Goemon Kyoto Japan

The vegetables we picked were cooked soon after and tasted delicious. This traditional Japanese inn is run by a kind couple, and even in the hot summer it cools down after dusk, with full air conditioning. Chopping firewood, enjoying the Goemon bath, and gathering around the charcoal hearth made for a wonderful stay.

Mr. Tanaka and his wife looked after us so well. Their traditional house is a special place to stay, and we can imagine how much work it takes to maintain. The rice paddy across from their door belongs to them, and they grow and sell the rice. You can cook it in their traditional rice cooker. They prepared a delicious dinner on our first evening. We were impressed by how fresh everything was and how carefully each dish was served on its own plate. The service was lovely. We slept on tatami mats with warm down blankets. If you’re after a different kind of experience a little off the usual route, this is a great way to see more of Japan. We enjoyed the short walk to Takimata Waterfall. On the way, we had a tasty, very inexpensive meal at Captain's, a small roadside restaurant. In April, the cherry blossoms around the supermarket on the Keihokushuzando River were fantastic. Mr. Tanaka and his wife are discreet and considerate, but happy to share a laugh or a drink if they sense you’re up for it. Kanpai!

The peaceful silence was pure bliss, and the warm couple made us feel welcome. The Goemon-style bath was a lovely experience, too. A relaxed checkout helped make it a perfect holiday. I had surgery coming up, but still had a fantastic time.

The inn was easy to spot along the road, despite the other houses scattered nearby. It’s surrounded by greenery and very quiet. The house and scenery feel genuinely traditional, while electricity, water, gas, and Wi-Fi make it easy to enjoy meals and time there comfortably. Dinner around the irori hearth and the Goemon-style bath made for a relaxing rural stay. There was also a chance to chop firewood, which the children were completely absorbed in. We came in April and heard that fireflies can be seen in June. Each season seems to offer something different, and we’d love to visit again.