Yoyokaku which opened its doors in 1893 is the epitome of the old but good part of Japan.
The dignified way it stands built of wood, a Japanese garden, the multiple Ikebana displays, and Japanese cuisine true to the basics served in the best dishes available all make this place an amazing experience. The northern European style library/lobby actually fits well within this atmosphere. We introduce one of the most famous inns in Saga Prefecture’s Karatsu.
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The highly refined entrance which was remodeled in 1912
The first thing that is impressive when you get to Yoyokaku is the entrance.
When you stand in front of the highly refined it almost makes you straighten up your posture.
Maybe its long history of this place, it certainly isn’t something which makes you feel excluded or anything, it just makes you want to be a guest worthy of staying here in a way.
Once inside there is a framed calligraphy display of Yoyokaku in Kanji written from right to left and further in is a very classy display of Ikebana. Although the long time “Flower Guard” Shoji Yoko is on leave right now there are still many beautiful Ikebana displays all around the building.
The wooden architecture and Japanese garden which makes you want to inspect every inch of it
After checking in you are guided to an old but very clean Japanese room.
Of course there is Ikebana displayed in the room, as well as scroll paintings that are just as impressive. There are even some adorable letter boxes and sewing boxes set up in the room.
After a brief rest, I am sure you will want to explore the whole building.
The long halls connecting the different parts of the building are lined with Japanese gardens that look very natural which even have 200 year old pine trees in them. In the stone washbasins are seasonal flowers floating in them, koi swim in the ponds, and in the back there is a dry landscape garden. Don’t miss the Sayohime no Ma room which is built over a pond. The inn is built very close to the sea so it isn’t hard to hear the music of the waves.
Ryutagama Gallery a destination perfect for porcelain lovers
For those who love porcelain one of the biggest attractions to Yoyokaku is the Ryutagama Gallery which is a collection of pieces from Karatsu’s own Takashi Nakazato. The proprietor of Yoyokaku, Ohkouchi Akihiko, is a huge lover of chinaware and created this gallery from having a deep friendship with Mr. Nakazato.
The porcelain on display is simple and easy to use.
You can feel Mr. Nakazato’s belief that “dishes only are complete with food on them”.
Dinner is actually served using Ryutagama dishes so even if you aren’t a lover of earthenware it is still a good place to stop by.
Here they also display Mr. Nakazato’s son Taki, and daughter Hanako’s works as well.
It is fun to look for the difference and similarities between the three artists work.
Dinner is an authentic Kaiseki meal full of the bounty of the Genkainada Sea
Dinner is served in the room and is a traditional Kaiseki meal filled with the bounties of the Genkainada Sea.
The sashimi, stewed fish, and other dishes really exude the detailed attention that the chef put in to the meal. You can especially feel that loving feeling in the soup.
If you have budget to spare, try the saw-edged perch, or blowfish, or the Stonefish which are highly prized dishes.
If you prefer meat over fish try the beef Shabushabu.
Breakfast is served with a view of the garden
After a relaxing sleep morning arrives.
If you are a bath lover, head to the bath before breakfast.
Yoyokaku isn’t an onsen inn but the bath uses maifan stone to heat the water so it is good at warming you up to your core.
Breakfast is served in the dining hall.
Dinner may be better served in the room but breakfast is probably easier eaten in the dining hall for most people out there.
The breakfast menu here is a traditional Japanese one but they are famous for their wheat porridge and cold tofu.
The wheat porridge is served with preserved seaweed and is gentle on your insides. The cold tofu is very creamy and is from Kawashima Tofuten famous in Karatsu and is prepared that day.
Start the day off right with a view of the beautiful garden and great food.
There is no doubt that the rest of the day is going to be a good one.
Although the inn is long established the hospitality is modern
When it comes to long established and famous inns some people might have a hard time really relaxing.
But here although it is steeped in tradition there doesn’t seem to be a snobbish wall that makes you apprehensive to stay.
Not only is the Japanese-ness of this place the reason why it is popular with foreigners the PC and Wifi are free to use which adds to the attraction.
Also with descriptions listed on their website about how they accommodate the elderly, handicapped, and small children they seem to be very equal in their treatment of any guest.
With one of the top 3 pine forests of Japan, Nijinomatsubara, close by it is great place to put into your Kyushu trip itinerary.
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