Private GUEST HOUSE KUMANOYASAI near Takahara

A lovely old typically Japanese style house that had everything that you need. It was located in a quiet area.

It was a lot further away from the end of our first day of walking the Kumano Kodo trail that we thought. But luckily we were driven back to Takahara in the morning for the start of Day 2.

We were very happy that Shino had already booked a car for us (no additional cost) for the next day, to get back to Takahara, where we would continue to walk the Kumano Kodo. The walk to the house from Takahara was fine, but very much down hill, so it would have been a tough start of the day walking up the mountain. Thank you for that! The food was really good, and we enjoyed both the dinner, breakfast and the bento box.

The only thing I can think of, is that an upgrade would be to have an extra small mattress under the futons.

Great place and a lovely host. Couldn't rate this place higher! :)

It was a very cozy Japanese house. Nice selection of books and manga. Nce service.

Since it was a old house, my family (around 190 cm height) hit heads several times.

- Beautiful little house - The meals were tasty and healthy

- A bit pricey - Not the best option if you're hiking the Nakahechi trail. The house is situated 45 minutes from the trail, all the way down the mountain. So the next morning you will have to climb it up again. The Kumano Travel website probably has more accommodation options available. Ideally, you should stay in the upper part of Takahara village.

A nice place to stay for an authentic experience. The host is very responsive to any questions you’ll have. If hiking be aware the house is about 2km from the trail and you have to descend the amount you climbed to get back to the road- hike back up approx 45 minutes. Be sure to set up food/transportation if you need them 2 weeks in advance.

Shino is an amazing host, totally dedicated to making her guests feel at home. She helped us solve a luggage transfer issue and brought us fabulous breakfast, lunch and dinners. She is a terrific communicator who is happy to patiently answer questions. It is lovely to have a whole house with a sitting room, a washing machine, a small kitchen as well as the large, comfy tatami mat sleeping area. Don't miss her cafe in Chikatsuyu when you walk the trail.

The location is right on a bus line which is good but it is a walk from the guest house up to the Kumano Kudo trail and to the closest shops. So be ready to add a couple of kilometers to your planned walking.

The house is beautiful, spacious and well equipped.

The path from Kumano Kodo is not easy to find and longer than expected.