A Bridge Between Japan and Mexico

La Posada was founded by Professor Tomoyoshi Yamaguchi, whose life became a bridge between Japan and Mexico.

In the 1960s, while working in Japan, he was invited by the Kodokan—the headquarters of the worldwide Judo community—to help introduce and develop Judo in Mexico. What was expected to be a temporary assignment became a remarkable 23-year journey that would change countless lives.

Professor Yamaguchi dedicated himself not only to teaching Judo, but also to building friendships that transcended language, culture, and borders. He taught at the YMCA, Centro Deportivo Israelita (CDI), Chapingo University, the Mexican Army, Bushido Dojo, and many other organizations. His passion for teaching and his warm personality earned him the respect and affection of generations of students.

Following the 1968 Mexico Olympic Games, he was appointed National Coach of the Mexican Olympic Judo Team. He led Mexico at the 1972 Munich Olympic Games and the 1976 Montreal Olympic Games, while also guiding athletes at the Pan American Games, the Central American and Caribbean Games, and the World Judo Championships.

Even after stepping down as National Coach, he devoted another decade to teaching and mentoring the next generation of judoka, believing that the true purpose of Judo was not merely to create champions, but to develop character, respect, and lifelong friendships.

His contributions to Mexican Judo continue to be recognized today. In honor of his lifelong dedication to the sport, the Annual Mexican National Team Selection Tournament bears the name Professor Tomoyoshi Yamaguchi, a lasting tribute to his influence on generations of athletes. He was also inducted into the Mexican Sports Hall of Fame, recognizing his extraordinary contribution to the development of Judo in Mexico.

When he returned to Japan in 1987, Professor Yamaguchi carried with him far more than memories. He brought home the warmth, generosity, and spirit of hospitality that he had experienced throughout Mexico.

Wanting to share that feeling with others, he returned to his hometown in Izu and founded La Posada—a place where Japanese hospitality and Mexican warmth come together under one roof.

Although Professor Yamaguchi has passed away, his spirit remains at the heart of La Posada. Former students, Olympians, friends, and guests from around the world continue to visit, remembering not only the teacher they admired but also the person who welcomed everyone like family.

In 2025, La Posada proudly celebrated its 30th Anniversary, marking three decades of hospitality and cultural exchange between Japan and Mexico. Today, the inn continues to honor its founder’s vision by welcoming guests from around the world and preserving the friendships and traditions that inspired its creation.

“La Posada was built not only as a place to stay, but as a place where friendships between Japan and Mexico could continue to grow.”

— In memory of Professor Tomoyoshi Yamaguchi

For more than three decades, the heart of La Posada has been its kitchen.

As co-founder of La Posada, Mama has devoted herself to sharing the authentic flavors of Mexico that she learned during the family’s 23 years of living in Mexico. Her cooking reflects not only traditional recipes but also the warmth, generosity, and hospitality that define Mexican culture.

Every dish is prepared with great care using natural ingredients and no unnecessary additives. Traditional spices and specialty ingredients are imported directly from Mexico whenever possible, while fresh vegetables, seafood, and seasonal produce are carefully selected from the rich farmland and coastline of Izu.

One of the highlights of every meal is the handmade corn tortilla, the foundation of authentic Mexican cuisine. Guests can also enjoy traditional specialties such as Mole, Mexico’s most celebrated sauce, crafted from a remarkable blend of chilies, spices, nuts, seeds, and chocolate—a recipe that has been cherished for generations.

Many of the ingredients that give La Posada its authentic flavor continue to arrive from friends and former students in Mexico, a reflection of the lifelong friendships that began through Professor Tomoyoshi Yamaguchi’s work and continue to this day.

Every meal at La Posada is prepared with the same philosophy that inspired its founders: bringing people together through good food, warm hospitality, and lasting friendship.

Whether you join us for breakfast, dinner, or dessert, we hope each meal becomes a memorable part of your journey through Izu.

“Food is another language of hospitality. Every dish served at La Posada tells a story of friendship between Japan and Mexico.”

Born in Mexico, Oscar is the second-generation owner of La Posada, proudly carrying forward the vision established by his parents, the founders of the inn.

Having grown up between the cultures of Japan and Mexico, Oscar welcomes every guest with the warmth, hospitality, and sense of friendship that have defined La Posada since it first opened its doors.

Friendly, approachable, and always happy to chat, Oscar enjoys sharing the story of La Posada, the remarkable life of Professor Tomoyoshi Yamaguchi, and the traditions that inspired this unique place. He is equally passionate about introducing guests to authentic Mexican cuisine, tequila, and the rich culture of both Japan and Mexico.

It is not unusual for a casual conversation to turn into a lively discussion around the dinner table. Many guests arrive as visitors and leave feeling as though they have spent time with old friends.

La Posada is more than a place to stay—it is a place where friendships are made, cultures come together, and every guest is welcomed as part of the family.

Many of our guests return year after year, drawn not only by the food, the hot springs, and the peaceful surroundings, but by the warm atmosphere and lasting connections they find here.

“Welcome to La Posada. Here, we don’t welcome you as guests—we welcome you as friends.”

— Oscar, Second-Generation Owner

Born in Mexico, Karina brings a passion for natural foods, nutrition, and authentic Mexican flavors to La Posada.

With a background in Natural Foods and Nutrition, she believes that great food begins with carefully selected ingredients and thoughtful preparation. Her philosophy perfectly complements the traditions established by La Posada’s founders.

The homemade jams served at breakfast are lovingly prepared by Karina using seasonal fruits and simple, natural ingredients, allowing each fruit’s true flavor to shine.

Fluent in both English and Spanish, Karina has lived and traveled internationally, bringing a global perspective while remaining deeply connected to her Mexican roots.

She also oversees the cultivation and preparation of La Posada’s signature jalapeños, grown with care on the family farm. Their balanced flavor and gentle heat have become a favorite among guests, adding a delicious touch to sandwiches, burgers, and many of our Mexican specialties.

Together with the rest of the family, Karina continues La Posada’s commitment to wholesome food, warm hospitality, and the enduring friendship between Japan and Mexico.

“The best ingredients are simple, natural, and prepared with care. That’s the flavor we hope you’ll remember long after your journey ends.”

— Karina

This profile also introduces something that few inns can claim: your own farm. That opens the door to future pages about your jalapeños, hot sauces, homemade jams, and other farm-to-table products, making La Posada’s story even more distinctive.

Born in Mexico, Victor is the eldest son of Professor Tomoyoshi Yamaguchi and grew up embracing both Japanese and Mexican cultures.

From an early age, he studied Judo under his father, learning that its true purpose extends far beyond competition—it is about respect, lifelong friendship, and bringing people together.

Today, Victor is based in Tokyo, where he supports La Posada through communications, strategy, marketing, and new business development.

Drawing on his international experience in business, technology, and marketing, he works to share La Posada’s unique story with guests from around the world while preserving the vision and values established by its founders.

Although much of his work now takes place behind the scenes, Victor remains passionate about Judo and the family legacy that inspired La Posada.

His appearance may seem a little intimidating at first, but guests soon discover someone who is approachable, enjoys a good conversation, and loves sharing stories about Japan, Mexico, and the history of the inn.

There is, however, one family tradition that always brings a smile—Victor’s love of Coca-Cola.

If you happen to spot him happily enjoying an ice-cold Coke while Karina is encouraging natural foods and healthy living, you’ve witnessed one of the family’s favorite running jokes.

At La Posada, every family member brings a unique personality, but together they share the same commitment to genuine hospitality, lasting friendships, and making every guest feel at home.

“The places we visit may inspire us, but it is the people we meet who become part of our journey.”
— Victor