Perhaps the only thing that could be considered a 'challenge' was that there were no decent restaurants in the immediate area of the house. This however, is NOT Jonni's fault.

For me personally, as one who has a Masters degree in Peace Education and who is dedicating his life to global peace and sustainable solutions, I was really happy that synchronicity put us in this location, and so close to the Enryakuji Temple on Mt. Hiei, the claimed birthplace of Japanese Buddhism, and home to the World Peace Bell. The community is quite quiet, which may be a challenge for those preferring to be close to 'the action' of a location, but ideal for those who are okay having evenings in a quiet location, but still close enough to Kyoto to enjoy some part of the evening nightlife.

Stayed in July 2025

Nothing I had an excellent stay

Johnni was an excellent host. The house was fantastic it was super clean and Johnny even laughed at my jokes.

Stayed in June 2025

I stayed three nights at Jonni's place and enjoyed it very much: the hosting, the accommodation and especially the area, Sakomoto. Sakomoto feels like a cozy village and I spent a whole day exploring the area. It is very peaceful. The evenings I spend in the bar/restaurant Nanami, suggested by Jonni, was the best experience of my Japan trip. Kyoto is only a 15 minutes ride away, Osaka a 45 minutes ride (hourly), the corresponding station about 20 minutes to walk (which I always enjoyed). Anything is available in Sakomoto but partially also some walk away. Jonni is a dignified British gentleman, very nice, very helpful (always offering to give a ride to the station) and I very much enjoyed talking to him and learning about Japan. The accommodation is a private stay but it usually feels close to having the house alone - which makes is absolutely worth the money.

Stayed in June 2025

Little inconvenience

Graceful internal design, clean and roomy house with full of Japanese culture decoration.

Stayed in May 2025

Nothing

We had a great time at Jonni’s place. The house is very cozy, clean and well decorated, our room had a very big window and the bed was confortable. The kitchen has everything you need. Jonni is very fun, kind and helpful, he also drove us from and to the train station. We loved staying at his place and we definetly recommand it.

Stayed in May 2025

Super host! Highly recommend the place

Stayed in April 2025

We had a great time! Jonni is a super funny, kind, and open host. He has a big heart and is incredibly understanding you feel welcome right away. The rooms are clean and comfortable, it's a great place to stay. Jonni, we’re going to miss you! Thanks for all the fun moments and the great vibes. Hope to see you again! Much love, Seniël

Stayed in April 2025

There are no shops in the near proximity of the house, but Jonni warned us about it and it wasn’t a problem

Very nice house, Sakamoto is very lovely and Jonni is a really nice host, we enjoyed our time there a lot

Stayed in November 2024

Nothing, Jonni was a perfect host.

Jonni’s place was fantastic. The house is in a beautiful location in Sakamoto about 15 minute train ride to Kyoto and about a 20 minute walk to the train station. My friend and I agreed that Sakamoto was a great place to get out of the hustle and bustle of Kyoto and it was great to see temples and gardens without huge crowds and in a little town with a super interesting history. There is also a 300 year old soba restaurant which is a must do, a cute coffee shop 5 minute walk up the road as well as the longest cable car in Japan located in Sakamoto. Jonni picked us up and dropped us back to the train station, as well as took us to the convenience store if we needed anything. The price we paid was super reasonable especially for the amenities Jonni provided, and he is such a kind and caring host. Would highly recommend his place to anyone.

Stayed in November 2024

Jonni was a great, and helped with anything I needed. His place is very clean and welcoming. I highly recommend

Stayed in November 2024

Jonni was an incredible host. Like the other reviews say, he’s very kind and even picked us up from the local station! He let us know what was going on in sakamoto during our stay and we got to enjoy a lights event at the shrines. If you’re looking for somewhere to stay and check out Kyoto this is perfect! The rooms are spacious and much more affordable than anything directly in Kyoto. Enjoy the scenery, have breakfast at La Alberca up the street, and enjoy Sakamoto. :)

Stayed in November 2024

Nothing to mention.

Great experience, kind and funny host (ask for the location of very old soba restaurant! :)))

Stayed in August 2024

Everything: great place, the host who knew everything, especially how to get to and from his place. Even better than google or Apple Maps. The hotel room before I stayed at Jonni’s place was half the size but double the price. Jonni even drove me from the train station to his place and then back to the station! The location is very peaceful and quiet. And kitchen is first rate!

Stayed in August 2024

There aren't many restaurants in the near vicinity of Jonni's place. There are a few for lunch and a really great local cafe for breakfast but for dinner we cooked for ourselves at his. This totally wasn't an issue as we had eaten out lots over the previous few days but just something to be aware of.

Jonni was a fantastic host and really looked after us, even picking us up and dropping us off at the train station! He also took us to a beautiful temple and pointed out many of the highlights of Sakamoto to us. We visited Sakamoto between Kyoto and Osaka, having already visited Tokyo and it was a really welcome relief from the busyness and heat of the cities (end of July in the hottest July on record). Sakamoto is really accessible from Kyoto, about 15 minute train and it was great to get out into the countryside. The old part of Sakamoto is really beautiful with lots of nice temples and shrines. We really appreciated dipping our feet in the river to cool off and also took the cablecar/railway and then hiked to the top of Hiei mountain which was a lovely day out and cool enough in the forest and at that altitude to be able to do it even in the peak of summer. Generally a really great couple of days.

Stayed in August 2024

Jonni is a wonderful host, very helpful and has a very cosy guesthouse. If you want to visit the Sakamoto area and Biwa lake without the crowds of tourists, that’s a nice option

Stayed in May 2024

Jonni was a wonderful host. He went far beyond the call of duty to make us feel at home and gave us an amazing week long stay in a beautiful town called Sakamoto in his lovely house. Okini Jonni. Dōmo arigatōgozaímasu!

Stayed in May 2024

Nada

Loved the location, remote from the city center but calm and close to the Hieizan. Jonni is an amazing host, looking after his guest and beyond my expectations! Great experience!

Stayed in May 2024

The place is really nice and the owner entrate in you with many practical advise. I will come back for sure if I’ll be back to Japan in the next future. Many thanks Jonny!;)

Stayed in March 2024

The fact I couldn’t stay longer.

The house was always kept in an orderly manner.

Stayed in March 2024

The host is amazing, he is funny and very helpful. He made our stay very good. Very nice place highly recommended 👌

Stayed in April 2024

Was a very nice stay and Jonni is a really great and fun person who knows a lot about the area and Japan in general

Stayed in April 2024

He provides each and everything even pickup and drop without payments. When ever you need any guides for travelling and other either on call or other he was available.

He is a very gentle and wise person. He is helping in nature. His Home had the very best facilities.

Stayed in April 2024

It's far from really any food / bar / thing to do at night. It's a pretty far walk to anywhere open past 8p and there are no taxis / uber / go in the neighborhood. Would have been nice to go out for a drink or to eat, but if you're traveling to sakamoto to see the sights it's no problem, just get to bed early and enjoy the day instead!

Jonni is a really great host, he's very relaxed, kind and accommodating. The neighborhood around his house is absolutely stunning during the day, great to walk around in.

Stayed in March 2024

I recently had the pleasure of staying at a delightful holiday home near Kyoto (in a city called Sakamoto), and I couldn't have asked for a more enchanting experience. From the moment I arrived, the owner, Joni, went above and beyond to ensure my stay was not only comfortable but also culturally enriching. One of the standout features of my visit was Joni's thoughtful gesture of picking me up and dropping me off at the train station. This small touch made my arrival and departure seamless and added a personal touch to the overall experience. What truly set this holiday home apart, however, was Joni's willingness to share invaluable insights into Japanese cultural norms. His tips were not only helpful but also enhanced my understanding and appreciation of the local customs. I had my birthday recently, and he even left an origami swan wishing me :D. While the holiday home is a 30-60 minute journey from Kyoto, I found the seclusion to be a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of the city. The location provided a perfect balance, allowing for a peaceful retreat while still being within reach of Kyoto's attractions. In fact, the proximity to less crowded temples and a breathtaking bamboo forest just a minute away from the house made it a hidden gem worth exploring. Joni's attentiveness was exceptional. When I encountered Wifi issues on the first night, he promptly had it resolved by the next day, ensuring I stayed connected throughout my stay. My room was well-equipped with a heater and a heated blanket, adding an extra layer of comfort during the chilly evenings. In summary, my stay at this holiday home was nothing short of perfect. Joni's hospitality, coupled with the serene surroundings and thoughtful amenities, made it a memorable experience. I wholeheartedly recommend this accommodation to anyone seeking a tranquil escape with a touch of cultural richness.

Stayed in November 2023