In our exploration of this traditional Japanese inn in Yoshino, we found a captivating slice of local culture. Tucked away in Wakayama Prefecture, it’s a peaceful retreat that immerses you in the heart of Japan’s countryside. The rooms, with their tatami floors and futon bedding, offer an authentic experience. Free Wi-Fi and parking are handy perks.
While the location is serene, it’s worth noting that it’s a bit remote. You’ll need to walk 20 minutes to reach the nearest hot springs, and driving to the famous Shirakawa-go village takes half an hour. Some travelers might find this isolation challenging.
The on-site dining room serves up delicious regional dishes, including vegetarian options. However, if you’re craving variety, you’ll need to venture out for other meal choices.
This lodging is perfect for those seeking a quiet, genuine Japanese experience away from the tourist crowds. It’s ideal for nature lovers, culture enthusiasts, and anyone looking to slow down and soak in the local way of life.
If you don’t mind a bit of extra travel time to reach major attractions, you’ll find this inn a rewarding base for exploring Wakayama’s natural and cultural treasures.
We included this ryokan in the 5 must-visit ryokans in Nanto.
Good To Know
- Yoshino is a traditional Japanese lodging property located in Wakayama Prefecture, offering easy access to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Shirakawa-go.
- The property features tatami-floored rooms, on-site onsen baths, and a dining room that specializes in the vegetarian shojin-ryori cuisine.
- Guests can explore the nearby Gokayama Onsen hot spring area, just a 20-minute walk from the property.
- The property is conveniently located with a 10-minute drive from Gokayama Interchange and 25-minute drive from JR Johana Station.
- Yoshino provides a seamless traditional Japanese experience with amenities like free Wi-Fi, bicycle rentals, and on-site parking for guests.
Property Overview
Located in the picturesque Wakayama Prefecture, Yoshino Travel offers a traditional Japanese lodging experience.
The property is situated a 20-minute walk from the Gokayama Onsen hot spring area and a 30-minute drive from the renowned Shirakawa-go. Guests can easily access the property via a 10-minute drive from the Gokayama Interchange or a 25-minute drive from JR Johana Station.
Rated 8.5 out of 10 based on 63 reviews, Yoshino Travel boasts a high rating for its well-maintained facilities and excellent service.
With its convenient location and commitment to preserving traditional Japanese hospitality, Yoshino Travel provides an authentic and memorable stay for its guests.
Accommodations and Amenities
Yoshino Travel offers a variety of accommodations and amenities to cater to the needs of its guests.
The property features traditional Japanese rooms with futon bedding on tatami floors, complete with air-conditioning/heating, LCD TVs, mini-fridges, and electric kettles with green tea. Guests have access to shared bathrooms.
The property also boasts free Wi-Fi, bicycle rentals, on-site parking, and herb baths for men and women.
Travelers can enjoy set-menu breakfast and dinner, with vegetarian Buddhist shojin-ryori cuisine available upon advance reservation.
These thoughtful offerings provide a truly immersive traditional Japanese experience for all who stay at Yoshino Travel.
Dining and Cuisine
Along With the property’s traditional accommodations, Yoshino Travel offers a dining experience that allows guests to fully enjoy Japanese culture.
The on-site dining room serves set-menu breakfast and dinner, featuring shojin-ryori – a vegetarian Buddhist cuisine. Guests can enjoy this special cuisine with advance reservation.
The meals are praised by reviewers for their high quality, showcasing the region’s fresh, seasonal ingredients.
Yoshino Travel’s dining offerings complement the property’s focus on providing an authentic Japanese experience, enabling guests to savor the local flavors alongside the ryokan’s other traditional amenities.
Guest Experience
Guests at Yoshino Travel consistently praise the property’s attentive staff, with a 9.5 rating for service.
Cleanliness and comfort are also highlights, earning 9.0 and 9.3 respectively from reviewers.
Visitors appreciate the traditional Japanese experience, from the tatami-floored rooms to the on-site onsen baths.
The quality of the set-menu breakfast and dinner is another draw, with many noting the exceptional shojin-ryori vegetarian cuisine.
Overall, guests feel they receive great value for money, awarding an 8.5 rating in this category.
The property’s convenient location near Gokayama Onsen and Shirakawa-go further enhances the authentic culture.
Transportation and Accessibility
The property offers convenient transportation options for visitors.
Getting to Yoshino Travel is easy, with the property located just a 10-minute drive from the Gokayama Interchange on the Tokai-Hokuriku-Highway. For those arriving by train, it’s a 25-minute drive from JR Johana Station.
The World Heritage Bus connects Takaoka to Gokayama and the nearby Shirakawa-go, with a stop right at Kaimugura near the property. Free private parking is available on-site for those driving.
However, there’s no shuttle service to Shirakawa-go, and the last bus back leaves at 4 PM, so planning one’s return is important.
Policies and Information
As for policies and important information, check-in is available from 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM, while check-out must be completed by 10:00 AM. Cancellation and prepayment policies vary by accommodation type. Children of all ages are welcome, with those 3 and above considered adults. Pets are not allowed, and smoking is prohibited on the property. Dining options are limited, as there are no restaurants in the immediate area, but meals are provided on-site.
| Policies | Details |
|---|---|
| Check-in/Check-out | 3:00 PM – 9:00 PM / Until 10:00 AM |
| Cancellation/Prepayment | Varies by accommodation type |
| Child Policy | Children of all ages welcome, 3+ considered adults |
Nearby Attractions
Situated within easy reach of the Gokayama Onsen hot spring area, Yoshino Travel provides guests with a prime location to explore the stunning surroundings.
Just a 20-minute walk away, visitors can enjoy the natural beauty of the Gokayama hot spring region.
For those seeking to venture further, the well-preserved historic village of Shirakawa-go is only a 30-minute drive from the property.
There, guests can marvel at the iconic gassho-zukuri farmhouses and soak in the serene atmosphere of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
With easy access to these captivating destinations, Yoshino Travel offers an ideal base for discovering the cultural and natural wonders of Wakayama Prefecture.
Planning Your Stay
When planning a stay at Yoshino Travel, guests can look forward to a seamless and enjoyable experience. The property offers a variety of amenities to ensure a comfortable and traditional Japanese stay. Guests can take advantage of the on-site parking, free Wi-Fi, and bicycle rentals to explore the surrounding area. Plus, the property’s dining room serves set-menu breakfast and dinner, including the option for shojin-ryori (vegetarian Buddhist) cuisine with advance reservation. To further enhance the experience, the property features hot spring baths, providing a relaxing retreat after a day of sightseeing.
| Check-in/Check-out | Cancellation/Prepayment | Child Policy | Pets | Smoking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 PM to 9 PM / 10 AM | Varies by accommodation | All ages welcome | Not allowed | Prohibited |
Frequently Asked Questions
Are There Any Discounts for Long-Term Stays?
The property doesn’t offer any long-term stay discounts. However, guests can inquire about potential promotional offers or packages when booking their reservation to see if they qualify for any special rates or savings.
Can Guests Request Specific Room Types?
Guests can request specific room types, such as traditional Japanese rooms with futon bedding on tatami floors. The property offers a variety of accommodations to suit different preferences and needs.
Is There a Minimum Stay Requirement?
There’s no mention of a minimum stay requirement. Guests can book stays for as long or as short as they’d like at Yoshino Travel, though check-in and check-out times must be adhered to.
Can Guests Bring Their Own Food?
Guests can’t bring their own food, as the property provides set-menu breakfast and dinner on-site. However, the in-room electric kettle allows guests to make their own tea or coffee during their stay.
Are There Any Activities or Events Organized by the Hotel?
The hotel organizes various activities and events for guests, including guided hikes, cultural workshops, and traditional cooking classes. Guests can also rent bicycles to explore the nearby scenic areas independently.
The Sum Up
Yoshino Travel offers an authentic Japanese experience in the heart of Wakayama. Guests can enjoy traditional culture, relax in herb-infused hot spring baths, and savor exceptional vegetarian cuisine. The property’s impeccable service and convenient location make it an ideal choice for those seeking a memorable journey into rural Japan. With its serene ambiance and well-appointed accommodations, Yoshino Travel promises an unforgettable stay.