Experiencing Traditional Life Style Inn Kajiya Iya Romantei

Absolutely amazing, it had a homely feel without you feeling like you’re intruding. Shino-san was amazing and incredibly welcoming as well! He had an infectious personality and smile, making us feel at home! The outdoor bath (next to the indoor bath) was such an added plus, especially with the autumn leaves in view

Nothing

The host took great care about us!

We enjoyed the rural living experience, sleeping in a traditional old house, and having our meals at the sunken hearth.The host really put in much effort to entertain us in his quirky ways.

The toilet

The host, Shino-san, is so great at customizing your 'adventure' in the Iya Valley. The accommodation takes you back in time, but it's so good to live that simple life with simple pleasures.

Shino San makes great efforts to welcome you into his home, which is traditional, quirky and fun. Very relaxing. He also serves excellent food. He also is tour guide and drove me around sights which would be impossible without your own transport.

Having to leave and say goodbye to a new friend.

Great experience! Loved everything including the wood chopping, making the fire beneath the rice and bath, and making rice balls. Saw shooting stars as we relaxed outside after a fabulous dinner. Shino San could not have been more attentive to our every need. Nick really enjoyed sampling sakes from all regions of Japan. Sorry not to contribute a bottle! We will send our daughter with an offering to your sake collection. Note that this is rustic accommodation with a composting toilet.

Nothing.

Beautiful setting in the valley, with several activities ( especially hiking) within a reasonable driving distance. Shino san took us on 2 day tours; the soba making was a great experience. He can also advise on other activities, as driving times are hard to estimate on the windy/ narrow roads. Breakfast and dinners were traditional Japanese food, and the sake is free choice from his collection so bring a bottle each to contribute. A soak in the cast iron hot tub was very relaxing each night. Also, Shino San offered for us to do a load of laundry which was useful.

We didn’t mind the rustic facilities ( drop toilet, communal shower block with small sink, insects), but my friend had a shock as she’s a city girl and used to a large bathroom to spread out her 4 bags of toiletries and no bugs anywhere! Be advised his van has one proper passenger seat, the other two ride in the camper section so it could be cramped if you want a pickup from the train station. He prefers cash payment - the ATM in the village worked for 2 of us, not the third person.