Minshuku Hiroshimaya

The owners were so kind and helpful, and the inn itself felt genuinely traditional, with care in the details. It’s a bit out of the way, but staying there was a great experience if you want a classic Japanese inn.

There’s an inn connected to the restaurant, and it sounds like overseas guests visit to eat there too. The building has a retro historic feel and is 140 years old. The owner is a very handsome man! The menu has lots of drinks and shaved ice, though soba seems to be the main dish. I’ll try that next time.

The hosts were very helpful, and we got by using a translation app to communicate. The house is a wooden Minka style place, with paper sliding doors and multiple levels, except for the washroom and shower. It’s a really interesting stay if you want to experience an old style Japanese house. Finding it was a little tricky even with the host’s directions, especially arriving after dark.

Hiroshimaya is a temple house with just three guest rooms upstairs in different sizes, so you need to reserve well ahead. The walls are thin, and guests are asked to keep to a curfew so they don’t disturb each other. Since it’s a temple, the bell rings at 6 AM, so going to bed early is best. I was lucky enough to stay there over New Year and Yoko-san welcomed me warmly. During the day, the house hosts tea ceremonies for pilgrims, and visitors can buy locally made condiments and alcohol as offerings to Daimyo Kiyomasa or to enjoy themselves. Around New Year, there’s a wide selection of Akazake and bean cake for pilgrims. Yoko-san kindly shared these specialties with me, and they were delicious. She said they’re only available in Kumamoto.