Yoshino Miyataki Lantern Inn with Sauna

A Scenic Village Steeped in Nature and History

Miyataki is a tranquil village in Yoshino, an area celebrated as Japan’s most famous cherry blossom destination and part of a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Long ago, this was the location of the Yoshino Imperial Palace and the historic Jinshin Rebellion, events that shaped Japan’s early history.

The ancient poetry collection Manyoshu—Japan’s oldest anthology from the 8th century—includes many verses that praise the breathtaking scenery of this valley.

Today, the crystal-clear Yoshino River continues to flow through Miyataki.

In summer, the riverbanks come alive with people enjoying swimming, fishing, and riverside BBQs—one of the Kansai region’s favorite outdoor spots.

We renovated a 100-year-old house once owned by our grandparents, who crafted traditional Japanese umbrellas and lanterns here in the Miyataki area.

The house has been reborn as Lantern Inn, a traditional Japanese home with a private sauna.

Situated right beside the river, it’s perfect for families or groups of friends seeking a peaceful retreat.

Use it as your base to explore Yoshino, relax by the water, and experience the quiet rhythm of Japan’s countryside where history and nature intertwine.

We renovated this 100-year-old traditional house to be more functional while preserving its original charm.

The design concept is based on lanterns, as my grandfather was a lantern craftsman.

Though designed for two people and on the smaller side, we also feature a genuine Finnish-style sauna capable of performing a traditional Finnish sauna ritual.

Yoshino — Where Lanterns, History, and Nature Illuminate the Mountains

Yoshino, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is world-famous for its breathtaking cherry blossoms that blanket the mountains each spring.

Yet beyond the blossoms, Yoshino is also one of Japan’s most sacred places—home to Shugendō, an ancient mountain-spiritual tradition that predates even Nara and Kyoto.

The area is dotted with historic temples and shrines recognized by UNESCO, including Kinpusen-ji Temple, Yoshimizu Shrine and Yoshino Mikumari Shrine.

Local craftsmanship and produce such as Yoshino cedar and Yoshino kudzu (a traditional starch used in Japanese sweets) reveal a deep connection between nature and culture that has endured for centuries.

Wider Yoshino offers even more to explore—from the serene hot spring towns of Dorogawa Onsen and Totsukawa Onsen, to the spiritual energy of Tamaki Shrine and Tenkawa Benzaiten, both regarded as some of Japan’s most powerful sacred sites.

While staying at our lantern-lit inn, we invite you to immerse yourself in this unique atmosphere—where ancient history, rich culture, and pristine nature blend together in harmony.

Yoshino Mountain Cherry Blossoms

Cherry blossoms bursting forth everywhere create a scene like a paradise.

Kimpusenji Temple(World Heritage) in Autumn Colors

During summer vacation, Miyataki bustles with visitors enjoying the river.

It is also well-located as a base for sightseeing in the Oku-Yoshino area, including Dorogawa Onsen.

A Comfortable Stay in a 100-Year-Old Traditional Home

While carefully preserving the charm of this century-old Japanese house, we have fully renovated the bathrooms and toilets to ensure a comfortable stay for all guests.

The spacious doma—the traditional earthen-floored entrance—provides convenient indoor storage for bicycles and large luggage, allowing you to relax without worry even on rainy days.

The house features two Western-style rooms and two Japanese-style tatami rooms, giving you the choice between sleeping in beds or traditional futons.

With its generous space, the house is ideal for families with young children, multi-generational groups, or friends traveling together who wish to share an authentic Japanese home experience.

You may store your valuable bicycle in the doma.

The courtyard also features a bath tub, which can be used either as a cold plunge after the sauna or as an open-air bath.

Shampoo, conditioner, and body soap provided

Cooking appliances and tableware are also available.

Towels and amenities are also provided.

For small children, we also provide toddler chairs and step stools.

Lanterns light up at night.

Experience Yoshino Through the Changing Seasons

From cherry blossoms in spring to sweetfish fishing in early summer, river activities in midsummer, colorful foliage in autumn, and smelt fishing in winter—Yoshino offers beauty and outdoor fun all year round.

Visitors come for sightseeing, scenic drives, and cycling through this mountain landscape.

Miyataki, where our inn is located, was once home to Japan’s oldest imperial villa, known as the Yoshino Palace.

In ancient times, emperors visited this peaceful valley as a summer retreat surrounded by clear rivers and cool mountain air—no need for air conditioning even today.

The nearby Aonegamine Peak was revered as sacred by the Imperial family, while the Yoshino River beside the inn features a small waterfall called Yume no Wada (“Dream Rapids”), celebrated in poems from Manyoshu, Japan’s oldest poetry anthology.

You can also walk the Manyo no Michi (“Path of the Manyo”), a gentle two-hour forest trail that connects Miyataki to Mount Yoshino.

Take a stroll and feel the timeless atmosphere of this land once cherished by poets and emperors alike.

Yume no Wada. Many poems about this waterfall are included in the Manyoshu.

The Manyo Road from Miyataki to Yoshino Mountain. It is also possible to hike from Miyataki to Yoshino Mountain.