Villaer i Hongu

Lucy Singapore

Our lodging is a historic house, more than 100 years old. The house has all of the features of an authentic Japanese mountain home. The floors are covered with tatami mats, and rooms divided by sliding fusuma doors. There is an irori hearth and in the kitchen is an old- fashioned kamado rice cooking stove built into the floor. The house has lots of antiques and yet fully furnished with modern facilities. Manabu San was consistently thoughtful and generous. He goes out of his way to make sure we have a comfortable and well-provisioned stay. The thought that has been put into everything we could possibly need is impressive. This is truly a home away from home. The house is very spacious, comfortable and warm (in the areas where we spent most time). It's a quiet and peaceful house next to the river, you get soothed at night with the sound of the flowing water. Manabu-san pops by our lodge with rice-balls. The rice balls are always accompanied with lovely handwritten notes to wish us well and to ask if anything is well with us! At the verandah of the house, Manabu-san has ready seeds and water for the birds. Each morning you will get up to the sound of birds chirping. The front paper-screen-door of the house has a special sliding window that opens up so that you can watch the bird through a clear screen in your warm bedroom. There is also the washing machine and a dryer in the yard in front ready for our convenience. There are very generous supplies of provisions - really great coffee (instant and drip) and both black and green tea. There are all kinds of snacks which get replenished daily. We didn't cook but we saw supplies for cooking in the kitchen and fridge. Every morning, Mahabu san would bring us really great tasting rice balls! There's ample supply of toiletries and he provides ample towels for your convenience. I read that the house was visited by Yamamoto Genpo Roshi, who is a famous and great monk in the Showa era.

Hanshu Kina

The view of this house is stunning, especially on the second floor of bedroom - just looking at Kyotanabe. And the house is spacious and very clean.

Cindi USA

This was truly an individual home, and exceptionally great value. It was large, comfortable, extraordinarily, clean, and peaceful, very zen. Well, equipped with everything . And the owner is really sweet. Just be aware payment is in cash. I wish I was able to stay longer.

Vincent Japan

After walking part of the Kumano Kohechi trail I was happy to find this little guesthouse. I was the only guest and Netchan the owner had already sent me the code for the keybox so I could check in early. The place has a kitchen, simple bathroom and eco-toilet, and upstairs futon with blanket. All next to the river and convenient. I had pre-ordered dinner and breakfast (which I suggest since there's not much in the neighborhood – they were both delicious and prepared locally), but the real treat was Netchan taking me with his family to a local onsen, the oldest in Japan! Yabai!

David Japan

A great rural stay. Perfect for exploring the surrounding areas; Kumano Hongo Taisha, Nachi etc. Back to basics; solar power for basic electricity, wood-fired boiler for hot water, composting toilet and no TV, all you need. Quiet, relaxed place with a great, relaxed host, Aki. House was cool when we stay in early May. The (long term) renovation project is ongoing outside which could do with a bit of a tidy. But we'd definitely stay again with two young children. Great old style kitchen which could do with a bit of clean and dust - we rinsed things before using but fine.