We had a fantastic time at this minshuku, and we were very lucky with our room, which looked out on a small garden with a little pond. The staff was very helpful, and between their efforts speaking English, our broken Japanese, and google translate, we were able to understand each other fine. This minshuku has shared toilets and shared bathrooms (men and women separated) and onsen facilities that are tattoo friendly. The food was great, the environment stunning, and laying out and sleeping on a futon gave our stay a truly authentic feel. We hope to visit again sometime during future Japan travels.

We really enjoyed our stay and there wasn't anything we did not like, but I can imagine that the shared bathrooms and the futons may be off-putting for some.

This is the perfect escape from the city bustle of Kyoto and a good place to experience a Ryokan (Traditional Japanese Guesthouse). Public transport to Ohara is easy, although the bus to Ohara station was crowded. The place was clean, the staff was helpful, and the outdoor onsen was really nice! The hot-pot dinners are very traditional and delicious. Day-time activities include Jakko-in temple and Mount Hiei with the Eizan cable car. In summary, you should choose this to get an authentic Ryokan experience at a decent price.

Being an older Ryokan, the rooms are unfortunately a bit poorly ventilated so the air can be a bit humid. Don’t dry your Towels in the room, then you’ll be fine.

I liked a lot the easy going vibe, the pace is very calm, and the place is unbeatable. The steep mountain is literally welcoming you every day in the main courtyard. It is a very complete experience to retreat and relax surrounded by the nature and Japanese customs. I also appreciate the effort put on organising the dinners and breakfasts, with flexibility for those who wanted a more westernish version. In definitive, a formidable and rich experience of rural Japan.

There were some seminars on the weekend that could have been announced in advance. It was not a trouble or anything like that, but would be good to be aware since during those are happening (in the main lunch hall) you are kindly asked to please not open the curtains that look into the courtyard. In addition, if you are allergic to dust mites I recommend you taking antihistamine pills before going to sleep. The place can be very dusty since there is a lot of humidity and it is basically in the nature. All things said, more cleaning can always be better, but this is not a dirty place or anything like that.

Amazing location and the staff were terrific! Traditional nabe (hot pot) for dinner was exceptional - great flavour and plenty of extras (especially the locally made miso pastes!) Onsen was clean and provided indoor and outdoor pools with real/natural mineralised water. Beautiful setting and surroundings. Very close to shrines and temples with incredible gardens and scenery. I can't recommend this place highly enough!

Rooms were a little run down (needs a mild makeover). But still clean and tidy.

This is a very unique, traditional type of accommodation and non-Japanese guests who are open-minded and pay attention to the cues and information from the staff about how things work will have a wonderfully memorable time. This is not an impersonal contemporary hotel: guests necessarily interact a bit with one another and the staff and your schedule will also be led by the dining, bathing, and lights out hours. It is a beautiful building and garden set in a very beautiful area with lovely walks and tearooms, and if you can manage the journey to the village and are willing to go along with the experience, you will be left with a feeling of tranquillity. The miso varieties were incredibly delicious and the different elements of the dinner and breakfast were explained very thoroughly and were very fresh. LGBTQ guests will feel welcomed here. - Although it creates a bit more washing up, it would be great if you could offer an additional separate pot at dinner for groups/couples who inform the accommodation in advance that they are a mixture of meat-eating and non-meat-eating guests. This allows guests to avoid the awkward predicament of finding a consensus between the options of everyone at the table eating vegetarian and the vegetarian(s) in the group cooking their hotpot in broth with meat. The dinner is otherwise very easily made vegan/vegetarian friendly, with ample fresh vegetables on offer.

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Authentic feel- tatami mats, different slippers for everything, Onsen with clear self-guided options, dinner and breakfast delicious with home made miso pastes. Shuttle service , reliable support from the owner explaining bus schedules, kindness in general. Lovely location for exploring nature and gorgeous temples within walking distance.

The pillow was hard. Maybe I should have asked for another one. Walls were thin but people were quiet.

It was our first stay in a traditional japanese onsen, and it was amazing. Our room had a nice view to the forest and the small garden. At night it was calm, just nice "forest noises", what was relaxing after Kyoto. Everything is clean and tidy, the personell is kind. The onsen has 3 pools for men, and 3 separate for women, the water is clean and hot. So many tourists... The food was also traditional, you can try out japanesen breakfast and local specialities. Ohara is a beautiful village with many shrines and temples, you can go hiking and easily go around on foot. I would definitely go back one day, we had a great time.

The meals were superb, there were several ways to enjoy the food and each one is complimented by a stunning view. The location in Ohara makes this Ryokan the perfect place to stay for those visiting the nearby shrines and immersing oneself in Japanese tradition.

There was limited space in the hot springs, meaning men and women were only able to use the hot springs every second hour. This means that you may have to wait up to an hour to use the hot springs and opportunities to use the hot springs in the morning will clash with breakfast and checkout times for some.

this was my second stay because I like it very much. It is a traditional building with very nice onsen, including the rotenburo (the bath outside), good food and reasonable price. I came before the Autumn season so there were not too many people, the room was great with the view on the inner garden. The staff is very friendly. The dinner and breakfast are traditional Japanese meals, so do not expect coffee and toasts. The house is a bit old, but that is the whole charm. The walk to the bus stop, around 15min. is great, among the fields and the old type of village, the countryside. Very quite at night, only the sound of the stream.

Nothing for me to complain.

The inn is nestled on a narrow mountain road in the village. The owner and staff greeted us and made us feel comfortable from the start. The food is meticulously prepared and is delicious. Locally grown vegetables, mushrooms, homemade pickle, and potato noodles were sweet and crunchy! The rooms are traditional tatami mat with sliding doors. The view from any window is of the wooded areas, gardens, and village views. The natural onsen hot spring pools are a great way to relax at the end of the day after exploring Kyoto. We wish we could stay longer and hope to return soon.