Everything was great

It was an absolutely unique experience to stay in an old traditional japanese house /all japanese art included, kimono, swords, furniture, games/ hosted by well educated Hideo very nice gentleman, who showed us around the house, also prepared us a cup of tea in traditional way, and we chatted about everything. Recommended to everyone who is tired of anonymous hotels and likes to meet local people.

Stayed in August 2025

The location is not close to Kurashiki Station or the tourist areas of Kurashiki. However, it is about a 20 minute taxi ride from either. It is also accessible by bus and a short walk.

It was quite spacious, which was necessary for our group of 10. The appliances are modern. The host was very gracious and helpful. He helped us to get groceries the first night. He treated us to a traditional Japanese tea ceremony.

Stayed in July 2025

We stayed at the most beautiful old house at the bottom of a hill. Bus stop 1 km away. Very clean. Nice beds. Everything you need for cooking and staying at the house. The host was kind, the most gracious host we ever encountered. Can not give him enough recommendations. 20/10! If you ever want to see Japan and visit a site outside the big citys, this is the house to book. Train ride from Okayama. Grocery shopping down the street. Walk 1,5km and you will find a big grocery store.

Stayed in July 2025

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Staying at Hideo-sans house was a special experience! We (one grandma, two parents and three children) got to spend time with Hideo, who took us on a tour around the old town, and taught us how to make Sushi. The house itself is beautiful, spacious, interesting, comfortable, clean and great fun! We enjoyed playing the dragon ball game. We didn’t know what to expect before coming to Japan, and this was such a great experience, we highly recommend it to all. Thank you Hideo san!

Stayed in May 2025

It's a pity we could only stay one night! Staying in such big, old house was one of our best experiences in Japan, something very unique and memorable. It also had everything we needed, so the stay was both interesting and comfortable. We had a lot of fun just looking around and admiring beautiful stuff placed in the house, such as mesmerizing kimono and even a koto. The area around the house was also very picturesque. But what really highlited our stay, was the hospitality of the host, Mr. Hideo. Not only has he waited for us at the bus stop, but also showed us around, introduced us to local cuisine, took us up the mountain to let us see the breathtaking nightview and much more. All of us had a really good chat, which felt as if the language barrier didn't exist at all. Google translate is really convenient! We also participated in tea ceremony he prepared just for us, which let us experience Japanese culture even more. Mr Hideo's great help and hospitality was something we did not expect but what really made our stay memorable. The night in this house became our precious memory and we highly recommend you to give it a try too!!

Stayed in April 2025

It was all great.

Historical, Hideo was fantastic. Restful and clean.

Stayed in April 2025

The owner was very attentive! Our stay was fabulous 😁✌️

Stayed in April 2025

We had a fabulous stay, found the beds extremely comfortable! The 102 year old house is positioned in a quiet area about 20 min from central Kurashiki and has modern amenities such as a TV projector and heat pumps. The host, who is staying in the property next door, went over and beyond ensure we had a pleasant stay and provided great recommendations, even booked a dinner venue for us! We would highly recommend staying at Retreat Kobayashi, especially if you want to experience more authentic side of Japan.

Stayed in March 2025

As it's a huge property and is built 100 years ago, it's understandable that some areas are not very well insulated. Heating is available in rooms, but hallways can be a bit cold in winter.

Huge property. The host communicates efficiently with us prior to us arriving. The host is managing the property very well. He lives next door which can be very handy if you get any problem. He even hosts a Japanese tea ceremony and introduces us to this tradition. Although he doesn't speak English very well, he is very patient and uses translation apps to communicate with us.

Stayed in January 2025

NIL

"Thank you so much for your warm hospitality and the wonderful experience in your traditional Japanese home. We truly appreciated your attention to detail, and all the thoughtful touches made our stay comfortable and memorable. Staying in such a unique, traditional setting added so much depth to our trip, and we’re grateful for the opportunity to experience this authentic side of Japan. Thank you for being such a gracious host!"

Stayed in November 2024

This is very great vaule to stay, large living space, good location between Kurashiki central 倉敷美觀地區 and 瀨戶大橋/鷲羽山展望台. About 30~40 minutes drive from Okayama airport. There is park and science center around house area, easy to access. The house owner is very nice and helpful, friendly to kids. This is old building over 100 years, very carefully maintained by owner, in good condition. Be well prepared if you are very sensitive to fine dust and antique furniture.

Stayed in November 2024

Nothing for us

Our family of four really enjoyed one night stay at this well maintained old traditional Japanese house. The host showed great hospitality by introducing Japanese culture and explaining house renovations he did himself to the house. We communicated in basic Japanese but to a large extent managed to use Google Translate to understand each other. The property is out of town but it was perfect for us with a rented car. It was the first time our family stayed in such a Japanese accommodation. It was a unique and unforgettable experience for all of us. We appreciated the parting gift of an apple pie. It was yummy.

Stayed in November 2024

The owner is so helpful and feels like family

Stayed in November 2024

Everything was great.

A welcoming and knowledgeable host, who made our stay special and memorable. Everything at the property was top notch and well thought out. If you are travelling with a family and want a unique and authentic experience of Japanese culture, we would highly advice this host.

Stayed in May 2025

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Stayed in January 2025

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Stayed in October 2024