“I happened upon this house while looking for a stay in Shirakawago and I’m so glad I did! It is situated in a small town deep in the mountains, with gorgeous views. This area is also designated as a World Heritage site. The hosts were very kind and accommodating. They served us tea and two elaborate meals, showed us a video about the history behind the houses, and went above and beyond to help us figure out bus timetables. I definitely recommend staying here! ”

“i visited JP so many times, but this was one of spectacular experiences in JP. great location, amazing food- mt. veggies & fish meals, and very friendly host. we enjoyed n loved everything here! ”

“A quite town, not as touristy as Shirakawa-Go, but don’t expect too much, this spot is more local. Yomoshirou’s Father is really kind to explain various kind of mountain vegetable to us, talk to us about the history, songs, tales and live of the village, appreciate the experience! The bed was really comfy, it was my best sleep of my whole Japan trip :) the fish coated in salt was grilling at the center of the house smells good when we enter the house!”

“The owners were very friendly! It was a very special experience. Owner introduced their culture to us! The Minshuku is located in a beautiful and quite village. We were in a rush so we got there around 6 pm in the afternoon and we had to head out around 7 am. The owner gave us a ride to the bus stop. But I recommend you to stay a little bit longer if possible. So that you can actually walk around a little bit and know more about the village. The food was great too (if you like Japanese food). The veggies were mostly plant or collected from the mountain by the owner. I loved the fish dishes too!”

“Dinner and breakfast were excellent and delicious. The host was very friendly and tried to introduce Japanese culture to us. He was so nice to give us a ride to the bus stop in the next morning. The room is Japanese style room, very cozy and well maintained.”

“If I could give this place an eleven, I would. The couple who ran the place were hospitable to a fault, and the entire cottage was immaculately well maintained. There's no other experience like huddling around a century-old fireplace while having a hot meal and listening to the proprietor give a speech about the history of the village and the hut itself.”

“We had such a wonderful stay and would definitely recommend to others wanting to experience something local. Our hosts were incredibly welcoming, talking to us about the history of the village including putting on a video in English and our room was beautifully traditional. The food (dinner and breakfast) was incredibly delicious including the famous roast fish. All ingredients were sought locally too. The place also felt Covid safe with instructions to wear masks, hand sanitiser and good ventilation throughout the house. Just to be aware, the hosts only accept cash.”

“Everything was exceptionally lovely. The house was neat and clean in a beautiful location in the middle of the small village, the owners were so so kind and helpful. I had a beautiful local dinner with every ingredient explained and even some extra education on the area I was in, it worked perfect with my little Japanese and some of their English and a help of a few movies ;) Would warmly recommend for an authentic and totally pleasant stay in true gassho-zukuri style.”

“The location of the village of Ainokura is idyllic yet easy to reach from Kanazawa. We felt very welcome from the moment we arrived. Our hosts were delightful and we really learned a lot from Mr Higashiyama about living in the area. We enjoyed being able to walk around the village and the beautiful surrounding countryside. The meals were the best I have eaten in Japan. Every dish of local produce was beautifully presented and tasted uniquely delicious.”

“Couldn't say more! It was my best experience in Japan so far! Love the traditional Gassho house and very warm and welcoming host. The house is 300 years according to the owner but it was very well maintain. Dinner and breakfast was superb too! Home cook food with very fresh ingredients from the farm and river. I will go back for sure! ”