I made a pilgrimage to the Kumano Kodo and this was the first accommodation on my way and also the best. If you have managed the climb on the first day, treat yourself a little at the Kirinosato Takahara. You have a fantastic view of the mountains and the host looks after you very well. The food was great and special customer requests are taken into account. There is dinner, breakfast and a lunch box for the way. There are only a few vending machines at the rest point in town. There is not much else in town except beautiful views. I have never had accommodation like this on the Way of St. James.

This was a most magical experience! Quite possibly the best accommodation I've ever stayed in. The host is absolutely delightful - he and his team couldn't be more welcoming after a long hot day of hiking. The dinner and breakfast were beautifully designed and considered - delicious AND a cultural experience as we relaxed in the comfy yukatas provided. The host has a fantastic eye for interiors and has given it a stylish aesthetic. I changed my itinerary to ensure we could stay here and I'm so glad I did. Highly recommend!

Such an enchanting place, staying here was an experience I’ll never forget. Right on the Kumano Kodo trail, with stunning mountain and valley views from the rooms, onsen, and dining room. It took me about two hours to hike here from Takijiri. I arrived a bit early and was able to order lunch from the kitchen and eat on the picturesque patio, then go in the onsen right when it opened at 3. There was a toilet and sink in the room, showers were communal in the onsen. Watching the sunset on the room’s patio was a highlight. Dinner and breakfast were delicious and prepared with great care by the lovely staff. Be sure to order the bento lunch if you’re hiking the next day, it will be waiting for you at breakfast. Also you can arrange ahead of time to have your luggage sent from inn to inn so you can just hike with a day pack; that was so worth it. A magical place that I hope to return to!

As an early eater/sleeper, I’d prefer the option to eat dinner at 6 or 6:30 vs 7, but that’s just me.

We had such an amazing stay at Kirinosato Takahara. A magical location high up in the mountains only metres from the Kumono Kudo trail . Jian and his wife and staff were awesome . So friendly and accommodating. The food was the best we’ve had in Japan . All organic and home made . I’m pescatarian and they catered for my dietary needs . The home made warm bread for breakfast with home made plum jam was to die for as was the banana bread . They also prepared a bento box for our trek that day The beds were very comfortable and the onsen was clean and had everything we needed Will definitely return !!

Nothing

Warm welcoming host when we arrived from a short sweaty hike from Takijiri. Spacey room with a splendid view, nice common/dining area, relaxing and nice shower and onsen. Everything including the building had a genuine and robust feel. Lovely building. Washing machine available. Would definitely stay here again and will recommend it to friends and family :)

The food portions could have been bigger, didn't get full after dinner or breakfast so bring snacks. All the food was superb and delicious though! Better than any restaurant in the cities!

Amazing place to stay. The views from the balcony are breathtaking, even more so with a cold draught beer after a hike. The staff were all so welcoming and friendly. There were so many spaces to sit and relax and things to look at. The owner was such a warm, funny guy that entertained everyone. The dinner was one of the best meals I've had in Japan and the breakfast was also great. Room was very comfortable with a stunning a view. I would highly recommend. Best place we've stayed at so far.

Such a wonderful and memorable experience! The owner puts so much thought and care into providing everyone with a great evening. Dinner was social (I was traveling alone and was introduced to other guests doing the same so that we had the option to eat together, which we did!) and the food was exceptional and fresh! The views at this hotel are some of the best I've ever seen. I'm not a morning person but the sunrise here is unmatched, the fog creeping out of the valley below is truly stunning.

n/a - Sad I didn't get to enjoy breakfast with everyone but that was my own fault as I needed to hit the trail at sunrise.

I love the design of the room which is very cozy and modern. The location is right at the center of Takahara and looking out the window, we can appreciate the whole Mountain View. I also love the foods. The host is very kind and accommodating that they agree to help us ship a package which is outside the service they listed to provide.

Nothing! Except the room is a little bit cold when we first enter.

It’s a beautiful and cozy place, up in the Takahara hills. The views were great and the food exceptional, but both were topped by the hospitality which was outstanding. The owners helped steer us in the right directions for hiking and even picked us up from the bus station down the hill after a long day’s hike. We had to leave very early our last day, and they arranged to make us coffee and a go-to sandwich. It’s a magical place, especially if you’re in a Kumano Kodo frame of mind. This is not a western style hotel, it’s cozy and charming and rugged. We loved it, and only regretted that the rest of our family could not be there to enjoy it with us.

I regret even saying it, because we loved the place so much, but the western style bed was just ok in terms of comfort.

Wonderful friendly and accommodating staff. Beautifully located with the most incredible view. Pleasant rooms, good food, everything you could want.

I got there early. This was my luxury stay and I wanted to take my time. The onsen wasn't hot until about half six, which was disappointing. I looked at the outside onsen thinking perhaps I could fill it with hot water from the tap, but when I was there it was full of spiders having been unused for months.