Around × Ranking Of Accommodation With Signature Seafood CuisineHighly-rated Hotel·Ryokan

I visited Kumamoto with my mother for the first time in over ten years to attend a concert. Although our stay was limited to one night and two days, thanks to the Hotel’s calm atmosphere and the thoughtful care of all the staff, we were able to spend a relaxing and comfortable time. My mother was also very pleased, and I truly feel glad we were able to stay here. I understand that full recovery from the recent earthquake may still take time, but in my own small way, I hope that visiting Kumamoto can be of some help. I sincerely wish for a swift recovery. If I have another opportunity to visit Kumamoto, I would love to stay at this Hotel again. Thank you very much for your warm hospitality.

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.

I chose the Japanese-style room because it was the most attractive option in terms of price compared with the other rooms at the time of booking. It was a spacious 10-tatami room on the top floor with a view down over the Shirakawa River, and it felt just like staying at a traditional hot spring inn. It would be perfect if there were a large public bath (there isn’t), but the in-room bathroom was very large and comfortable. I stayed multiple nights for work, and having only one futon set in such a large tatami room felt almost a bit lonely. One request: since there are no power outlets near where you lay out the futon, an extension cord would make this even better. Breakfast offers more than enough variety and is very high quality—and they also cook omelets to order. I liked it so much that I’ve already booked again for business trips in December and January. Next time I’ll try a Western-style room for comparison (laughs). If this Japanese-style room is offered at a reasonable price, I highly recommend it.

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.