A purpose of this paper is to clarify the architectural characteristics and the present condition of Tsurunoyu-Ryokan. It is a modern Japanese-style hotel of wooden three-story. It was built along the Kuma River in Yatsushiro City, Kumamoto Prefecture in 1954. One of the historic value is related to the construction (1955) of the Arase Dam in the river and the removal (2018) which was the first project of its kind undertaken in Japan. Its architectural characteristics are the design in consideration for the place, the facade as a gate to the unusual experience and the traditional module. For an uneven settlement of the site, the building inclines towards Kuma River.
