Rob T.
The Farm Inn was a lovely change of pace after a week in bustling Tokyo. I don’t speak Japanese, but the hosts knew some English and used a translator app easily whenever we needed to discuss something specific. The food was amazing, and you could choose when breakfast and dinner were served each day. You can buy sake or beer with dinner for 600-800 Yen. Both were excellent, and the servings were generous. As with B&B-style accommodation, there’s no lunch, so bring snacks if you won’t be going to a nearby town. I was initially confused about where I’d sleep because I didn’t know the layout of Japanese accommodation. I mistook the futon cushions for a bed I had to make in the living area. The hosts set the bed up for me on the first night and left it out for the rest of my stay. They also ran a bath for me each day with a bath-rice bag. I took the train from Kyoto to Hiyoshi, a journey of less than an hour, and the host picked me up at the little rural station. The farming wellington boots and cooking apron made it easy to spot them! There’s Wi-Fi and even 4G phone signal. It was cold and rainy during my stay, but the heaters kept the space warm and cosy. For a calm, slow-paced, authentic Japanese experience, I can’t think of another place quite like it.
