Guesthouse Mio

The owner says this lovely traditional Japanese house is more than 100 years old. It's set up with all the facilities you might need for a self-catering stay. The bakery next door and the moat across the street make the location great. Walking along the moat is lovely by day or night, with some parts lit after dark, and you can take a boat trip if you like. The ropeway entrance is about a five-minute walk away, with awesome views from the top. Just be aware that it's busy on weekends. When we were there on a weekday, many restaurants and shops were completely closed.

I rarely write reviews, even after a superb stay, but I had to write this one. My three kids and I spent four days and nights at Mio, and all five of us slept like babies after getting some much-needed rest. The house had so much to enjoy on its own. I cooked sometimes, did laundry, and mostly slept. One side looks onto a lively street, while the other is quiet and peaceful. In the backyard, a persimmon tree watched my three-year-old play with a horn beetle. My one-year-old played in the garden with a Bear she called it (Tanuki), and there was enough room in the living room for my five-year-old to practice karate without damaging anything. I even watched the rain dancing on the road. The house felt like it had a story, a little like Totoro. There was plenty to do nearby too: we rode the ropeway car up the mountain, ate at local restaurants, and relaxed at the beach on Biwa lake and at an onsen. When we arrived, the owners gave us the warmest welcome, with a yummy loaf of artisan bread from the bakery next door. The smells of the cake shop and the canal (Hachiman bori moat) across the street were so real and inviting. I hadn't expected much from Mio, just somewhere to rest while looking after my three children, but the house was filled with joy. Highly recommended.

A quiet little place by the river. The owners are really nice, and there's a delicious bakery next door. I'd definitely recommend it to anyone wanting a break from the city.

Wonderful.