“Nice choice in a picturesque town.”

Location, traditional feel of hostel. It was not difficult to find parking, even during festival time, plus being able to drop off and pick up next to the hostel.

“Satisfactory - will probably choose to stay there again if I visit Gujohachiman again in the future.”

Self-catering. The kitchen was well-equipped with everything needed to prepare your own meals. Very good location - in a quiet area within walking distance of all the sights and the main bus stop. Thank you Seiko-san!

“Cosy home with cute cats”

Authentic ryokan home, comfortable bed and writing desk. There are two adorable cats who like to miao and play. Gujo Hachiman itself is a quaint town, some of the restaurants were closed for dinner when I was there but there were still some good lunch places. The kitchen and dining area are convenient to use and I prepared dinner one night.

“One of my favorite stays in Japan in 6 weeks!”

It was such a nice place that I wish I have stayed longer than 2 nights! You stay in typical Japanese house, with a very friendly owner and her lovely cats. Great place and great location.

I had a wonderful stay at Machiyado! Seiko (the owner) is a lovely person, and her cats are the nicest I've ever met. The place is very well maintained, incredibly cozy, clean, and homey.

“Japanese home-like experience”

Kindful staff, cozy mood and good location

“You feel at home in this cosy, clean and traditional hotel.”

As a woman travelling alone, this was the perfect place to stay. With it being a women's only place that made me feel very safe and relaxed, like being at home! The location of the hotel is perfect, you are close to the centre of the town, but just tucked away enough that it is peaceful and quiet. I came for the festival, and the location was perfect for me to quickly go home and pick something up, but far enough away that you cannot hear the music and people to get a good night's sleep. It takes just 5 minutes to walk into the centre. The hotel is also next to a temple and shrine, then just behind that, the forest. It's a very calming place. It is a serve-yourself place, so you can help yourself to tea, snacks and amenities. The fridge is stocked full of sauces and cooking stuff for you to make your own meals should you wish to do so. In the fridge door there was always mugi-cha tea, which was very refreshing. The bathroom is super clean, there is also washer/dryer and detergent should you need to wash anything. There is also a rota for if you wish to reserve the bathroom for a certain time. With it being a women's only place you feel very relaxed in using these facilities. The whole hotel is very clean. The futon and linens are folded so you are welcome to set it up as you please, which I liked. What I loved most is how traditional the hotel is, the rooms have tatami mat flooring, sliding doors, and slippers. You will no doubt meet the owner's cats who are very sweet. Everything is very considered and you will have a very relaxing stay here - I couldn't recommend it more, and I would love to stay again! Bonus: The owner also speaks English, so don't worry if your Japanese isn't up to scratch!