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 is the general manager at Yougendo. Always cheery and smiley we are surely lucky to have such a great host running the show. When you meet her you will know what we mean.. Thanks Yuica!
Our first male staff Tatsuo was also born and grew up near Oji. He's a law student at university in Kyoto and very good at playing tennis. Now trying to master how to make good cocktails at our bar!
Having spent some time in Australia Tomomi has a lot of confidence and a very welcoming voice when greeting our customers.. A little way off graduating from university she is sure to give you her special warm welcome to Yougendo..... G'day mate!
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 goes to a prestigious Doshisha University in Kyoto. She enjoyed her recent travels in Poland and is very keen to fine tune her skill as a barmaid. She is sure to keep you entertained with her stories.
Tetsuya comes and goes from Yougendo, he will spend the summer by the sea but when he is here he does a fine job in our bar. He is an avid penguin lover and has a large collection of his own cocktail recipes!
Neil comes from nearby Osaka city and is from Filipino descent. He is a great bartender and always has a smile for you! He can tell you where to go and eat good food in the city and he is also an expert on Indian curry!
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!
Yuki is a 21 year old barmaid at Yougendo. She lived in the states for a year and loves to talk with our customers. She went to university in Kyoto and can tell you all about her life there. Let her teach you about the area first hand!
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