Ryokan Katō

Kansai

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In business for two centuries but marvellously up to date, Katō has English-speaking staff who cater well to international travellers. Especially appealing is the modern, log-house-style back building, with a glassed-in rotunda for cherry-tree viewing and communing around a wood stove. All 14 Japanese-style rooms have shared bathroom (there's a stone rotemburo – outdoor bath); half have private toilet.

Staff can pick you up from Yoshino Station if you ring them, except during cherry-blossom season, when the road's closed to traffic. Reservations for blossom time open at 9am on 10 January and go fast.

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