Ryokan Shinsen

What kind of accommodation is Ryokan Shinsen?

We visited Takachiho Gorge in late August during the hot summer season. The day before, we stayed at the nearby Takachiho Hanare no Yado Kamigakure Ryokan, and the second day we stayed at this ryokan. To get straight to the point, before our visit, we felt that the price was high for the location in Miyazaki prefecture, but as soon as we stepped onto the grounds, that feeling disappeared at once. Even in this day and age of digitalization, the heartfelt hospitality that only people can provide, the carefully selected ingredients and individually prepared dishes, the Japanese garden created by a renowned gardener, the traditional Japanese architecture and sophisticated interior design, decorations, furnishings, and facilities, all exuded first-class quality. It was truly a place we would like to visit again and again.

Just before 3:00 p.m., we requested a free shuttle service from Takachiho Bus Center. After about five minutes in the shuttle bus, we saw the entrance to the luxury ryokan. Entering the entrance, there is a parking lot, the villa area is on the right, and the annex area is on the left. Next to the souvenir shop, a gentle slope leads straight ahead to the main building where the reception desk is located. The tiled-roof gate at the entrance was decorated with a magnificent sacred straw rope called shimenawa. It is said that there is a custom in Takachiho to display a sacred rope. It looked like a warrior’s mansion with a solemn appearance and dignity. After passing through the massive gate, we were met by a magnificent dry landscape garden called karesansui. It was truly a wonderful Japanese garden, created by a first-rate gardener, skillfully incorporating traditional techniques rooted in the local climate. The bright green foliage, moss, and white sand of the dry landscape were in perfect harmony. As we entered the main building, a traditional Japanese building, listening to the sound of water flowing into the small pond in front of the entrance, we were welcomed by the staff, elegantly dressed in kimono. We were then shown to our room, called Hourai, which was located in the annex area. As we moved along the stone-paved pathway, admiring the beautiful traditional Japanese garden and Japanese architecture on the grounds, we felt a sense of tranquility and solemnity. It was the perfect place to stay in Takachiho, which has long been revered as the home of the gods.

The ryokan was divided into three areas: the main building, the annex area called Kamuroki no Shou, and the villa area called Shintei. This time we stayed in a room with an open-air bath in the annex area. This room was designed to look like a sea of clouds. After opening the beautiful lattice door and entering the room, we found a bathroom on the left, a bed room on the right, and a Japanese-style living room with a wonderful L-shaped sofa in the middle. The Japanese garden that could be viewed from the living room and outdoor bath was also beautiful beyond words. We sat on the sofa in the living room and went through the check-in procedures while gazing at the dynamic Japanese garden with its huge stones and blue sky spread out before us. After a while, the staff prepared matcha powdered green tea and well-chilled kuzumochi rice cakes for us. The bitterness of the matcha and the cool sweetness of the kuzumochi were exquisite.

After this, we grabbed a beer from the mini-bar and sat for a while on the wooden terrace in front of the living room, listening to the cheerful chirping of cicadas and enjoying the wonderful garden. It is difficult to find a room with such a beautifully landscaped Japanese garden to ourselves, so we spent an endless amount of time looking at it, forgetting about time. It was hot outside, but the gentle breeze from Takachiho Gorge was pleasant and perfect for drinking a well-cooled beer. By the way, the free mini bar had beer, sake, Sprite, oolong tea, Pocari Sweat, and Shine Muscat.

After a while, we heard frogs croaking. It is said that when frogs croak, it rains. As we looked up at the sky, a large grayish cumulonimbus cloud appeared in the clear blue midsummer sky, and as the thick cloud gradually blocked out the sun’s rays, it suddenly began to rain heavily. As we gazed out over the garden, enjoying the sound of the rain, which was like an overturned bucket, we saw a small green frog sitting comfortably on a boulder, as if to welcome us. It was as if it was welcoming us and saying, “Welcome! After ten minutes, the sun came out of the thick gray clouds and the rain that had been falling heavily stopped. Once again, the whole area became bright and we could hear the chirping of cicadas. The rain-soaked boulders, moss, and pine trees glistened in the sunlight. The traditional Japanese garden, which changes its appearance from moment to moment depending on the weather and time of day, was very impressive. It is perhaps a miracle that we could have such a wonderful experience in Takachiho, an unexplored region with many myths and legends.

After this we decided to enjoy the open-air bath. The water was not natural hot spring water, but artificial radium hot spring water, which was poured into the stone bath 24 hours a day. The constant sound of the hot water flowing was pleasant to the ears, and the view of the beautiful Japanese garden while soaking in the bath was also exceptional.

Just before 6:00 p.m., a dedicated staff member escorted us to our private dining room. We entered the villa area through a gate marked “鬼八の森” on the right side of the parking lot. It was a small garden with a red bridge, but there was a difference in elevation. 

Then we enjoyed the kaiseki cuisine, which was prepared with an abundance of fine local ingredients. I was particularly impressed by the rich flavor of the marbled Miyazaki wagyu beef, with its light fat and not cloying. Also impressive were the pancakes topped with fresh, black caviar from Miyazaki Prefecture and butter from Kumamoto Prefecture. During the meal, the staff served us kappo sake in long, blue bamboo bottles. The bamboo had a moderate aroma, and the elegant flavor made it easy to drink too much. The lobster sashimi from Miyazaki Prefecture was also excellent. I was very impressed with the food, which was truly a feast for the senses.

After dinner, we were planning to go to Takachiho Yokagura held at Takachiho Shrine, so the staff provided us with cushions and shoe bags. In addition, the staff provided us with a nice yukata with hydrangea flowers on a navy blue background and a yellow obi sash, so we changed in our room and asked the staff to take us to Takachiho Shrine. We had attended Takachiho Yokagura last night as well, and it was still very moving no matter how many times we saw it. Spending time at Takachiho Shrine in the ethereal atmosphere of Takachiho, a place with many myths and traditions from long ago, was a very precious experience for us. Ticket price for admission to Takachiho Yokagura is JPY1,000 per adult. Reservations are required in advance. For more information, click here.

When we returned to our room after watching Takachiho Yokagura, we found steamed sweet potatoes and chocolates on the table. We ordered a bottle of Miyazaki’s sweet potato shochu through room service and drank it while eating the sweet potatoes.

The next morning we woke up before 5:30 a.m. We decided to go to Kunimigaoka, a 10-minute taxi ride away, because from here we could see a spectacular sea of clouds called Unkai. The best season for sea of clouds is from September to November, but we were lucky enough to see it on this day. When the sun rose, the sea of clouds disappeared, but the sight was just as magical. Before going to Kunimigaoka, be sure to check the probability of cloud sea appearance on Unkai Navi. It costs about JPY5,000 round trip by cab or one hour on foot.

We returned to the ryokan and went to a dining area in a renovated traditional warehouse near the gate of the annex area where we stayed. As we entered the building, we saw a gorgeous folded ceiling with dancing peacocks and a gold folding screen-like painting of a camellia on the wall.

Then Japanese breakfast was served. We were happy to be able to relax in the luxurious dining room and enjoy a breakfast lined with local, seasonal ingredients. After breakfast, since check-out time was 11:00 a.m., we enjoyed the private outdoor bath in our room until then.

Everything about this ryokan was first-class. The owner’s aesthetic sense was felt everywhere. We will definitely stay at the ryokan again when we visit Miyazaki.

Check Availability and Pricing for the ryokan on Agoda

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Is the location easy to access?

Since Takachiho Gorge is inconveniently located, renting a car is the most convenient way to visit, but if you prefer to visit by public transportation like we did, please refer to the following.

The easiest way to reach Takachiho Gorge is from Aso Kumamoto Airport or Kumamoto Station. Takachiho Gorge is in Miyazaki Prefecture, but the nearest airport is Aso Kumamoto Airport. From Aso Kumamoto Airport, or Kumamoto Station, take the express bus called Takachiho-go and get off at Takachiho Bus Center. The trip takes about 2 hours from Aso Kumamoto Airport and 3 hours from Kumamoto Station. Only one bus a day is available, and advance reservations are required. Refer to the info. From Takachiho Bus Center to Takachiho Gorge is about a 30-minute walk. It takes less than 10 minutes by cab.

There is a free shuttle service from Takachiho Bus Center to the ryokan. We called when we arrived at the bus stop, and they picked us up in about 10 minutes.

If you are visiting from Hakata bus terminal in Fukuoka prefecture, there is a highway bus called “Gokase-go” from Hakata Bus Terminal to Takachiho Bus Center. The trip takes 3 hours and 30 minutes. Refer to the info.

If you are visiting Japan for the first time and are taking a bus, you may be unsure of where to get off. When you get on a bus, show a bus driver the Japanese sentence below and he will call out to you when you reach your destination.

高千穂バスセンターのバス停に着いたら、教えてください。
Kindly let me know when you reach “Takachiho Bus Center”.

Where is the best accommodation for anniversaries in Kyushu?

If you are looking for a good place for a special occasion, the property would be one of the best. The staff arranges flowers and cakes to celebrate an anniversary at additional charges if you request in advance. Even though the rooms were full the day we stayed, we did not see any other guests on the grounds. It was a very private setting.

How about toiletries & in-room amenities?

All of the amenities are taken care of including enough toiletries, a green tea set, a coffee machine, bottled water, welcome fruit, snack food, bathrobes, yukatas, and a complimentarymini-bar. Room service is available for drinks and snacks only.

Then, you can choose from more than 40 types of fashionable colored yukatas. When wearing a colorful yukata, you may want to ask the staff to dress you. It was difficult to tie the obi because it is a authentic yukata.

How about In-house Facilities?

This ryokan is not a universal design. If you bring someone with weak legs, you may want to inform the staff in advance as they arrange a room near the entrance. Then there is no convenience store nearby. You may want to buy your necessities before coming here.

How about meals?

All meals are served in a private room.

Please note that inform the staff when you book a room with meals if you have any food allergies or dietary needs. They probably wouldn’t be able to prepare alternative food if you request it on that day.

Then, as far as I know, there is no nice restaurant around here. Local papa-mama shops are closing early. You may want to book a room with meals. 

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If you request, after dinner the staff brings you to Takachiho Shrine to watch Takachiho Yokagura. That’s an amazing experience.

Check Availability and Pricing for the ryokan on Agoda

Info about Ryokan Shinsen

Style	Traditional Ryokan
Check-in and out times	14:00/11:00
Estimated Price	100,000 JPY for 2 adults per room
Contact E-mail address	info@takachiho-shinsen.co.jp
Internet Connection	Free WiFi in the ryokan
Facility Information	Wheelchairs are not available Pets are not allowed The free parking lot is available
Location	Ryokan Shinsen’s MAP
Access	Free shuttle service from Takachiho Bus Center
Address and TEL	1127-5 Mitai, Takachiho, Nishiusuki District Miyazaki 882-1101  Tel +81 982-72-2257
Official Homepage	Ryokan Shinsen’s HP

*All information above is as of the date that I posted on my blog.

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