“Blissful!”

Amazing place to stay. Very traditional samurai accommodation. Most attractions within walking distance. Onsen bath was very relaxing. Staff were extremely friendly and helpful. Would 100% stay here again.

“Highly recommend !”

Everything ! It was unique, comfortable and far exceeded or expectations

“Wish to come back here again!”

I don’t even know where to start but it was AMAZING! Loved the preserved structures, and little spots within the room with antique features, educating us on how these items were used in the olden days. From the time we entered the place, the staff were attentive and the vibes were emitting zen. The half board food was also needless to say, fantastic. You can tell they put in a lot of care to make the experience 100% for their customers, instead of focusing on turnaround and volume. During our stay (4 pax in 2 rooms) we only saw another couple.

“I absolutely loved the rooms and the staff were exceptional”

It was so special historically and cosy and beautiful. Everything about it was just stunning.

“An Unforgettable Stay in the Heart of Kakunodate”

We stayed at Wanoi Kakunodate for three nights in December 2025 and it was, without a doubt, one of the most unique and memorable accommodation experiences we’ve ever had. The concept itself is something really special — staying in beautifully restored traditional kura (storehouses) scattered throughout Kakunodate’s historic samurai district. Each building has its own story, and the level of care taken in the renovation is simply exquisite. Our storehouse felt like stepping back in time, with thoughtful design elements that reflect its original purpose, while still offering modern comforts like heating, a luxurious bathroom, and all the amenities you could need. We absolutely loved soaking in the history — from the traditional materials and furnishings to the quiet atmosphere of the town itself. The experience is incredibly private and immersive. Having an entire storehouse to yourselves makes it feel less like a hotel stay and more like living in a piece of history. Every detail adds to that sense of authenticity and calm. What truly made our stay, though, was the staff. They were exceptional — warm, attentive, and genuinely invested in making our experience special. Nothing was too much trouble, and they went out of their way to ensure we felt welcome and comfortable throughout our stay. If you’re looking for something beyond the usual hotel experience — something immersive, peaceful, and deeply connected to Japanese history and culture — Wanoi Kakunodate is absolutely worth it. We would return in a heartbeat.

“A unique and wonderful experience in a traditional building with modern facilities… an absolute bargain price for the am”

This is a unique beautiful building… amazing experience with modern facilities… underfloor heating and big bathtub…. Staff were fantastic picking us up and drop off at train station

Living in a heritage, what do you say?

“Beautiful”

It’s gorgeous

missing a teapot

Such a unique stay and an exceptional experience not to be missed!

“Amazing place to stay in Kakunodate”

Amazing hotel, very spacious and cool to spend a night in a traditional samurai house! The staff were very friendly even though we didn’t speak Japanese including picking us up from the station on a rainy day and dropping us back the next morning

“A very relaxing stay. Great for anyone that wants a break from everyday rush”

The spaciousness. Very friendly staff. Great daily breakfast.

“A Unique Experience”

An amazing experience staying in such a unique, historical building. Attentive and helpful staff helped to it make this a memorable stay.

“Fabulous”

This was a once in a lifetime experience. To stay in a beautiful, peaceful, country town in a wood encrusted vintage property with all the comforts of modern living. Learned so much about Japanese culture here. Staff massively helpful-nothing was too much bother. Breakfast was a masterpiece of Japanese bento!

“Had a beautiful day wandering the leafy Samurai streets and museum houses”

The historic building has been modernised but with care to emphasise its origins I loved it. (Most people come by train. It’s owned by Japanese Rail If you come by car it can be tricky to find as you check in through a different hotel near the station )

“A great night in Kakunodate”

A bit expensive but ideally located in Kakunodate. The staff guided us to the house from the JR station. It is big and very comfortable for 2 people. The house is beautiful and feels a bit like being in a museum or an exposition room. They made the effort of changing the breakfast to vegetarian when we asked, which is not very common in Japan and greatly appreciated.

It is such an authentic experience. It was also our first time experiencing snow, so it made the place even cozier. The beds were large and in the Bushigura room we stayed in there were two toilets. The stone bath was so nice to relax in. There were other comments saying that it gets cold in there, but with the underfloor heating on, it felt fine to us. The breakfast was amazing, so be prepared to eat a lot! (I was sick our second morning and felt upset I couldn't eat it.) The staff are amazing and so friendly and helpful, even if we had a bit of trouble communicating.

“Highly recommended! Historic, beautiful and comfortable”

Beautiful historic building, very clean and comfortable, good Japanese breakfast, lots of space, good bathroom facilities with Japanese bath. Staff were so kind, friendly and helpful despite the language barrier

Absolutely smashing. Historic decor perfectly matched with modern amenities. You never end to admire the taste and style of its creators.

“Beautiful traditional storage house transformed into private lodging experience with modern interior design. Exceptional”