八百熊川 Yao-Kumagawa

We got lucky with snow while staying at this mountain hideaway near Kyoto. Such a lovely mix of comfort, style, and beauty, and just the right place to get away.

The English-speaking staff made arrival simple and pointed us to a nearby restaurant for dinner. It’s a peaceful, very traditional spot in a small town outside Kyoto or Otsu, and a great choice if you want an authentic Japanese experience away from the tourist crowds. Highly recommend.

The locals prepared healthy, tasty meals for us, and we made our own Japanese breakfast by following the instructions. We stayed at the HOTARU residence, away from Kumakawaju’s main street, and the old colors of the building were lively alongside its modern facilities. Snow storms kept us indoors, but we ended up enjoying the afternoon and evening there. The staff were really kind and helpful, including when they rescued our car from the snow. I came across this quiet place while planning a trip to Fukui, and would recommend it to anyone wanting to see a traditional, peaceful, natural side of Japan away from the crowds. It looked amazing in winter, and I’d love to return in spring or autumn to see it in a different season.

Hotaru was beautifully restored, and we had traditional meals cooked in our home twice a day. Nathan deserves a shout-out for his local knowledge and enthusiasm, which got us through the heatwave on a scenic bike ride through the villages to Uriwari falls. It was one of our most unique stays.