Kusa no Niwa

We spent Christmas here on our first trip to Japan, and the kitchen had what we needed to make full dinners for five most nights. The house was just as described and gave us the feeling of living in an authentic home in a Japanese neighborhood, away from other tourists. We were warned it would be cold, and it was when the heaters weren’t on, but there was plenty of fuel, and the electric blankets made the nights comfortable. The bathing room, like everything else, was very clean. The shopping and restaurant street is about a 5-8 minute walk away. It’s listed as a 3-star hotel, but compared with other places I’ve stayed, I’d rate it closer to 4 stars. Thank you.

I enjoyed how peaceful it was, and being able to head out in the evening or early morning gave me more flexibility than staying at a hotel or inn. The beautiful exterior and interior made a strong impression, too. The place had a fridge, microwave, and tableware, so I picked up street food for dinner and really enjoyed it. Umbrellas and heaters were also provided, which meant I didn’t feel I was missing anything. I’d love to stay again if I get the chance. Thank you very much!

It felt like staying at my grandmother’s house in the countryside, and the contactless tablet check-in added to that relaxed stay. We came for a family trip in February. The traditional house does get quite cold in winter, but there’s heating in the rooms, hallway, kitchen, and bathroom, and it warms up quickly. The location is handy for sightseeing, near Takayama’s old townscape and the morning market. It can be tricky to find, so watch out for that. Towels are provided, but bring your own toothbrush.

The stay turned out even better than I’d imagined. I picked this house from dozens of similar options because it seemed to balance traditional character with modern comfort so well. The carefully made old wooden doors and windows, along with the quiet atmosphere, created a lovely sense of Japanese aesthetics. I’m planning a family trip to Japan for the 2026 Chinese Lunar New Year, and the idea of shopping at a supermarket for New Year’s Eve dinner and spending the holiday in a traditional Japanese house feels unforgettable. I’d had a similar experience in Ine before, and this kind of house really appeals to me. As a foreign traveler, I’d even like to invest in a house like this and offer guests the same kind of environment for a positive trip. There are many similar houses now, but Japan’s efforts to preserve its cultural heritage are admirable. With my own renovation experience, I especially appreciate how much dedication it takes to balance tradition and modernity so thoughtfully.