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 eleven 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
Yuica s an enthusiastic diver and lover of the sea. She has been giving a warm welcome at Yougendo for a long time now and is really good at helping our guests.. Thanks Yuica!
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.
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!
Nahoko went to university in Kyoto and she can tell you a lot about the area. She has been to Poland and can make a very good cocktail as well as keep you entertained with her stories!
Neil is our smiley talkey bar manager... Originally hailing from the Phillipines he knows a lot about the Osaka night scene and can tell you where to go on a night out. Having a drink at Yougendo is always fun when he is around!
David is a professional in our industry. He worked at a large youth hostel in Portugal for over 10 years an now he is teaching us a thing or two as well as applying his warm hospitality to the guesthouse. Thanks David!
Tsugumi is a university student who was born and grew up in Oji, in spite of her youth she has worked in the service industry for many years. She also is certified as a senior leader of the Japan Junior Sports-club Association.
Megumi is a happy go lucky lass and comes from a long line of confectionary artisans naturally she is very good at making sweets. She is soon to go abroad to Newcastle U.K to study English. We will miss you Megumi!
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.
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