[2025 Hitoyoshi Stay] Travel Guide for Ryokan Ayu No Sato (Updated Feb)

In Hitoyoshi, there is a unique Japanese inn called Ayu no Sato, which is conveniently located near the fireworks display site, offering visitors a unique viewing experience. When the fireworks bloom, others are still outside, braving the crowds, holding small stools, and looking for the best viewing spot, while we, staying at this inn, can leisurely stay in the hotel lobby and enjoy the colorful fireworks feast. If you are lucky enough to book a river view room, it is like having an exclusive fireworks viewing box, sitting in the room, through the window, colorful fireworks bloom in the night sky, reflecting on the sparkling river, like a dream. However, it should be noted that river view rooms are extremely popular on the day of the fireworks festival, and you must book well in advance to seize this rare opportunity. Another important purpose of this trip to Hitoyoshi is to check in at Natsume-related locations. Before departure, I was full of expectations to collect 6 stamps to get the special offer, but unfortunately, the day before arriving in Hitoyoshi, I received an app reminder that the special offer was gone, which somewhat reduced the motivation to check in. In terms of travel, renting a bicycle is a good choice. It is highly recommended to rent an electric bicycle, as the check-in points in Hitoyoshi are widely distributed, and relying entirely on ordinary bicycles to get there consumes a lot of physical strength, especially in hot weather, electric bicycles can save you a lot of effort. Even so, relying on bicycles can only go to 7 check-in points at most, and the other check-in points are really far away, and it is really unbearable to ride in the hot weather. Cycling on the country roads is the most pleasant time of this trip. The breeze blows gently, the flowers and plants on the roadside sway with the wind, and the distant mountains are undulating, forming a beautiful pastoral picture. Every time you reach a check-in point, that familiar feeling will come to your heart. The scenes I once saw in the animation appear in front of me, as if Takashi Natsume, Nyanko-sensei, and those warm characters really live on this land, and this wonderful feeling of animation coming into reality is intoxicating. Hitoyoshi, this charming small town, not only has the comfort and convenience brought by the Ayu no Sato Japanese inn, but also the feelings and emotions of the Natsume's Book of Friends check-in tour, as well as the beautiful natural scenery along the way, every place is worth savoring, making people reluctant to leave.