Discovering the Gems of Kumamoto: A Visit to the Ryoriya Residence Tudzura

Nestled in the heart of Nishi-Amidadera, Kumamoto City, lies the Ryoriya Residence Tudzura, an over-130-year-old building with a rich history and cultural heritage.

Designated as a tangible registered cultural property, they have carefully restored and revitalized the house to become the Showko Club complex, a unique blend of history and modernity that promises to captivate the hearts of all who visit.

Trace the history

From its days as a ryotei (Japanese-style restaurant), inn, and dormitory, to its current life as a rebranded inn, the Ryoriya Residence has undergone a complete transformation to accommodate the needs of tourists and travelers.

Despite being badly damaged by the Kumamoto earthquake in 2016, the building has been beautifully restored, preserving its rich heritage while incorporating modern design elements that will transport you to a different world.

For any travel

Whether you’re a solo traveler seeking a comfortable place to rest or a group of friends and family looking for a luxurious retreat, Tudzura has something for everyone. The rooms are designed with a storybook atmosphere and a long history in mind, with names like “Jiku-noma-SIROTUKI” to evoke a sense of nostalgia and whimsy.

The dormitory rooms are perfect for solo travelers seeking a casual, laid-back stay. In contrast, the private rooms offer a double bed and a desk for those who prefer a more personal and intimate experience.

A blissful moment in an executive room

For those seeking a truly indulgent experience, the executive room is the crown jewel of Tudzura. A luxurious Japanese-style room that blends traditional techniques and modern design elements, this top-of-the-line room will take your breath away.

From the Sakan plastered earthen walls to the Ryukyu tatami mats, everything has been carefully crafted to evoke a sense of antiquity while incorporating all the comfort and luxury you need to enjoy your stay. In addition, you’ll love the large bathtub made of cypress leaves from Aomori Prefecture, where you can soak and relax while enjoying the natural fragrance.

Seek some interactions and the best selections

When you’re not exploring the charming streets of Nishi-Amidadera, you’ll find plenty of reasons to relax and unwind in Tudzura.

The lobby is a welcoming space where large tables and sofas are arranged for reading and chatting. It is a place where people of all nationalities, races, and ages can interact with each other, fostering exchange that transcends them. There’s also a desk space in an open area where you can work or take care of small tasks during your stay.

Head to the lobby café/bar for a delicious drink or sweet. You’ll find a variety of local sake, beer, and original Japanese sweets to enjoy, along with hand-drip coffee made from fair-trade coffee beans from Laos, Sri Lanka, and Nepal. In the morning, start your day with a breakfast of bagels of the day and home-roasted coffee, the perfect way to fuel up before exploring the city.

Friendliness and aspiration

The owner of Tudzura, Mr. Yoon HongJoe, is quite friendly and a true lover of Japanese castle towns and hot springs, and his passion for his second hometown of Kumamoto is evident in everything he does.

His background in promoting Kumamoto to visitors and his continuing research on other ryokans have helped him create and operate Tudzura. He also seriously takes the opinions and complaints he receives from his customers and reflects them to make Tudzura even better.