Guest House Sanshotei

The owner is so friendly and makes you feel at home. They really try to help you get the most out of your stay.

I've stayed here two years running, and every March I still miss the exact turn on the way in. If you spot an old bus, you've gone too far. Once you're there, the wooden place feels so warm and lovely. The bath is cypress, and the owners have a really kind, welcoming way about them. Plates, chopsticks, fluffy futons, and towels are provided, and there's a washing machine with detergent in the shoe closet. Bring your own toothbrush kit. There's a smoking spot on the wooden deck, with outdoor sandals to use. The mountain setting means stink bugs show up in the rooms. Even in this year's warm winter we found about six, so be warned if bugs bother you. I love the pretty plates, and displaying your own dishes can make dinner look stylish. The rooms also have cute retro reflective heaters, which are rare now and warm up fast, even in the coldest months. The father's adorable German shepherd is around too. I'd happily keep coming back.

We stayed one night with our dog, and it was such a relief to find somewhere dog-friendly when we couldn't find other nearby options. The room was in a lovely log cabin-like building that looked very expensive, and the bathroom was spotless. There were forest paths nearby that our dog enjoyed, and the owner's lively German Shepherd kept sniffing around, hoping to play. My husband and I said we'd love to live in a room like that when we're old. We'd definitely stay again.

It was chilly, so I planned to make hot pot, and the host brought me a portable stove. After dinner I nodded off in the kotatsu. The house is wooden and surrounded by nature. The host teaches art and hopes to turn the grounds into an art village. His wife teaches elementary school and was my younger brother's teacher. He was incredibly kind.