This in-depth review covers an unforgettable stay at Wasure no Sato Gajoen, a legendary ryokan located in Myoken Onsen, Kirishima City, Kagoshima Prefecture. Known for its preservation of original Japanese countryside scenery, Gajoen is renowned for relocating historic thatched-roof houses onto its property, creating an atmosphere that feels like stepping back in time a century. The inn’s founder, Takeo Tajima, established Gajoen in 1970, pioneering the concept of a traditional yet comfortable escape into Japan’s rural past.

Walking around the Gajoen grounds, guests are struck by the conglomeration of nostalgic structures and the authentic experience of rural Japan. The open kitchen (Mizuya) provides an opportunity to see traditional Japanese hearth cooking, with scents of homemade meals and the gentle sound of spring water enhancing the sensory experience. Satsuma chickens roam freely, reinforcing the rustic charm, and the guest rooms themselves reflect innovation—most notably “Kaze,” Japan’s first open-air bath guest room, built in 1978.

One highlight of the stay is the onsen experience. Gajoen’s hot springs include two celebrated baths: the Kenyu baths, carved from a 20-ton rock over six months, and the rare Ramune bath, featuring carbonated water that comes up from the feet—a unique style found at only about 30 inns in Japan. These free-flowing, sodium/calcium/magnesium bicarbonate hot springs provide a luxurious yet natural bathing experience, celebrated for their soothing and rejuvenating qualities.

Dining at Wasure no Sato Gajoen offers thoughtfully prepared meals made from organic vegetables grown on-site, alongside local delicacies, presented in a communal style reminiscent of historical Japanese inns. The ambience blends high-class service with a nostalgic, friendly atmosphere where guests often dine together. The inn’s generous check-in and check-out policy allows ample time for relaxation and exploring the grounds, which showcase the founder’s meticulous attention to detail. Wasure no Sato Gajoen is highly praised as an immersion into preserved Japanese tradition and hospitality, offering an unmatched ryokan and onsen experience in Southern Kyushu.

For those interested, the official website (https://gajoen.jp/en/) provides further information, and reservations typically start at ¥100,000 per night for two with meals included.