Owner is beyond amazing. The definition of the extreme hospitality you’ll find in Nikko! Even though breakfast is not included, she made us the most wonderful breakfast including fresh persimmons from her own tree! Even gave us small gifts that she made herself! House is beautiful and very well maintained. Super clean! Cleanest hostel / home share I have ever been to. Rooms are massive! Large living space and a separate large bedroom all to yourself. Plus the shared kitchen and washrooms. And location is great! Super close to the Train station / main bus loop, but far enough to be nice and quiet!

Unfortunately, even though it is a non-smoking property, the common space smelt very strongly of cigarettes. A combination of the smoking space out on the upper patio and I’m guessing either the owner or her husband(?) smoking out front and the smoke getting in through the doors was the reason for it. Thankfully we could not smell it in the rooms much. Futons were only ok. I love a good futon, but it has to be super plush for me. These ones were a little too thin, so I was having some pain while sleeping. But not the worst I’ve slept in. Honestly, I was a little bummed about these two points, because I really enjoyed staying at this property otherwise.

We had a lovely stay and this was largely down to the owner Mariko who was so welcoming and helpful during our stay. She made us a wonderful breakfast and gave us handmade gifts when we left. The room was large and clean, and the futons had a heated blanket underneath- perfect for the time of year we went. The house is within walking distance to the train station and bus stops so it was all very easy to get around and see all the sights. Nikko was one of the most magical places we have experienced on our trip so far. I would choose this type of stay over a hotel any day, it was much more memorable.

The futons were a little too hard for my husband. I slept ok on them.

Thank you, Mariko for a wonderful stay! We stayed her for one night night and Mariko’s exceptional hospitality was very much present from start to finish. Everything is very clean and well thought out. We received a complimentary breakfast which was delicious and little gifts she did make herself which we very much appreciated. I would recommend staying here to anyone visiting the Nikko area as great stay and super convenient location. The host also takes time to talk you through all attractions with handy maps being available, which tickets to buy and buses to take. Thank you again, Mariko for everything you did for us - such a pleasure meeting such a hospitable and kind person!

Our bookings doesn’t include any breakfast but the owner was very friendly and made us fruitful breakfast everyday. She provided very helpful tourist information when we arrived.

There was only 1 bathroom where 3 families/groups are sharing one. The other thing is that the quilt and bedding were a bit worn out and pilling, causing slight itchiness. but overall the facilities and commdity provided is sufficient and additional.

The owner is very friendly and helpful. She showed us places where we could eat and gave us a map with the bus timetable. Rooms are spacious, beds are comfy. I think it was my best sleep in any hotel I have ever stayed in. There is also an electric heater under the futon, if you need one. Just like other reviewers mentioned, In the morning we were given a breakfast that was not included in the price. It contained meat, bread, multiple vegetables and fruits. Again, the best breakfast I ever had.

We loved this hostel! Absolutely amazing!! The hostess was exceptionally nice! She provided maps and suggestions, bus schedules on where we would go. She made us breakfast (giant breakfast that we couldn’t finish) and also made us handmade Japanese gifts! Place was very clean and cozy. Futon beds were super comfy that we slept like a baby!

None. Everything was perfect

A great experience to stay in a Japanese abode. Owners are friendly and very helpful. She prepared breakfast daily for us even though it's not in the contract. We are Muslims, and she clarified what we will not consume. She also helped us with brochures on places of interests. Very friendly and location is convenient.

Sleeping quarters on level 2. Lugging heavy bags up / down the stairs. But I guess it will be the same in other houses too. Sorry this is not a complaint. Just what we did hv a bit of a challenge to do.

My friend and I had the most amazing time at Stay house Arai. Our room was very clean, comfortable and cozy. Mariko was an incredibly nice host, gave us a lot of information on how to get around Nikko and great recommendations on things to do and places to eat. She also surprised us with an amazing breakfast and some super cute little charms and origami as gifts. The only downside: we ended up regretting only staying for two nights! Would definitely book again.

It is a Japanese traditional house homestay with tatami which located only 5 mins walk from the train station. We got a big room as there were 4 of us. The room is spacious which is sufficient to open all of our luggages. The owner Mariko-san is very friendly as she took good care of us. She drove us to the bridge and prepared different types of breakfast for 2 days. She also gave us souvenirs which made by herself. We felt like home throughout our stay.

There is only one bathroom and need to queue to shower when all guests are back.

The host, Mariko, was incredibly friendly and helpful. We were fortunate enough to enjoy some of the best breakfasts I've ever eaten, with an amazing variety of components. Mariko also accommodated my vegetarian partner's needs for breakfast. She also gave us a lift to a restaurant for dinner one evening when it was a bit further away.

The tatami mats and pillows were not the comfiest.