Kifu no Sato is an unusual name for a ryokan as the literal meaning is “the home of seasonal melody.” It suggests that this is your home away from home when you step through doors.
Kifu no Sato is an authentic Japanese inn dating back four generations where you can experience the best each season has to offer and all five senses are engaged and enchanted.
The ryokan is situated in Yunogo Town which is part of Mimasaka City (birthplace of the samurai Miyamoto Musashi) in the north of Okayama Prefecture, western Japan. Yunogo is a traditional onsen (natural hot spring) area which has been enjoyed for its invigorating waters for more than 1200 years.
As you enter the spacious main foyer, walking on tatami mats in your stockinged feet, you will receive a warm welcome to commence your stay.
All aspects of traditional Japanese culture derive inspiration from the respect and appreciation for the unique qualities each season brings. The seasonal flowers and food at ryokan set the scene for your authentic Japanese experience. With the change of each season, so the menu changes to reflect the best that Okayama has to offer in fruit, vegetables and speciality fare.
At Kifu no Sato you have a chance to taste some of long-treasured Japanese traditions at their best. It is rare to find a ryokan with tatami mats spread throughout the entire facility including the elevators.
They are made of woven soft rush straws and walking on them without shoes is said to give gentle stimulation to the pressure points of the feet keeping you healthy and relaxed.
To freshen up after a long journey, you can dip into one of open-air onsen while admiring the garden in the daytime or under the stars at night.
With comfort in mind, hotel's team offers an exclusive selection of amenities such as a “pillow menu” (to suit your sleeping needs), robes, massage/health treatment, and all furniture, Bizen pottery and glassware are produced by local artisans.
HISTORY The original ryokan Take no Ya (Bamboo Inn) was founded in 1933. The founder, Takeshi Sasaki, was known around the town for his passion for flowers, often sharing his freshly cut blooms with his neighbours.
The founder’s appreciation for wild blossoms vibrantly lives on in the renovated building with delightfully arranged colours catching you by surprise in every hidden corner of the inn.
Kifu no Sato received the Universal Design Award and the Cabinet Office Minister’s Award for Excellence in 2011.
All rooms and suites are designed in the traditional Japanese inn style to create the ageless atmosphere of simplicity and tranquility whose canvas the vibrant natural colours of the mountain flowers and the local produce paint themselves on.
At Kifu no Sato you have a chance to taste some of long-treasured Japanese traditions at their best. It is rare to find a ryokan with tatami mats spread throughout the entire facility including the elevators. They are made of woven soft rush straws and walking on them without shoes is said to give gentle stimulation to the pressure points of the feet keeping you healthy and relaxed.
Kifu-no-sato's beautiful rooms all feature spaces with tatami mats, with their very restful aroma, and fine woodwork, including furniture made locally from sustainably harvested trees.
Each room has different furnishings, locally made, which are available for purchase.
These rooms have comfortable twin beds and an attached tatami room. There is fine woodwork throughout the rooms, including
a large dining table made from light and silky Hinoki wood by a local craftsman.
Interior details include Bizen-yaki pottery made by local artists and washi wall art, as well as huge flat-screen TVs.
The suites include rotemburo outdoor bath, that is made of hinoki wood - soaking in a tub with the fragrance of hinoki wood will relax your body and soul.
It is simple and spacious consisting of a room with two semi-double beds and a tatami lounge. Hotel team's endeavour to provide your home away from home is best proven with this room attracting the most repeat guests.
Again the unimposing interior designs bring out the grace and subtlety of the best of each season’s natural beauty.
It is equipped with a DVD player (blue ray compatible), music system with iPod dock and a coffee maker.
To make your stay unforgettable, the team recommends the luxurious kaiseki meal featuring lobster sashimi and tender local premium beef which can be served in the suites. Please note: The “Zei no Gozen” kaiseki course is for 2 people or more.
This room is highly recommended for a memorable stay by sharing quality time with your companions.
You may select either a ground-floor room with a private garden or one on the 4th floor to take pleasure in the stars at night.
The modern, sophisticated appeal of this room is inspired by the aesthetic of the tea ceremony in its interior design and amenities.
Minimalist Japanese style.
This room is provided for guests who prefer a western-style bed rather than Japanese futon.
Suitable for elderly or disabled. The simplicity of design creates a calm and relaxed atmosphere.
Situated in a mountainous area halfway between the Inner Sea and the Sea of Japan, the hotel offers fresh and seasonal produce from many locations in meal courses providing the best that Okayama has to offer.
The seasonal beauty of nature in Japan is expressed in every one of dishes, prepared by head chef with over 40 years of experience. Kifu no Sato offers various kaiseki (Japanese haute cuisine, prearranged full course meal) courses.
Incorporating carefully chosen local produce, its exquisite presentation of finely balanced seasonal ingredients will visually delight while satisfying the most discerning palate.
The luxurious “Zei no Gozen” kaiseki course features lobster sashimi and tender local premium beef promising guests an unforgettable gourmet experience on their Japan tour.
SPRING
As the snow starts to melt, wild mountain vegetables such as butterbur(fukinoto) push their way out heralding the arrival of long- awaited spring. They are considered a delicacy as we can “taste” the spring. They will be featured in many of dishes during this season.
SUMMER
The green of the surrounding mountains becomes lush.Many visitors go hiking to enjoy the refreshing cool air. The team strives to create the same atmosphere with meals.Some of the dishes are served in ice bowls.
AUTUMN
Widely known kobe beef has its roots in Okayama’s Chiya beef. It is called the “legendary premium beef” because of its quality and rarity. Wild mushrooms and chestnuts are prominent dishes in this season.
WINTER
Crabs and fugu (blowfish) are taken from the Sea of Japan. Fugu is popular because it has less of a “fishy” and more of a “meaty” texture and quality.
Although meals can be taken in one of dining halls (non-smoking), they may also be enjoyed in all suites and rooms except for the Japanese-style twin rooms with western beds.
If you wish for this service, please inform hotel's team in advance.
One of three historical onsen towns in Okayama, Yunogo onsen is said to have been discovered 1200 years ago by a high priest who saw an injured heron soaking in the water.
Kifu no Sato offers four bath houses for your comfort and relaxation.
The various minerals in the water are thought to aid the healing process of a range of ailments, such as aches and pains and more serious complaints including skin problems, rheumatism, diabetes, menstrual disorders and so on.
The water of Yunogo has a high sodium chloride content, is colourless, without odour and soft on the skin.
At Kifu no Sato, there are five rooms and a suite that have a private open air bath attached to them. Guests staying in all other rooms have free access to Kifu no Sato’s large public baths, where men and women bathe separately.
If you would prefer more privacy, or would like to soak in the onsen together with your partner, it is possible to book a session in one of Kifu no Sato’s private open air baths.
There are few countries in the world where the onsen (hot bath) plays such an integral part in everyday life.
Recommended for more peaceful and private time with your loved ones. Both the elegant rock bath and the local granite bath provide seasonal garden views, comfortably accommodating four adults each.
Public baths for women constructed of local Japanese cypress.
Sauna comes equipped with 13 kinds of natural mineral stones whose qualities radiate a healing power, which can be effective for skin cleansing, detoxification and general wellbeing.
Treatment room offers a range of body/facial Ayurvedic massage menus to unwind and balance your skin including a luxury skin polishing treatment with micro-crystals of pearls and other minerals combined with 19 different kinds of amino acids.
SAMURAI CULTURE
Whereas Kyoto is known as the cultural and spiritual centre of Japan, Okayama can lay claim to strong association with traditional samurai culture, thanks to its history of sword making in Osafune Town and prominent historical figures such as Miyamoto Musashi.
Miyamoto Musashi (1584-1645) was a swordsman who was born in Miyamoto village (now part of Mimasaka City) at a time of great political and social upheaval.
He devoted his life to the sword and remained undefeated in over sixty duels. He was the founder of "niten'ichi ryu", a style utilizing both swords at once.
He was also an accomplished artist, sculptor and calligrapher and is the author of The Book of Five Rings, a treatise on strategy, tactics, and philosophy that is highly regarded and still studied to this day.
You will be captivated by the variety of colours and textures on the creations which are all non-glazed. You are invited to make your own Bizen pottery at Isezaki Kyo Pottery Studio.
As a museum of modern Japanese art, it has a collection of approximately 1500 of the country's most highly regarded paintings. Set in a beautiful natural environment.
Aun is a modest shop in Yunogo that sells mostly jewellery and other accessories made of glass. All of the goods in the shop are skilfully hand crafted in-house by artisan Eda Akihiro. Eda-san will demonstrate how to make a glass pendant, and you can try to make your own.
To further appreciate the history of the samurai, you will be able to try a meal as eaten by the warlords at the 400 year-old travel lodge which still stands on a street nearby, which was an official travel route during the Edo period.
Himeji Castle is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is 400 years old and is the only castle in Japan to retain its original wood and plaster construction. Its beautiful lines give the impression of a bird in flight, hence it is known as the "White Heron Castle."
The plants and flowers used in arrangements at Kifu no Sato are all locally grown and seasonal; carefully selected by Kifu no Sato’s exclusive ikebana master, Kuroda Koyo.
A Shinto shrine of unknown age, but first recorded in the 8th century, is in Izumo City, north of Okayama. It is designated a National Treasure of Japan and is one of the most important Shinto shrines dedicated to the deity of marriage.
Katsuyama is former castle town about a one-hour train ride west from Kifu no Sato. The Katsuyama historical preservation area was chosen to be "one of the best 100 stroll streets in Japan" featuring the beautiful "Noren" (shop curtains) made by local dye artist, Yoko Kano.
Yes, there is more to Japanese food than just sushi and tempura. There is no a better way to get to know area than through it's flavours. Okonomiyaki with oysters can only be tried in the southern part of Okayama Prefecture.
Okayama earned its nickname as “the land of sunshine” because of its mild climate and the most number of sunny days recorded per year in Japan. Thanks to this here are produced top quality peaches and grapes which everyone should try at least once in their lifetime.
Is considered one of the "three great scenic views of Japan" and was recently designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The huge vermillion gate "floating" on the water has become one of the iconic images of Japan over the years.
Founded in 1930, Ohara Museum of Art is the oldest private museum featuring Western art in Japan. Displays works mainly from the French Impressionist period (including Monet, Pissaro and Gauguin), as well as modern and contemporary Japanese art.
The samurai sword symbolises the spirit of the samurai. It represents authority, honour and respect. The Town of Osafune is renowned for the quality of the swords made here down the centuries, and the skill of its craftsmen.
Okayama is known as the No.1 producer of the Omachi sake rice, which is said to be the ultimate and the most difficult type of sake rice to produce. Sake definitely is the most suitable accompaniment for Japanese dishes.
Visitors to Yunogo who wish to know more about tea and how it is produced may be able to pay a visit to Shimoyama’s Green Tea, and meet proprietor Shimoyama Keijiro for tea and conversation.
The remains of this 15th century mountain-top castle can be found in the north of Hyogo Prefecture. It is nicknamed the "Castle in the Sky" because low cloud gives the impression of floating in the air.
Miyamoto Musashi is one of the most intriguing characters in Japanese history. Not far from Yunogo you can see the Musashi birth home, grave and memorial shrine, a museum, dojo and budokan (martial training halls).
Tsuyama City flourished once as the capital of Mimasaka Province, and is now a quiet and charming castle town. The castle is famous in western Japan as a cherry blossom viewing site. This makes early April the best time to visit.
KIFU NO SATO
180 YunogoMimasaka CityOkayamaJapan