Samurai Guesthouse irodori Kamakura

Bushi dono is a model citizen, helping around the neighbourhood and doing so much good for the people of Kamakura. He also runs a great guesthouse, with rooms full of character and culture, plus delicious breakfast. What more could you ask for?

I loved sleeping in a traditional room with tatamimats, screen doors, and a futon. The futon was a little thin, but there was more than one, so stacking them may help. The small, old building has plenty of charm and interesting things to look at. It’s clean, though you can see some wear and tear, so it may not suit you if you want a shiny, modern place. The staff were kind. Bushi-san was busy when I arrived, so they left me a welcome packet with all the information. I met Bushi-san over breakfast the next morning, and Yoko-san was very kind too. The guesthouse is close to Kamakura station and the sea. Wadenya station is even closer, with a direct train to Enoshima.

⚠️ A worrying check-in experience for anyone visiting Kamakura. ⚠️ My companion and I arrived and found five or six people sitting in the common area. There was no front desk, and we were taken straight to the room. We looked around and weren’t satisfied: the bathroom was shared, there was no soundproofing, and it was dirty. We wanted to leave, but the owner stood in the doorway and said we couldn’t cancel without paying a cancellation fee. I’d already paid online in advance, as I usually do for hotel bookings, but he still blocked the room entrance and wouldn’t let us go. He said, “you [us] cannot leave like this” and that it was “unfair to the business.” I felt extremely concerned for my safety. Eventually, other staff told him we had paid, and he let us leave. At least we’re safe now. I wouldn’t recommend this property, and it wasn’t worth the higher price. Go somewhere else.

The location is great and the people are very nice, but I can’t recommend staying here. The rooms and front door are never locked, it gets crowded and messy, and noise carries. The staircase to the second floor is narrow. The rooms are old and generally uncomfortable. I was shocked when I arrived because I’d read so many good reviews. I should have trusted the bad reviews in Japanese. I debated writing this since the staff seem genuinely nice, and the owner’s work for disabled people and minority communities seems honourable. Still, I felt people should know. I booked three nights, but ended up arranging another place straight away because I just couldn’t stay here.