🕓 2025/5/26
#Hotel
Table of Contents
About Okayama Prefecture
Okayama Prefecture is located in the southeastern part of the Chugoku region, and is an attractive area where the calm Seto Inland Sea, rich natural landscapes such as the Hiruzen Highlands and Kibi Highlands, and historic castle towns and old streetscapes coexist. Starting with Korakuen — one of Japan’s three most famous gardens — and the striking jet-black Okayama Castle, the Bikan Historical Quarter in Kurashiki features rows of Edo-period storehouses and townhouses that convey historic charm to this day.
In terms of sightseeing, there are countless uniquely appealing spots where history, nature, and art interweave, including Bitchu Matsuyama Castle (known as the “Castle in the Sky”), the art islands of Inujima and Naoshima floating in the Seto Inland Sea, and the hot spring resorts of Yunogo, Yubara, and Okutsu — collectively known as the Mimasaka Three Hot Springs.
Below, we introduce 3 handpicked premium hotels that provide an exceptional stay when visiting Okayama Prefecture.
- 3 Handpicked Japanese-Style Ryokan in Okayama Prefecture
- Registered Tangible Cultural Property Inn: Meisen Kagiyu Okutsu-so
- YORUYA
- The Shiroyama Terrace Tsuyama Bettei
- ■ The Appeal of “The Shiroyama Terrace Tsuyama Bettei”
- ■ Access Information for “The Shiroyama Terrace Tsuyama Bettei”
- 3 Handpicked Hotels in Fukui Prefecture (Japanese-Style Ryokan You Must Stay At Least Once)
- 3 Handpicked Hotels in Hyogo Prefecture (Japanese-Style Ryokan You Must Stay At Least Once)
- 3 Handpicked Hotels in Nagano Prefecture (Japanese-Style Ryokan You Must Stay At Least Once)
- Frequently Asked Questions
3 Handpicked Japanese-Style Ryokan in Okayama Prefecture
Registered Tangible Cultural Property Inn: Meisen Kagiyu Okutsu-so
Source: Meisen Kagiyu Okutsu-so Official Website
■The Appeal of “Meisen Kagiyu Okutsu-so”
“Meisen Kagiyu Okutsu-so” is nestled in Okutsu Onsen in Kagamino Town, Okayama Prefecture — one of the Mimasaka Three Hot Springs. Founded in 1927 (Showa 2), this inn has over 90 years of history and is a Registered Tangible Cultural Property. Its greatest allure is the “Kagiyu” bath and other hot springs that naturally well up from beneath your feet — a nationally rare phenomenon.
1. Historical Value and Architectural Beauty as a National Registered Tangible Cultural Property
Okutsu-so is an inn that preserves the charm of its wooden architecture constructed in 1927 (Showa 2), and was officially registered as a National Registered Tangible Cultural Property in November 2018. Traditional Japanese architectural features visible at the entrance — such as the karahafu (cusped gable) roof, the window lattices and coffered ceilings remaining inside — transport visitors to the ambiance of the early Showa era.
The inn’s historical background of being beloved by literary figures including the world-renowned printmaker Munakata Shiko deepens its cultural value. The balance between preserving this historical value and pursuing modern comfort highlights the inn’s unique character and operational dedication.
2. A “Miraculous Hot Spring” — The Bathing Experience of Natural Floor-Welling Springs
Okutsu-so’s greatest pride is its “floor-welling spring,” where hot spring water naturally wells up from beneath the bathtub. This is an exceedingly rare source form said to exist at only a handful of locations in Japan, allowing guests to enjoy the pure water (alkaline simple hot spring, radium-containing) untouched by air.
The signature bath “Kagiyu” was built on what was once the riverbed of the Yoshii River, and its rock-bottom floor remains connected to the river today. This natural blessing of a hot spring wells up at 42.6 degrees Celsius, requiring no additional water or heating — making it 100% pure free-flowing spring water. It is said to be effective for beautiful skin, whitening, rheumatism, neuralgia, and fatigue recovery, and many guests praise the exceptional quality of the water.
3. Heartwarming Regional Cuisine and Seasonal Delicacies Using Local Ingredients
The cuisine at Okutsu-so features heartwarming dishes crafted with dedication by the head chef, centered on ingredients from Okayama Prefecture and the Okutsu area. Signature dishes include “sozuri-nabe,” a regional hot-pot dish of meat scraped from around beef bones, and shabu-shabu featuring Okayama’s premium brand “Chiya beef,” enjoyed with the inn’s own spring water.
Since its founding, the inn has also served signature dishes such as “tororo-mushi” (steamed yam custard) and “tsuyomushi” (deeply steamed dishes) prepared using the hot spring water, offering profound and nourishing flavors. Depending on the season, kaiseki courses featuring premium ingredients such as matsutake mushrooms, fugu (pufferfish), snow crab, and wild boar are also available.
4. Refined Hospitality Enveloped in Serenity, Beloved by Literary Figures
Okutsu-so is known as the inn beloved by world-renowned printmaker Munakata Shiko, who left his works here. His artworks are displayed throughout the inn, enhancing its cultural atmosphere. With only 8 guest rooms and stays limited to guests of junior high school age and above, a quiet and tranquil adults-only space is maintained. Guests highly praise the staff’s warm hospitality, describing it as “graceful service,” “meticulous attention to detail,” and “attentive yet unobtrusive care.”
Across from the inn, a renovated traditional house serves as the lounge “Samyuto,” where guests can enjoy complimentary drinks, enriching the relaxation time after bathing.
■Access Information for “Meisen Kagiyu Okutsu-so”
- Official Website: http://okutsuso.com/
- Access: About 60 minutes by Chutetsu Bus from JR Tsuyama Station, get off at “Okutsu Onsen” bus stop
- Address: 48 Okutsu, Kagamino Town, Tomata District, Okayama 708-0503
- Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/QYaHMiSMrUYqy1bA8
YORUYA
Source: YORUYA Official Website
■ The Appeal of “YORUYA”
“YORUYA” opened on November 14, 2024 in the historic Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter, known for its beautiful white-walled streetscape. It is a 13-room culinary inn created by renovating a 110-year-old kimono merchant’s villa. The spatial design was handled by “SIMPLICITY” and the architectural design by “Takeo Imai Architecture Office,” resulting in a harmonious fusion of historical character and modern sophistication.
1. A Culinary Inn Where History and Modernity Converge in the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter
“YORUYA” stands quietly in Higashi-machi, a corner of the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter that retains strong echoes of the Edo period. This area symbolizes the history and culture of Kurashiki, which prospered as a shogunate directly-administered “tenryo” territory and later through the textile industry in the Meiji era. The inn’s name embodies the history of Kurashiki — a city that developed by “twisting together” (yoru) the aspirations of various people — and the wish to “spin” new stories at this location.
Blending seamlessly into the Bikan Quarter’s landscape, it offers visitors peaceful moments and creates an experience where the history of the town, the memory of the building, and the future of the inn overlap.
2. Renovation of a 110-Year-Old Heritage House Fused with Refined Architectural Design
The building of “YORUYA” is a renovated traditional structure originally built in the Meiji era as the villa of “Jurokunoya” (Namba family), a kimono merchant — approximately 110 years old. The spatial design was handled by “SIMPLICITY” and the architectural design by “Takeo Imai Architecture Office,” which has extensive experience in renovating traditional buildings. While preserving the historic beams, pillars, and earthen walls of the existing structure, new wings were added using plaster and brick, creating a space where old and new harmonize beautifully.
Each guest room bears a name connected to Kurashiki or the inn’s concept, such as “Ohashi” (chopsticks), and each has its own distinct character, including rooms with semi-open-air baths overlooking a courtyard garden.
3. A Dining Experience Reflecting the 24 Solar Terms and 72 Micro-Seasons — Unique to Kurashiki
As a self-proclaimed “culinary inn,” “YORUYA” features a dining experience under Head Chef Niimi that goes beyond the four seasons. The approach is defined by a thorough commitment to selecting ingredients and cooking methods based on Japan’s 24 solar terms and 72 micro-seasons. The kitchen maximizes the potential of Seto Inland Sea seafood caught that day, local Okayama vegetables and beef, and nearby seasonal produce. Even basic condiments — soy sauce, dashi stock, salt, vinegar, and ponzu — are all made in-house and adjusted by season.
Dinner is served as a course at counter seating only, where flavors are fine-tuned through dialogue with guests, pursuing Japanese cuisine that captures the terroir of Kurashiki.
4. A Community-Open Wine Bar and Guest Rooms Promising a Refined Stay
“Bar YORUYA,” attached to the inn’s entrance, is a community-facing space open to non-guests as well. It features Okayama Prefecture wines — increasingly gaining attention — as well as a wide selection of domestic and international wines from natural to classic, and Okayama-produced local sake.
The 13 guest rooms come in 5 diverse types from standard to suite and maisonette, ranging from 30 to 76 square meters. Some rooms reveal historic beams and pillars, while others feature high ceilings and abundant natural light — each with unique design elements that promise a refined stay in Kurashiki.
■ Access Information for “YORUYA”
- Official Website: https://yoruya-kurashiki.com/
- Access: About 20-minute walk from JR Kurashiki Station
- Address: 2-7 Higashi-machi, Kurashiki City, Okayama 710-0053
- Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/KkTTUBmw5kVdoAAY7
The Shiroyama Terrace Tsuyama Bettei
Source: The Shiroyama Terrace Tsuyama Bettei Official Website
■ The Appeal of “The Shiroyama Terrace Tsuyama Bettei”
Opened in 2019, “The Shiroyama Terrace Tsuyama Bettei” is a hotel located in the heart of Tsuyama City, overlooking Kakuzan Park with the ruins of Tsuyama Castle. With the concept of “The Guest House of Mimasaka,” it inherits the history and culture of Tsuyama while providing modern comfort. The view from the rooftop open-air bath “Tsuyama Onsen Shiromi SPA” on the top floor is exceptional, and the exquisite cuisine featuring local ingredients is equally alluring.
1. “The Guest House of Mimasaka” — Inheriting the History and Culture of Tsuyama
The Shiroyama Terrace Tsuyama Bettei serves as a modern guest house, much like the nationally designated scenic “Shurakuen” garden where the lords of the Tsuyama Domain once entertained their honored guests. It respects the historical backdrop of Tsuyama, which prospered as a key point along the Izumo Kaido highway and was a center of Dutch studies (rangaku) from the Edo to Meiji periods, and aims to be a hotel open to the community.
With the tagline “Gathering at the Bettei,” it offers a stay immersed in history and culture at a location overlooking the ruins of Tsuyama Castle.
2. A Panoramic Hot Spring Overlooking Tsuyama Castle, and Guest Rooms for Every Need
On the 8th floor, the panoramic open-air bath “Tsuyama Onsen Shiromi SPA” is filled with the waters of “Dodo Onsen,” Tsuyama’s renowned hot spring known for its skin-beautifying properties, offering guests a bathing experience while gazing at the magnificent ruins of Tsuyama Castle spread out below. From sunset until around 10 PM, the castle ruins are illuminated, creating a magical atmosphere.
The 65 guest rooms come in 11 diverse types, from special rooms with open-air bath terraces to twin and double rooms suitable for business use, and even a dog-friendly floor equipped with a private elevator and dog run — accommodating a wide range of needs.
3. Savoring the Bounty of “Sunny Country Okayama” — Exquisite Cuisine
Okayama Prefecture, known as the “Sunny Country,” is blessed with a warm climate. Cuisine that showcases these abundant local ingredients is a major draw of The Shiroyama Terrace Tsuyama Bettei. On the 7th floor, “Chef’s Dining Sakura” offers kaiseki courses centered on steak from local cattle such as Nagi beef, incorporating fresh seafood from the San’in region and locally grown vegetables and fruits.
On the 1st floor, “Local Dining Mimasaka Kitchen” serves a popular Japanese-Western breakfast buffet that features tamago kake gohan (egg on rice), said to have originated in Okayama Prefecture, along with local Tsuyama flavors. The onigiri (rice balls) hand-made to order in front of guests have received particular praise from many visitors.
4. Local Art and Modern Design Weaving a Refined Aesthetic
The interior features design elements reflecting the region’s history and character, such as entrance walls inspired by the stone walls of Tsuyama Castle and eaves made of traditional Japanese tiles. The lobby showcases furniture made from Okayama-produced round cedar logs and washi paper, Kojima denim patchwork, shibori-dyed noren curtains by textile artist Yoko Kano, and needle washi art “Shirakei (White Landscape)” by Sachiko Imori — local artists’ works displayed throughout, allowing guests to experience Okayama’s art from within the hotel.
These traditional materials and techniques beautifully fuse with modern design, creating a refined and comfortable space.
■ Access Information for “The Shiroyama Terrace Tsuyama Bettei”
- Official Website: https://www.tsuyama-bettei.com/
- Access: About 10-minute walk from JR Tsuyama Station
- Address: 30-1 Yamashita, Tsuyama City, Okayama 708-0022
- Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/84ng97sofUNLSEs46