“Lovely minshuku for a really traditional experience”

The dinner was SO delicious. Lovely hosts and the room was great. We had a great stay

Very nice people. You can have traditional diner and breakfast (very good) for additional money. We had a wonderful time.

“The couple that runs it are wonderful hosts, dinner and breakfast were excellent!”

Unique old house, a bit run down yet very charming

We enjoyed the beautiful countryside and the wonderful views from the minshuku. The food was very good with many local ingredients. We were very full! The staff was very kind and welcoming. They even picked us up at the station and dropped us off again the next morning.

Fantastic owner, amazing dinner and breakfast and private onsen Thank you for your warm hospitality

“Authentic stay with a hospitable family surrounded by nature.”

We had an amazing stay at Minshuku Sawaguchi! We loved the heartwarming hospitality, the authentic experience of being hosted in a place with so much history surrounded by the sounds of nature! The ryokan is run by an old couple, the 95 year old mother of the owner lives at the premises and they were very hospitable and friendly with us even though we didn’t speak Japanese. We enjoyed our room at the first floor with a view of the fish pond and nature and the traditional Japanese tatami beds with hemp husk pillows. We took special delight to bath in the onsen bath and enjoyed the home cooked extremely delicious and abundant that was prepared with great skill and care by the owners. We were very touched to be able to spend two nights at such a special place and are very grateful that we booked this ryokan and were able to experience the rural Japanese culture.

“Lovely old lodge in quiet countryside location on a mountain foothill”

Welcoming, friendly staff. Fantastic traditional meals. Like staying at your grandmas house on the countryside.

“Unique stay”

The house is so amazing - it’s old, traditional and very cosy. It’s in the mountains but the owners kindly offered to pick us up and drop us off at the train station. The owners are exceptionally kind. Staying here feels like walking into your own home - it’s very cosy and welcoming. Dinner was amazing, they cooked so many different dishes for us and it was all incredibly delicious. They have a wooden bath / onsen for after dinner which was a lovely surprise.

“Great traditional simple and quiet stay. We were there wnd of April and it was cold outside. The rooms were heated. We w”

Nestled in the Kiso valley. Authentic traditional home stay with a lovely couple. Not fancy if that’s what you’re after and yet very comfortable. sleeping on futons on tatami. Beautiful japanese dinner & breakfast homemade. Must have a car to get there easily.

“Incredibly authentic stay at a Japanese grandma”

“Old building, great food and experience.”

Dinner and breakfast were the highlight of the stay.

A very special place. Such a nice and welcoming couple. The place is super clean and beyond beautiful. And the food was excellent! Definitely recommend. :-)

“Great to experience countryside experience of japan.”

The hosts (husband/wife) were extremely friendly and welcoming. She can speak a little English and was fun hearing about the history of the home. The breakfast and dinner meals were amazing -- they were local dishes and had a very homey feel.

A unique traditional Japanese farming living experience. They are set up for walkers. The hostess was very kind and hospitable. The bedding was very comfortable. I unfortunately became very sick after drinking the clear mountain water the day before. ( I have it on good authority that you shouldn't do this if you aren't used to it.) The hosts were very caring and went out of their way to find me medication.

“A wonderful refuge in the high hills - unique in our experience and never to be forgotten.”

Location was excellent, with superb views across high-hill, wood and valley. All food provided was well-prepared, interesting and delicious. The house itself is large and very atmospheric - unique in our experience and never to be forgotten.

“This was a genuine Japanese experience tucked into the mountains of Kisu valley, hosted by an old but very friendly and”

This really is a genuine Japanese experience, with the Minshuku tucked into the hillside of Kisu valley. We booked here for its proximity to Atera Valley and Tsumago Juku, and we were able to see both in one afternoon. The food at the Minshuku was also very good and filling, with local ingredients and game (they fed us wild venison and even bear). The private onsen is also top-notch.

“Magical authentic ryokan bliss”

Outstanding stay Very friendly and wonderful food Utterly unique

“Wonderful authentic experience”

The hosts are amazing couple who enjoy interacting and indulging young travellers . We felt at home from the moment we walked in. The location is very special on a top of a mountain (must have a car to get there) surrounded by greenery and flowers. The house itself is quite old but well maintained and reserved. Dinner and breakfast served were the top of the stay there with special traditional dining and delicious fresh food. For dinner we had small bbq along with hot pot, serving fresh meat and fish. Breakfast was rich with most delicious tamago, fish and soup. The view is spectacular and it feels like a dream.

“Traditional stay in the hills of Kiso Valley”

Traditional Japanese Ryokan. The hosts were very welcoming and provided an authentic experience. Based in the hills of Agematsu. The stay was perfect for our walk through the Nakasendo. Both dinner and breakfast were delicious and substantial.

“The real amazing Japanese experience”

We had a very nice stay the host was amazingly helpful and nice, the food was exceptional. good experience to those who wish to escape the big cities.