About Yougendo
Harmonious with Nature
Yougendo is a traditional Japanese house of the type that is rapidly disappearing from Japan. Made entirely from natural materials, and constructed without the use of nails or metal, we offer the rare experience of staying in a living, breathing organic structure.
The Real Deal
Large private grounds, immense wooden beams, wattle and daub walls, rice straw flooring and paper sliding doors make our house the perfect place to capture a feel of the old Japan. Without the high rates or rules of a "ryokan".
Warm and Welcoming
We aim to make your stay as comfortable as possible providing where possible the services and standards of a good hotel yet keeping the feel and familiarity of an international travellers inn. With our one price policy you can take advantage of a wide range of facilities usually offered as "optional extras" at many other places in our price range.
The Heart of Kansai
Our fantastic location makes it possible to see the whole of the area with ease. See the temples of Kyoto, take in the ancient feel of Nara, shop, dine and club in Osaka, hike the hills of Mie or get cosmopolitan in Kobe the choice is yours. We can help you plan your trip both on off the beaten track. A stay at Yougendo especially gives you access to the countryside you’ve always associated with Japan. Let our knowledge of the area open up yet another side of this wonderful country.
About the Owners
Chris and SHU met in Brighton, England in 1997. Soon to be married one year later they have been bosom buddies, travelling partners and socialites for the last thirteen years. Their mutual appreciation for each others countries, and the world in general have helped them to spawn a wide network of friends from around the globe.
Due to the steady influx of friends coming to stay at their apartment in Japan each year and the sheer enjoyment they gain from helping to look after people, they decided to set up Yougendo. Whilst being young enough to embrace a modern outlook on life they also realize the importance of preservation, and the environment in which we live. Their ideology is reflected in their guest house.
Never happier in the company of people they hope to show you a slower side of Japan. Starting with a good nights sleep.
Our Staff
Tomomi is our young dynamic manager! Having lived abroad she has a lovely Aussie accent and a warm welcoming manner. A perfect person to greet you on check in she really goes to every effort to make you feel at home.
Shingo went around New Zealand by himself and loved the experience. He currently lives at Yougendo and is studying the management side of the industry. Calm and collected he is sure to have a warm welcome and a story or two for you at Yougendo.
Yannick is a fully qualified chef from France.. He takes control of the kitchen on Sundays at our bar. He can speak to you in French, English and Japanese he might even play the guitar for you!
Yang has just graduated university this spring and is a new member of the Yougendo team. You will be surprised at her fluent English and Spanish as well as her understanding some Korean. We are very happy to have such a clever girl at the house!
Naoki spent his childhood in Germany and Switzerland. He naturally speaks German as well as English and Japanese. He lives locally and when is not working behind the bar is usually sat at the front of it! He is a massage therapist and reflexologist by day.
Yutaro is another student at Kyoto's prestigious Doshisha university.
After working at Starbucks for a while he became very interested in making alcohol and now is studying in our bar! Why not come and have one of his fine cocktails with your dinner.
Simon is from London, living here with his dearest Japanese wife and 3 year old daughter. Working at our bar as an assistant chef, in charge of Yougendo dolce. His clafoutis is a must-try!
Our new staff Reika just came back from her 1 year working holiday in Canada. Having had an 8-year working experience at historical Nara Hotel she is a reminiscent of a travel guide of the area!
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