Guest house & Cafe SOY

The garden, house, and mountain view were absolutely stunning. Tai San and his parents were amazing hosts from the start of our trip to the end, taking care of everything and thinking of all the small details. Our room was very large and comfortable, and breakfast was very good and beautifully presented. Tai San picked us up at the station and took us back there, which was a great service. His recommendations for sightseeing and dinner were all amazing, and we had such a good time. We hope to return and stay a little longer.

Soy has so much charm, from its lovely little corners to the quiet pond beside the house, the fireplace warming the rooms, and the snow-covered trees around it. And then there’s Tama-san, the cutest cat. But what made the place unforgettable for me was Tai-san and his wonderful parents, who live there too. From the moment we arrived, they made us feel like family, with so much warmth and kindness. There are only three rooms, and it really felt as if we had the whole place to ourselves. Each room is comfortable and full of character. We stayed in the Kura room, which has an extra upstairs space. We set up a projector there and watched Spirited Away over hot tea. It was one of the most magical evenings of our trip. Tai-san’s mother made delicious breakfasts each morning. When we came back from the cold, she’d greet us with warm tea, and during the day she brought us fresh apples and persimmons. Our train left very early on departure day, so she got up before dawn to make sandwiches for the journey. Tai-san would also drive us to and from the city center whenever we needed. On Sundays, Tai-san and his family open a café. It was heartwarming to see local residents come in for coffee and cookies. Tai-san gave us excellent restaurant suggestions and was happy to help make reservations. I absolutely loved staying at Soy. For me, it’s unmatched for charm and hospitality, something that feels rare these days, and I’ll keep coming back.

The homemade breakfast alone is worth talking about. There’s a Japanese option that felt like a taste of home for my wife and me, with each part clearly prepared with care. We cleaned our plates. The international breakfast was great too, with a lovely range of breads, scrambled eggs, sausages, and spinach. I’d pick the Japanese one if I only had a day, though both were really good. What made our stay at SOY special was Tai-san and his family. Their hospitality was beyond what I expected, and the place felt familiar, almost like coming home. Tai-san was always reachable, made sure we were comfortable, and planned our itinerary without us even needing to ask. He pointed us toward the spots locals go to, and my wife and I got to explore Takayama without any hassle. I hardly ever write reviews, but if you’re visiting Takayama and want the full experience, I’d choose SOY. Everything else feels like a tourist trap.

The old wooden house was a lovely place to stay, with traditional sliding doors and modern comforts. Breakfast and the accommodation were both excellent, with lots of thoughtful details. Tai and his family made our time at SOY easy and enjoyable. His advice and help with travel arrangements were much appreciated, and the shuttle was very convenient. We loved every minute. Arigato.