Annie Hills

The owner’s stories were so interesting that I left wanting to hear more next time. This was my second visit, and the welcome, atmosphere, and food were just as lovely as before. The seasonal vegetables were especially good, cooked so their natural sweetness really came through. I’ll be back again.

We came back for our second stay within a year, this time on a weekday in early September. The owners have such a good presence that this feels like the sort of inn you want to revisit every year. From the parking lot, the exterior still stands out from the other pensions nearby. The food is all delicious, especially the bone-in duck confit, which you really should try. The colorful vegetables at breakfast were lovely, and the coffee is roasted in-house.

We chose this place for its location near our sightseeing plans, but it’s worth making the trip just to stay here. Lake Megami is only a 2-3 minute walk away, and we caught some beautiful autumn leaves. My partner and I had a really relaxing stay, and it felt more like a boutique hotel than a typical guesthouse. I’d happily recommend it for an anniversary or another special occasion, and we’d love to return. The rooms are on the small side, though they’re clean and thoughtfully decorated with lovely fabrics. There’s no sense of everyday clutter. The bathroom surprised me too. I’d expected something like a slightly larger home bathroom, but the high ceiling, big tub, and simple stylish design made it a lovely space. The meals were carefully put together, with plenty of fresh local vegetables. The grilled duck was a standout, with crisp skin and thick, juicy meat. Even after eating our fill, we didn’t feel weighed down. There were two groups staying, ours included, and the owner even switched the seating and service order between dinner and breakfast to look after everyone. The owner was cheerful and very friendly, which was different from the somewhat gloomy impression I’d gotten from their Instagram photos, and we enjoyed chatting with them. The whole place lifts your spirits, from the approach to the entrance to the building you see from the parking lot. The road out front is wide with good visibility, and the parking is easy to use. Inside, there are tasteful antiques, dried flowers, and a lovely aromatherapy scent. Two wood stoves and comfortable sofas make the dining room feel cozy and special. I booked six months ahead, in April, after reading reviews, and the stay exceeded the high expectations I already had.

I first stayed here in summer 2022 and came back in August 2025. The stylish antique furnishings are still a favorite, and the meals are so delicious and carefully prepared that the place feels more like an auberge than a guesthouse. I’d like to visit again in autumn, when the leaves around Lake Megami are beautiful.