Choyomon

Ainokura itself is breathtaking, and Chouyomon was a wonderful place to stay for two nights with my wife. The host was kind and went out of her way to make our visit special. The house is gorgeous and clean, and the food was incredible, the best traditional food I had during my month in Japan. Everything tasted fresh, and she’s an amazing cook. The shared accommodation has a washing machine, two urinals, two toilets, a hot bath, and two showers, so it seems unlikely you’d have to wait for the bathroom.

The village is well worth a visit. If you’re staying here and want to see Sharakawa-go too, the bus is only a few minutes from Choyomon, though service doesn’t run late. A taxi outside bus hours can be expensive. Staying in this house gives you a real feel for Japanese life, with futons on the floor. The bathroom is shared, as it is in many places like this. The owners are very kind, and the food is really good.

The guesthouse has loads of character, with a spacious, comfortable room, excellent food, and very clean shared facilities. The host was especially friendly, and the village around it is beautiful and peaceful. Staying here felt like a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and it was very good value. I’d highly recommend it.

Ainokura village is amazing, and staying in one of the traditional houses is a must-have experience. This was the first time on our Japan trip that the staff weren’t as kind and helpful as we’d expected. After we checked in and said we didn’t speak Japanese, she seemed to avoid talking with us. We weren’t given explanations about the bathroom or amenities, or told about activities in town.