Small Boutique hotels in KYUSHU

Located in the charming historic town of Akizuki, Akizuki Spa Ryokan Seiryuan is an elegant, modern-style take on the traditional Japanese ryokan. Surrounded by beautiful gardens and an ornamental lake, this fabulous property offers luxurious traditional accommodation and fine Japanese cuisine in an elegant, boutique-style atmosphere. Ideally placed for visiting this fascinating town, with its historic streets, its archaeological site with the remains of the castle, and above all the cherry trees, Akizuki Spa Ryokan Seiryuan offers all the facilities of these typical Japanese inns, including ''onsen'' hot-spring baths and traditionally styled décor and furnishings. There is also a hot stone bed, with a range of treatments. The ''ryokan'' also offers all modern amenities and facilities, including air-conditioning, en-suite bathrooms, flat-screen TVs, and access for guests with limited mobility. Akizuki Spa Ryokan Seiryuan's gourmet restaurant serves traditional Kaiseki multi-course Japanese meals, based on the finest locally sourced, fresh and seasonal produce. Guests can also expect top-class seafood, and an excellent selection of sake, along with fine wines, beers and spirits.

This charming ''ryokan'' - one of Japan's traditional inns - enjoys a quiet, lush setting in Hita, and is set in a traditionally designed and built structure. Perfect for relaxing stays in this popular tourist destination, Hatago Kayausagi offers luxurious, authentic accommodation, fine cuisine and friendly, welcoming hospitality. Accommodation at Hatago Kayausagi is situated in the main building and a number of annexes. The rooms feature authentic Japanese styling, with tatamis, futons, and period style woodwork and screens. Spacious and elegantly furnished, all rooms are air-conditioned, and come with flat-screen TVs, DVD players, and in-room safes. Continuing on the genuine ryokan experience, Hatago Kayausagi also features an open air-bath fed by natural hot springs, and a range of spa services and massages. On prior request, guests can enjoy delicious traditional kaiseki cuisine, accompanied by a fine selection of sakes, and an excellent selection of wines, beers and spirits.

Standing on a quiet street on the outskirts of Ureshino, Ryokan Yoshidaya is set in two distinctly designed buildings, the first being the original part of the ''ryokan'', and the second a new, avant-garde styled wing, featuring minimalistic lines in natural timber and airy, light-filled spaces. Offering the full 'ryokan' experience, this charming property provides luxurious accommodation, fine cuisine and excellent service in a tranquil, sophisticated setting. Ideally placed for visiting Ureshino, with its numerous ''onsen'' or traditional Japanese spas, and the Hizen Yume Kaido amusement park, Ryokan Yoshidaya is also within easy reach of a golf course and the region's historic tea plantations. Ryokan Yoshidaya has a French Bar and Restaurant, the Chronicle Terrace, as well as an on-site café, Kihako, which also sells typical local produce. As part of the traditional ryokan experience, guests can also enjoy traditional Kaiseki multi-course dinners, and enjoy the curative qualities of the ''onsen'' waters of the traditional outdoor hot-spring bath.

Located in a delightful corner of Karatsu, between the estuary and the beach, Yoyokaku is a charming small ''ryokan'' - a traditional Japanese inn - with a history stretching back over a hundred years. Lovingly restored and maintained, Yoyokaku offers boutique-style accommodation, fine Japanese cuisine and friendly, welcoming service in an atmosphere of traditional Japanese hospitality. Ideally placed for visiting Karatsu, Yoyokaku is situated in a quiet, tranquil zone of the town, yet is within easy reach of all the main landmarks and attractions - the Higashinohama Seaside Park, the spectacular Karatsu Castle, the Nijinomatsubara pine forest area, or Hamatama beach. Shuttle services are offered to Karatsu railway station, and free parking is available on site. Most rooms at Yoyokaku have a private bathroom with a bathtub, some with a traditional cypress timber bathtub. All rooms feature elegant, traditional Japanese design and décor, and come with tatami mats and cosy futons. Yoyokaku also boasts two large, traditional Japanese public baths, with naturally heated waters. The ''ryokan'' also has an exclusive exhibition area of the work of renowned ceramic artists Takashi Nakazato and his son Taki, who create fabulous pieces in the style of the famous pottery of Karatsu. Guests at Yoyokaku can enjoy traditional multi course Kaiseki dinners, or other local specialities such as Shabu-shabu. Meals are always freshly cooked and based on the finest locally sourced farm-fresh produce, fish and seafood, and usually served in guests' rooms.