Around Takasutogahara Country Club × Highly rated Hotel·Ryokan for Onsen and bath

This was my first stay, and just as everyone says, it was a truly wonderful Accommodation. The food was delicious, the Onsen water was silky-smooth, the staff were great, everything in the fridge was free, and the price was reasonable. The view was beautiful and very relaxing. Also, since I love drinks, I was thrilled by the wide selection of rice shochu... Thank you very much! I’ll definitely visit again.

We stayed for a Multiple Night Stay of four nights. Above all, this Accommodation is truly pet-friendly. We visited with both a dog and a cat, and they both seemed relaxed and happy. There were plenty of amenities for dogs and cats, plus facilities such as a dog run. We could stay with peace of mind, and all the staff clearly love animals, which made our time here even more special. The Japanese staff were wonderful as expected, and the international staff were also incredibly polite—so much so that we initially thought they were Japanese—always with warm smiles. It gave us the sense that the training and working environment here must be excellent. The staff deserve more than five stars. Meals are à la carte, so you can choose whatever you like each day in any amount you want. This was especially appreciated during our Multiple Night Stay, and everything was consistently above average in taste. They offer a great balance of both Japanese and Western dishes, so we never got bored. Every day was delicious. Alcohol at night at the bar, as well as drinks in the Room refrigerator, are included, which is very reassuring for those who enjoy drinking. In addition, 30 minutes of spa treatment per day was included; I even received a massage and felt truly healed. The Room was neither too large nor too small—just right for two people—and it was well designed and easy to use. The hot spring water left our skin smooth and glossy; it was excellent. Both the indoor bath and open-air bath are fed directly from the source (free-flowing), and we could adjust both volume and temperature using only the natural spring water. It’s pure luxury. These days many Hotels or Ryokan only allow smoking in designated areas, so being able to smoke on our private terrace attached to the Room is something smokers will really appreciate, especially if you want to have a drink on the terrace while enjoying a cigarette. Because the terrace is surrounded by high walls, our cat could also go for walks there safely. Cats tend to run off easily, so it’s rare to let them stroll freely—this was another great point. Our cat looked completely at ease. It was our first time visiting Kikuchi City. There are many wonderful places nearby including Kikuchi Gorge, and Aso is less than an hour away by car, making sightseeing very convenient. Since there is a university stable near this Accommodation, there may occasionally be a slight animal smell, but that isn’t an issue caused by this Accommodation itself. And since this is an Accommodation that pet lovers choose specifically because they travel with animals, I think it’s simply something not to worry about (it didn’t bother me). This is a fantastic Accommodation where you can truly relax with your pets. Thank you very much.

A well-balanced breakfast gave me the energy to head to work, and the large bath helped me unwind after a long day. Despite the clean Room and convenient location, the price is reasonable. There are no excessive amenities, but all necessary services are well provided, making my business trip comfortable. They also handled taxi arrangements with great care, and I felt it was a Hotel where I could stay with peace of mind. I was also satisfied with the user-friendly in-Room features such as a TV that shows how crowded the dining area and large public bath are, as well as an air purifier.

It happened to be a day of heavy rain, so I was able to borrow an umbrella. Thank you!! It’s conveniently located close to the city, and offers excellent value for money. 　You can also have breakfast nearby!!

On June 8, my spouse and I met friends from Kumamoto and had a great time eating and drinking together. They upgraded our Room to a higher grade, and my sauna-loving husband was very satisfied. We will definitely stay again. Thank you for your hospitality.

I stayed for business with a No Meals Included plan, and overall it was a chic, luxurious Hotel. I’ve stayed at other Hotels in the same group in different areas, but Kumamoto is the best. From the entrance, it had a wonderful atmosphere and a very pleasant scent. Everything was just right, and I had a very comfortable stay. However, there were also some disappointing points. About some overseas guests: Even if I overlook the lack of elevator etiquette (forcing their way in even when people are getting off), I was shocked to see someone using a video call (the other party sounded like a man) in the large public bath changing area.

Right in front of Sakura-machi Bus Terminal, it’s an ideal location for getting to the airport and other destinations. The Onsen was comfortable, and breakfast was excellent with local specialties!

This was my first trip to Kumamoto, and I stayed here. What surprised me most was the front desk staff’s customer service—very polite, calm, and attentive without being pushy. It was on par with high-level Hotels in Tokyo—if anything, it felt even warmer and more comfortable. Specifically: the way they greeted us upon arrival, their thoughtfulness, and service tailored to each guest’s situation. (When we arrived in Kumamoto, it was raining heavily and we gave up sightseeing, so we reached the Hotel a bit early. Even then, they immediately brought us towels and helped us with the check-in process.) They also greeted us with smiles when we went out in the evening and in the morning. Their attentiveness at checkout as well. I truly felt they were professionals. Both the Room and the bath were completely satisfying. I would love to stay here again when I visit Kumamoto. Thank you very much.

Conveniently located near the Kamitori Shopping Arcade and the tram stop, with great value for money. The sauna and large public bath are also very comfortable. Compared to the Sakuramachi area it’s a bit quieter, but around Kamitori there are vintage clothing shops and stylish stores tucked away in small side streets, giving it a Shimokitazawa-like vibe that’s fun to explore. Parking isn’t an issue either, as there’s a nearby affiliated large multi-story parking garage. However, if you take your car in and out, you can no longer use the parking validation ticket.

This is a well-sized Hotel with a tasteful blend of Japanese and Western styles. The space was clean and comfortable, and I slept very well. There were no items like lotion or cleansing oil at the sink in the changing area by the bath, but most guests probably bring their own, so it should be fine. If anything, I appreciated that the area around the sink was not dirty. It was also nice that I didn’t need to bring towels from my Room. The flooring in the Room was a bit tough for me because I’m sensitive to cold, but it does help keep things clean. At check-in there was a lot of information to go over, and I got a little spaced out partway through and missed responding once. After that, they explained things more concisely, and at the end they smiled and said, “Thank you for your time.” Thank you for the pleasant service.

This time I stayed without breakfast, but everything was truly excellent, from the Room cleaning to the amenities and the front desk service. Although more foreign-owned Hotels are increasing in Japan, JAL-affiliated Hotels are reasonably priced, and the food at most of their Hotels is very delicious, so I am satisfied. I quietly think their rival might be JR-affiliated Hotels.

This Hotel has truly wonderful staff. I don’t think there are many Hotels where the team is this naturally warm and friendly. It made me feel at ease. Also, the breakfast was so delicious that it surprised me. Each dish felt carefully prepared. The curry in particular tasted like it was from a specialty restaurant (or even better). I was able to relax in a spacious setting and was very satisfied. One disappointing point: when I turned on the air conditioner because of the intense heat, an unpleasant sour-smelling air blew out. I couldn’t stand it, so I opened the window and gave up on using the air conditioner. Also, a large garbage bag—apparently left outside a guest room—was left sitting in the hallway, which made me uncomfortable. (I understand staff can’t constantly patrol, so this may be more an issue of guest manners.) When I visit Kumamoto again, I would like to stay here and enjoy breakfast again, so please just address the air conditioner cleaning issue.

The building seemed a bit old, but it was well cleaned and felt very tidy and comfortable. I stayed for one night and two days. On the first day, I used the adjacent Agannasse baths. The variety of cold-water baths was great, and there was also complimentary coffee. The next morning, I used the large public bath before departure, which was also very nice. I only had the breakfast buffet, but there was a wide selection and everything was delicious.

The building is new and located in front of Kumamoto Station, with spacious and clean rooms. The Onsen is small, but the water quality was excellent. The complimentary breakfast was delicious. There is only one elevator, so there might be a short wait, but everything else was very satisfying. The Aka-sake was delicious as well.

This was my first stay at Yulax, and it was even better than I imagined. First, the cold plunge. It’s properly cold, and above all it’s deep—being fully enveloped by the water feels incredible. Hitting the MADMAX button and getting drenched with a huge rush of water from head to toe is also amazing—I could do that again and again (laugh). The sauna itself is truly relaxing, and the aufguss at “THIS IS IT” especially stayed with me. The music, heat, and performance make it feel less like a sauna and more like live entertainment. That experience alone made the trip worth it. What unexpectedly left an impression was the other guests. I got the sense many were in their 20s to 40s, and everyone had excellent manners. It felt like there are many people who love saunas and genuinely care about this place. It’s a comfortable space not only because of the Facility, but also because of the people who gather here. Including that atmosphere, I couldn’t help but feel that what the owner wanted to create—their vision—has truly taken shape. The relaxation areas are well equipped too, so you can unwind for hours after your sauna session. The food was very satisfying; in particular, the mapo tofu was generous in portion size and genuinely delicious. Even aside from eating after a sauna, it’s something I’d want to have again. The parking lot is spacious as well, which makes it easy to visit by car. Yulax wasn’t just a place to use a sauna. It’s somewhere you can step away from work and everyday worries, clear your mind, and spend time for yourself. By the time I left, even my mood felt lighter. For me, it was “a place where I can find myself again.” I definitely want to come back.

It is in a very convenient location near the Transportation Center. The surrounding area is a downtown entertainment district, which makes it convenient for going out for drinks, but at night it can feel quite crowded and chaotic. Women in particular may want to be cautious. As for the Hotel’s Facility, the Room is slightly spacious. The bathroom is separate from the toilet and also has a washing area, which was comfortable. However, I was a bit bothered by white limescale marks left on the black floor. Since it’s an entertainment district, I was slightly worried it might be noisy, but at least in the Room I stayed in, that wasn’t an issue. Also, having a 24-hour convenience store on the first floor is extremely convenient. Overall, I think my satisfaction level was high.

The staff were courteous and guided us smoothly upon entering the lobby. The Room was a comfortable size, and it was kept very clean. The location is just off Kumamoto’s shopping arcade, so it’s easy to explore the area even at night. It’s also within walking distance of Kumamoto Castle and tram stops, making it very convenient for sightseeing. Breakfast offered a wide variety of dishes, including several local Kumamoto specialties. We stayed for a Multiple Night Stay (2 nights), and we appreciated that the menu changed. One point to note is parking. The affiliated parking lot is a bit far from the Hotel and comes with an additional fee. If the parking lot across the street could be used instead, it would be more convenient for guests traveling by car. Overall, this is a Hotel you can choose with confidence for sightseeing or business in Kumamoto.

As last year, I stayed in the Castle Suite with my daughter. It’s a Room that any young child will absolutely love. It features two Kumamoto Castle-themed bunk beds, a slide, plenty of toys, Kumamon figures, an oversized TV, and a hinoki cypress bath. The refrigerator was stocked with complimentary drinks—both alcoholic and non-alcoholic—so while my child played, I could relax and fully enjoy some downtime.

Spacious and clean interior facilities, but it was unfortunate that I couldn't use the Onsen. Overall, it was a satisfactory 2-night stay with no major complaints about the Hotel.

We stayed for one night and two days as a group of women. As Diamond members, we received many perks, and we were especially surprised that sparkling wine was available as a welcome drink. The Room had a ReFa hair dryer, which I used for the first time—and now I’m even considering buying one myself. The location was excellent for sightseeing and local dining, and the staff’s hospitality was truly pleasant. One small disappointment was that the shower in the Room felt like it had low water flow; I thought a bit more flow might improve the water pressure. Other than that, we were very satisfied, and I would definitely stay again when visiting Kumamoto. Go Kumamoto—we’re cheering for you!