Ryokan Ayunosato

Hitoyoshi is a city located in Kuma Valley in southern Kumamoto Prefecture. The region was ruled by the Sagara clan for approximately 700 years from around 1190 onward. In terms of length, the Sagara clan’s period of rule is without peer in Japanese history and is longer than even the rule of the Tokugawa shogunate, which lasted for about 400 years. It is commonly known as the “700 years of the Sagara.”

Kuma Valley is a topographical basin, surrounded by mountains on all sides, with the Kuma River flowing through it. The region is home to historic shrines and temples that were protected by the Sagara clan; the locally produced Kuma shochu, a type of alcoholic beverage made from rice, is created using a distilling technique that was imported from abroad by the Sagara clan and is now known the world over. This was also the area in which Taisha-ryu, a unique form of swordcraft developed by Marume Nagayoshi, a vassal of the Sagara clan, was and continues to be taught. Kuma Valley is famed for being Japan’s richest unexplored region.

Successive generations of the Sagara clan lived in Hitoyoshi Castle. Ryokan Ayunosato, which opened in 1941, stands opposite the ruins of the castle on the other side of the Kuma River. It is an onsen ryokan where guests can experience both the natural and historical charms of Kuma Valley.It has a total of 74 rooms. These include luxury rooms with private open-air baths, modern Western-style rooms, traditional Japanese tatami rooms, and rooms built to universal design standards for people with disabilities.

The history of Hitoyoshi onsen dates back to 1492, when Sagara XII is recorded as having bathed in its waters. It has since been cherished for more than 500 years. The waters contain hydrogen carbonate, which is known to rejuvenate the skin, making it smooth and firm. For this reason the waters are also known as “bijin-no-yu,” which translates as “hot water of beauty.” Ryokan Ayunosato has its own private spring, which is used to fill two large baths, a foot bath, and some private baths attached to guest rooms. Guests can also try drinking the clean hot spring water at designated locations within the ryokan.

For dinner, guests are served creative kaiseki cuisine made with local ingredients. The rice is sourced from a contract farmer and is cultivated with the help of ryokan staff. Halal, vegan, and allergen-free menus are also available by prior reservation.

Ryokan guests can drink Kuma shochu free of charge at the Kuma Shochu Lounge. At the Sky Terrace on the top floor of the ryokan, guests can gaze down on Kuma Valley and take in the same view that the inhabitants of Hitoyoshi Castle no doubt also enjoyed many years ago.

Ryokan Ayunosato invites guests to experience the history and culture of Kuma Valley and to delight in hospitality of the highest caliber.