Bishamon House

We spent two nights at Bishamon House in early January, and the countryside walk Christian suggested was a highlight. We visited seven shrines and temples, enjoyed the scenery, and found a great soba restaurant near one of them. That evening we took a soba-making class. Sensei was patient and taught us well, while Christian translated throughout. He cooked the noodles and dishes we'd made, and the meal was excellent. We still try making the "Japanese Pickles" we learned about there at home. Christian and his wife Tsuzumi were wonderful hosts. They recommended a welcoming local sushi restaurant for our first night, and the food was fantastic. The house felt authentic and cozy, just what we wanted. Christian also made breakfast both mornings, including scrambled eggs we liked so much that we now make them his way. It was a memorable stay, and I hope more people get to discover Bishamon house.

Kameoka’s quiet streets and nearby woods were a welcome pause from the big cities of Tokio and Kioto. The guest house itself felt like a place from a movie, and the host family were lovely, sharing tips and driving us to different spots. We rode the old Torokko train from Kameoka to Arashiyama Bamboo forest. We stayed two nights and could happily have stayed longer. The dinner that stands out most from our two weeks was at a small local restaurant, where our host took us for a traditional Japanese multicourse meal. It was interesting, delicious, and cheap. Go with an open mind, and you’ll also meet a very friendly owner and local customers. Bishamon House has a special place in our hearts from our first trip to Japan.

The only thing Margo and I would change is booking a longer stay. Christian and Tsuzumi arranged two lovely experiences with local artisans, served delicious meals, and made sure our rooms were warm and comfortable in traditional Japanese style. Their care in presenting their beautiful home felt heartfelt. We truly enjoyed spending time with them, and staying at Bishamon house was a real highlight of our holiday in Japan.

Our three-year-old daughter, who lives in the city, got to run around in nature and play in the sand with Christian and Tsuzumi’s two children. She wouldn’t usually do those things on her own, so it was a special experience for her. Over our four days and three nights, our family grew as close to the Christian family as longtime friends, and we’ll definitely visit again. We were six: my wife and me, our child, and three grandparents. Before we booked, the hosts shared suggestions for sights, activities, and restaurants, and sometimes helped us make reservations. Christian drove us throughout the stay, including from Kameoka Station when we arrived. We enjoyed things around Kameoka such as the Hozu river cruise, a trip to Miyama village, and Kyoto cuisine. Christian took care of all the transport and meal preparation, and he and Tsuzumi gave us the warmest hospitality. Their two children also played so well with our daughter. We’re very grateful for the care they showed us. We can definitely recommend Bishamon House.