The property is a beautiful 1930s building which has been lovingly maintained. The garden is beautiful and you can sit in the little dining room or on the veranda and soak in the ambience. The building also has little notes explaining design features which I found really charming! The staff were all lovely and happy to chat with you and give suggestions! Language could be a barrier but nothing Google translate couldn’t help with. The breakfast was also delicious and $1000 yen each day which you order the day/night before. Definitely worth it!!

Nothing! This was my favourite place that I stayed in Japan!

Everything was great. We were 1 short because of sickness, but we had already payed and I didn’t even think about asking for money back. But the women who greeted us insisted and talked to bookings so we could get some of the money back for the room. Even do it was the same room we used. Very good breakfast, they held a fun and educating tea ceremony. The room was nice and comfortable. And when we used their washing machine they asked if they could fold our clothes and bring it to our room so we didn’t have to wait for the laundry to be done. We have only good things to say about Inase Otsu Machiya and the staff.

Inase Otsu Machiya Bed and Breakfast is a delightful blend of traditional charm and modern comfort, offering an authentic Japanese stay in a beautifully restored machiya townhouse. The rooms are elegantly designed with tatami floors and sliding doors, creating a serene and cozy atmosphere. The hosts are incredibly warm and attentive, providing exceptional hospitality and personalized recommendations for exploring the area. The breakfast is a highlight, featuring delicious, freshly prepared Japanese dishes that showcase local flavors. Conveniently located near Otsu’s historic sites and just a short train ride from Kyoto, it’s an excellent base for discovering the region. Staying at Inase Otsu is a peaceful and enriching experience that immerses you in the beauty of Japanese culture.

I recently had the pleasure of staying at the classic Inase Otsu Machiya in Japan and it was truly an unforgettable experience. The hosts were incredibly attentive and welcoming, and it was clear that they took great pride in the history and heritage of the property. They went above and beyond to ensure that our stay was as comfortable and enjoyable as possible and were always available to accommodate any requests or needs that we had. The Machiya itself was impeccably clean and comfortable, and it was the perfect size for two people. The attention to detail was apparent throughout, from the beautiful traditional Japanese decor to the thoughtful amenities provided. The view from the property was also stunning and added to the overall charm of the place. One of the highlights of our stay was the delicious and perfectly prepared breakfast that was provided each morning. It was a wonderful way to start the day and added to the overall experience. I would highly recommend the Inase Otsu Machiya to anyone looking for a unique and authentic Japanese experience. Thank you to the hosts for making our stay so enjoyable and memorable. We truly appreciated your hospitality and attention to detail and will cherish the memories of our time at the Machiya for years to come.

As a guest, I felt incredibly lucky to have the opportunity to stay in such a special place. It was a true privilege to experience the tranquility and beauty of the Machiya, and I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a truly authentic and memorable Japanese experience. Overall, I would highly recommend the Inase Otsu Machiya to anyone looking for a one-of-a-kind accommodation in Japan. The attention to detail, preservation of the Machiya's identity, and overall experience were all truly exceptional. Thank you to the owners for maintaining such a special and wonderful place.

Honestly, my biggest regret is not staying longer. This was hands down the best place I stayed during my trip to Japan. The owner and his wife were so kind and wonderful, and the staff were just as lovely—super helpful and friendly. A day before my stay, I even got invited to a tea ceremony, which turned out to be such a special experience. My room was absolutely beautiful! I’d never stayed in a traditional Japanese-style room before, and I couldn’t have asked for a better first experience. The futon was incredibly soft and cozy—I seriously didn’t want to get out of bed. Everything, from the room to the shower and bath area, was spotless. The house itself is stunning, full of charm and history, and the garden was just gorgeous. Breakfast was also really tasty! I felt so relaxed and at peace during my time there. If you’re thinking about going, definitely stay more than one night. Otsu is such a hidden gem with its amazing shrines and temples—that part of my trip honestly became one of my absolute favorites.

I have no complaints.

One of the best places we have stayed in Japan. This place was mostly out of reach from the hustle and bustle of Kyoto, yet close enough to many other overlooked attractions. The space was very well taken care of, and our hosts had top-notch hospitality. Special thanks to Sachiko-San who took the extra effort to speak with us in English and made us feel at home. Next time we might want to stay here longer to embrace the peace and tranquility of Otsu. Grateful for this stay!

There are no lifts, so you will need to pack light. It would be unwise to lug your big luggage up the stairs and damage the property.

I spent an absolutely perfect rainy weekend here in July. The machiya is beautiful, full of character, and ever so peaceful. So when a torrential rainstorm rolled in, I was very happy to have an excuse to stay indoors and soak up the beauty and atmosphere here. I had a large tatami room with enclosed balcony and a sitting room, and wish I could just move in! Delicious breakfast that kept me going until dinner time. If you’re looking for a taste of traditional, historic Japan with all the mod cons, this is the place to stay!

It was perfect

I loved the general vibe of this place. It's traditional and welcoming. The staff are all extremely kind and helpful. The breakfast was absolutely amazing. If you have not had or tried a more traditional Japanese breakfast then this is the best way to do it. I loved how easy it was to travel into Kyoto from here. It was nice to stay outside the larger hubs.

Loved our stay here - even changed our plans to stay an extra day. The guesthouse is only 20 minutes from Kaito, with a direct train running to Otsu. The guesthouse was so authentic - with a lovely zen garden. The breakfast is a must - we had a traditional Japanese breakfast with salmon, rice and associated condiments. The staff were wonderful - made so many great recommendations - a fabulous local restaurant - great food and amazingly friendly staff. And suggested we go to the beach (on the lake) for a very chilled day. And even dropped us at the train.

Everything was absolutely delightful. People working here were really nice and helpful, the breakfast was amazing, everything is very tasteful and makes you feel like you traveled back in time. The little garden, the bathrooms... everything made me feel comfortable and peaceful.

It was a tiny bit cold in the room, I guess this old building is not really well isolated. But nothing to complain about! I wasn't cold in my bed while sleeping so it was perfect.