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.

-Very nice owner, who kindly waited for us to get from the trail, we were 20 minutes late. -Amazing view -Great dinner -the onsen was a nice bonus This is not the fault of the hotel or the staff, but the hotel is surrounded by nature and quite open to it. This meant a large huntsman spider in the room and another one in the hallway after dinner. Staff helped us with both (although I do wish the owner did not mention/slightly jest about it each time he saw me). This is just meant as a heads up to fellow arachnophobes out there.

We did not find the place to be that clean. The room was quite dusty, especially around the decorations, with spider webs in the corners of the walls and some dead insects behind the stackable nightstands. The toilet had black water marks and the bidet wand was quite dirty. Given the price, we assumed a cleaner place, especially as the following night's hostel was impeccable at a third of the price.

Kirinosato Takahara is located along the Kumano Kodo and offers a breathtaking view of the mountains. Our entire experience was wonderful—our only regret was not staying longer. The interior of the house features mostly wood and high ceilings, which created a warm and inviting atmosphere. Our room was clean and well-equipped with everything we needed. The onsen experience was especially peaceful—soaking in the hot spring while overlooking the mountains was truly unforgettable. What made our stay truly special, however, was the warmth and attentiveness of the hosts. They went out of their way to ensure we felt comfortable and had everything we needed. The food was delicious and perfectly satisfying after a day of hiking. I sincerely hope to return in the future.

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.

Everyone was great. They even picked me up from the nearest bus station outside check-in hours because I had some problems with my travel route 🥹 The next morning they drove me back to the station so I can catch my bus! The place was beautiful, homey, cozy. The view from the rooms and the onsen was stunning. The food was also delicious - perfect portions, perfectly cooked and salted, simply amazing! And the other people who stayed there were also very nice!

Nothing, everything was perfect!

I seldom rate a 10 but Kirinosato Takahara deserves it hands down! No wonder it’s not easy to get a room here, because it always got booked out. There’s a lot of passion and heart put by the whole team led by Jian into making guests feel happy and comfortable - from the hospitality, attention to details, great food (muy delicioso!) and ambiance. The onsen is clean and of hotel standard. It’s not cheap to stay here but I got my money worth and more!

Nothing. That’s why it’s a perfect 10.

This place is truly magical. It’s located in the first village on the kumano trail, so it’s perfect for those people who wants to do the short hike on the first day. The host and his wife are amazing and were so friendly that we felt like home straight away. They serve the dinner and breakfast and so far it was the most amazing meals we had during Kumano experience. Not to forget the view and magic mist we saw on the evening. Thank you so much guys and all the best for you!

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I enjoyed it a lot! The host is fantastic with a good sense of humor. We really enjoyed the stay there! The food was fantastic. They made perfect adjustments for my food because of my allergy. The view is perfect, we enjoyed the nice pink sunset while having dinner. The homemade plum wine is nice too! Just can’t have enough. After a long day walk, this hotel has everything that I need and surprised me with its warm and friendly staff and high standards.

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 !!

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