Step into a timeless stay at Yoshikumokan, a scenic ryokan that has welcomed travelers since 1754. For more than 270 years, this traditional inn has stood as a peaceful retreat in the heart of Yoshinoyama, one of Japan’s most celebrated destinations for cherry blossoms. From your room, you look out over a landscape that transforms each season—from the vibrant pink of spring to the golden hues of fall and the gentle snow of winter.
Located within a World Heritage Site, Yoshikumokan offers more than just a place to stay. Here, you find quiet moments, seasonal dishes made with local ingredients, and warm baths that overlook the mountain. Let the pace of the outside world fade away as you experience a slower, more intentional kind of hospitality.
Accommodation
Yoshikumokan offers a collection of traditional Japanese-style rooms, each one facing the majestic Yoshinoyama. Whether you’re traveling as a couple or with a group, the rooms give you space to relax in comfort while surrounded by nature.
Japanese Room with Open-Air Bath
A 10-tatami room with a private outdoor bath. Soak under the open sky while you gaze out over the peaks and valleys of Yoshino.
Standard Japanese Room (8 or 10 tatami)
These simple rooms offer floor-to-ceiling views of the surrounding forest and temples. Every room lets you take in the changing colors of the mountain.
Special Japanese-Western Room
A spacious layout combining two tatami rooms and a Western-style lounge. Ideal for longer stays or special occasions.
Barrier-Free Japanese Room
Two large tatami rooms with a wide bath and toilet, designed for easy wheelchair access. A folding bed can be added upon request.
All rooms come with yukata robes, toiletries, towels, a refrigerator, air conditioning, and a television. Each space reflects the quiet character of the region—simple, restful, and deeply connected to nature.
Dining
At Yoshikumokan, every meal begins with the land. The chefs craft each course using seasonal vegetables and mountain ingredients native to the Yoshino region. From the clear waters of nearby rivers to the rich forests surrounding the inn, every dish tells a story of place and season.
Seasonal Menus Include:
- Ayu Kaiseki (June–August): Grilled river fish (ayu), lightly salted and perfectly crisp. This set includes side dishes made with mountain vegetables, sashimi, and Yoshino’s signature kudzu hot pot.
- Botan Nabe (November–March): A rich hot pot featuring wild boar raised on the mountain’s natural diet. Known for its tender texture and rich flavor, the meat is simmered in a hearty broth alongside root vegetables.
- Yamato Chicken & Yamato Beef Set: Taste two of Nara’s finest meats side by side—firm, flavorful chicken and beautifully marbled beef grilled together on an iron plate.
- Yoshino Kudzu Hot Pot: A specialty of the inn. The broth thickens with kudzu starch to deliver a warming, nourishing experience. The subtle flavor highlights the vegetables and meat simmered inside.
Dinner always ends with a small dessert and a seasonal tea rice dish flavored with homemade condiments. Each item arrives at the perfect temperature, prepared with care and balance.
Onsen and Wellness
Unwind in two different bathing areas, each offering a different experience and view. Bathing areas alternate daily between men and women so you can enjoy both styles during your stay.
Kachou-no-Yu
A large wooden bath that opens to panoramic views of Yoshinoyama. Flowers bloom outside the window in spring, and birds flit through the trees. You’ll feel the natural rhythm of the mountain as you soak.
Seishuku-no-Yu
A tiled bath with open-air access and a wide layout. This bath includes multiple pools with varying temperatures and styles, including a view bath, indoor pools, and seasonal open-air tubs.
Bathing Hours:
Morning: 6:00 – 9:00
Evening: 15:30 – 23:00
After your soak, head to the Yuagari Lounge, where you can relax, chat, and sip tea as your body cools.
Guests with Tattoos
The ryokan may have restrictions for individuals with tattoos. Please check in advance if you plan to use the onsen facilities.
Facilities
The inn offers everything you need for a quiet, restful stay in the mountains:
- Lobby and check-in lounge with scenic views
- Yuagari lounge for post-bath relaxation
- Seasonal garden paths for early morning walks
- Elevator access to rooms and baths
- Wi-Fi available in public areas
- Traditional architecture blended with modern touches
If you’re staying in the barrier-free room, you’ll also find wide-entry doors, a spacious toilet and bath area, and furniture designed for easy movement.
Activities
You can enjoy every moment without needing to leave the ryokan. Whether you spend the evening watching the mist roll over the mountains or stroll through the seasonal garden in the early morning, Yoshikumokan provides quiet moments in every corner.
In spring, cherry blossoms cover the entire mountain, drawing visitors from around Japan. In autumn, the hills blaze with red and gold leaves. You can visit nearby temples, walk ancient pilgrimage trails, or simply enjoy the mountain from your room.
Additional Features
- Elevator service for upper floors
- Seasonal welcome drinks upon check-in
- All meals use local and seasonal ingredients
- Japanese futon bedding is laid out in the evening
- Barrier-free rooms available with advance reservation
- A unique historical inn with over 270 years of tradition