Bingoya

The Japanese-style breakfast and lovely garden made the stay feel special. There’s also a traditional bathhouse, and the staff were great. I had a very good experience.

The breakfast was unforgettable, and the property itself is gorgeous.

The garden was beautifully kept, with stunning autumn leaves and magical lighting at night. I also enjoyed the delicious dishes served in a private room, and the waitresses provided impeccable service. The bath was for private use and cleaned after each group. I stayed in Seifuso, the small cottage at the highest point. It had a tea-room feel, with a 4.5-tatami room, a 2-tatami room, a toilet, and a washbasin, which worked well for a solo traveler. The extra flight of stairs was worth it for the excellent view. The old wooden window frames don’t shut fully in some spots, so drafts or insects could be an issue depending on the season, though that felt like part of the charm of an old Japanese house. Its retro atmosphere made for a peaceful, relaxing stay. The inn sits on a hillside in a port town, with detached cottages where you can take your time over delicious kaiseki. The next morning I walked around the area, and the rows of storehouses in the Tamashima townscape preservation district were lovely.

I could relax here with my dog and felt at ease during the stay. You can rent the whole building, and the cozy inn has nostalgic grounds and a lovely atmosphere with a sense of Japanese elegance.