Ryokan Yayanoyu
9,3/10 Exceptional - Based on 31 reviews
Ryokan Yayanoyu is a small, adult-only ryokan set in the Ueki area of Kumamoto, offering six individually appointed guest rooms each arranged around a private outdoor bathing space. Every room includes its own open-air hot spring, a compact garden and in-room dining to preserve privacy, which defines the property as a ryokan with private onsen Kumamoto visitors often seek when they want a secluded, restorative stay close to the city. On-site facilities include a restaurant and a bar, plus a café area that serves espresso brewed on a traditional machine.
Guest rooms combine traditional Japanese elements with contemporary comforts: tatami or mixed-layout sleeping areas, private bathrooms with bidet-equipped toilets, air conditioning, refrigerator and in-room coffee facilities. The ryokan provides bath amenities designed to minimise single-use plastics and maintains a non-smoking policy throughout the property. The restaurant offers dinners that blend Japanese and Western techniques and there is a small dining space adjacent to a footbath for a relaxed pre- or post-meal soak. Free parking is available on site and basic wireless internet is provided for guests.
Practical details reflect the ryokan’s compact scale and quiet character: check-in is typically from mid-afternoon and check-out is mid-morning, and the house rules restrict stays to adults only with no pets permitted. The setting in Ueki places the property within easy reach of Kumamoto’s main attractions while retaining a countryside feel, making it a straightforward choice for couples or solo travellers seeking a ryokan with onsen Kumamoto neighbourhood access without sacrificing privacy. Reservations are advisable due to the limited number of rooms.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Ryokan Yayanoyu
Positive Reviews
Private in-room/outdoor onsen
Many guests praised the private hot-spring baths attached to each room, describing them as spacious, relaxing and a highlight of the stay.
Excellent food (dinner & breakfast)
Multiple reviews mention outstanding meals — kaiseki-style dinners and plentiful breakfasts — with high quality, beautiful presentation and memorable flavours.
Attentive, friendly hosts and staff
Reviewers repeatedly praised the owner/manager and staff for warm, helpful service, personal touches and going the extra mile (helping with transport, returning forgotten items, organising activities).
Calm, relaxing atmosphere and pleasant rooms
Guests enjoyed the peaceful setting, cosy ryokan feel and generally generous room sizes that made for a restful, special stay.
Thoughtful amenities and helpful extras
Visitors appreciated amenities such as provided yukata and toiletries, a small bar/self-serve area, parking, and staff assistance with logistics, which added convenience and comfort.
Negative Reviews
Remote / inconvenient location without a car
Several guests noted the property is somewhat off the beaten path (about 40–45 minutes from Kumamoto by car) and can be harder to reach if you do not drive, requiring taxis or longer transfers.
Some rooms feel outdated and lack indoor bathrooms
A number of reviews mentioned that certain rooms are a bit old-fashioned and that bathrooms/showers are outdoor only, which may not suit everyone’s preferences.
Dry atmosphere from air conditioning
At least one guest reported that the air conditioning created a very dry indoor atmosphere during their stay.
Onsen garden maintenance could improve
One reviewer suggested the garden area around the onsen could be better maintained to enhance the outdoor bathing experience.
Minor food preference issues
A small number of guests felt the menu could include more local Kumamoto-specific dishes or noted minor issues such as overdressed salads, though overall food quality was praised.
Frequently Asked Questions
Rooms are designed for one to two adults; children are not accepted and guests must be at least 18 years old to check in.
Yes — every guest room features its own outdoor hot-spring bath set in a small garden for private use.
There is no regular airport shuttle; the nearest airport is Kumamoto Airport (about 23 km), and guests usually arrive by taxi, private transfer, or car.
English support is limited; staff are helpful and many guests use simple English or translation apps to communicate.
Check-in is typically between 15:00 and 18:00 and check-out between 08:00 and 10:00; you must inform the ryokan of your arrival time and the property is not accessible between 22:00 and 06:00.
Private bathing is standard — the bathing facilities in each room are for your exclusive use, so separate private-hour bookings are not required.
No, pets are not permitted on the premises.
The ryokan offers dinner and breakfast, commonly served in-room or at the property, with traditional Japanese-style multi-course meals focusing on local ingredients.
The ryokan is in Ueki (Kita-ku, Kumamoto) with local onsen areas nearby; notable nearby sites include Hirayama Onsen, Hosokawa Gyobu-tei, Suizenji Park and Kumamoto Castle within driving distance.
The property is most convenient by car (free on-site parking available); public transport requires a train or bus to the Ueki/Kuroishi area plus a taxi, and there are local shops in Ueki for basic supplies.