The hosts (Thai and his family) make you feel like you are part of the Japanese household. Wonderfully experience

Stayed in August 2025

Nothing - the guesthouse is short drive from Takayama but Tai clearly communicated this to us the moment we booked and it didn't bother us at all, especially as he kindly provides lifts.

Soy Guesthouse was one of the best places we stayed on our honeymoon. The house is beautiful and has a really special atmosphere, with jazz playing in the communal room and a cat sleeping on a chair, and we loved staying in a traditional tatami mat room and having the amazing breakfast looking over the garden. Tai is a fantastic host - picking us from the station and dropping us back into town to explore, booking us dinner in advance as it was the tail end of Golden Week and answering any questions we had. Thank you to the whole family!

Stayed in May 2025

The ONLY thing that some might find to be a downside, is the location of the property. It is more on the outskirts of the city next to the main road/highway into town. Although, rural Japanese highways aren't too busy, so I didn't find any issue with it. The city center/JR station is a good few kilometers from the property, but again, Tai offers a shuttle service whenever you need (if you don't want to walk).

This was a great stay in Takayama. The host and his family make breakfast for you utilizing fresh produce from their town. Very fresh and tasty. They are extremely kind people. For dinner, the host, Tai, offers a shuttle service to and from town, so if you find a place you want to eat at, he will drive you there! He is very approachable and makes sure guests feel comfortable and can reach him if they ever need anything. He says his English isn't good, but it definitely is. As always, google translate is available for more complicated talks. The rooms have fresh tatami mats installed. They smelled so good. The futon and pillows were quite nice as well. Very recommended. Also, Kamikochi is a few hours' bus trip away, for absolutely beautiful views of the surrounding nature.

Stayed in June 2025

Nothing - it was perfect!

We only stayed 1 night here but it was truly a highlight and best place we stayed during our 2-week trip. Tai and his parents run this beautiful guesthouse, and it feels like a home away from home but better. There were so many thoughtful and hospitable moments so all I can say is 10/10 would recommend.

Stayed in May 2025

Tai and his parents were the most welcoming and wonderful hosts. Gracious to the nth degree. It made our stay a fabulous experience in Takayama.

Stayed in May 2025

Tai san was a great host. He went out of his way to make us feel comfortable and taken care of. Breakfast felt so homey and tasted awesome. The room had a rustic charm but with modern comforts. Tara chan (their cat) was super adorable too.

Stayed in May 2025

Nothing! Loved everything

Clean and comfortable accomodation, good vibes!

Stayed in May 2025

Tai and his family are the best hosts! You get to stay in a traditional Japanese house with stunning garden and delicious breakfast. Tai is there to assist with anything you might need during your stay - transportation to town, recommendations, booking the best restaurants, etc. He really takes personal care of all his guests and the level of service is unbeatable! Our room was very spacious, even having an upstairs living room/movie room. Such a wonderful stay, we will definitely be back and recommend to all our friends.

Stayed in May 2025

I have neither complaint nor constructive criticism.

This is a home that welcomes you. The interiors are stunning. The Kogawa gamily are so wonderful and helpful. The breakfast is divine. The cat is hilarious. The shuttle to town is so quick!

Stayed in May 2025

Nothing to fault!

We can't recommend staying here enough! Tai and his family were so kind, accommodating and helpful. The location is about a 10 minute drive from central Takayama and Tai offered each day to drop and collect us, working around our itinerary. The guest house was amazing, the rooms were lovely and the beds were so comfy!! We had the complimentary breakfast which was also amazing! It is an overall great and peaceful experience staying here. We hope to revisit in the future! If we could rate it an 11/10 we would!!!

Stayed in May 2025

The location is slightly inconvenient, but the willingness of the hosts to help with driving makes that less of a problem.

The house is beautifull, Tai and his family are very welcoming and hospitable. The garden is spectacular and young cat Lara quite entertaining.

Stayed in May 2025

I had such a special stay at SOY, it was an amazing experience. Tai and his parents were so welcoming, and every detail of the accommodation was unique. While it is slightly out of the main town, Tai is very accommodating with shuttling wherever you need to go. I also felt safe as a solo female traveller. Please go stay at SOY, you won’t regret it! Thank you Tai for an unforgettable stay, Takayama will stay in my heart for a long time.

Stayed in May 2025

We loved everything—we were treated like friends!

Stayed in May 2025

This was our favourite place to stay in all of Japan! Tai and his family were very welcoming and kind and their place was absolutely beautiful. We had our own car but Tai offered to take us to the city center or wherever we wanted everyday. The japanese breakfast was simply amazing! Overall our stay was spectacular! Thank you so much!

Stayed in May 2025

Was the best japanese experience that we have on our trip. The house is very traditional and beatiful, they have also a nice garden. And the best thing was Tai and his family that take care of us, they were very kind, prepared the best japanese breakfast and help us with everything.

Stayed in April 2025

Service from Tai and his family (including transport service!), beautiful accommodation, lovely breakfast

Stayed in April 2025

Nothing:)

Tai-san and his parents were the best of hosts. The room was comfortable. Breakfast was delicious. Tai-san was always on hand to take us into town and offered suggestions for meal bookings too!

Stayed in May 2025

Location was a little isolated but the shuttle service offered was very helpful.

Tai and his parents were so generous and warm. The perfect hosts. A beautiful cosy hotel. Immaculately clean and the most gorgeously presented and delicious breakfast. A unique Takayama experience.

Stayed in May 2025

Tai is the most amazing host we have ever had in our travels. He is so kind and will help you in any way he can. He will even shuttle you into town so the distance wasn't an issue. The beautiful home, delicious breakfast, comfortable beds and cute cat were just a bonus.

Stayed in May 2025

Superior warmth and service. Just amazing.

Stayed in May 2025

We had such a wonderful stay with Tai and his family. The house is beautiful, the beds are comfy, and we even had our own projector room which was great for watching movies. The breakfast space is lovely and the food is fantastic including the coffee! Tai and his family are so accomodating offering plenty of lifts to town and recommendations for dinner. It was our favourite place to stay of our whole trip.

Stayed in April 2025

Very clean and good service. The owner Tai-san and his family are very nice and helpful with everything. He offered a ride in town and good recommendations on the places we went. Recommended for guests who want to experience cozy Japananese guest house.

Stayed in April 2025

Loved the Japanese breakfast cooked by Tai & family

Stayed in March 2025

No comment.

Extremely hospitable! Tai-san and his family were one of the loveliest people we had the priviledge to meet. Tai-san was super helpful, he even helped us around with finding a vehicle for us to rent. The accomodation also provides a shuttle service with zero charges. The room was extremely clean! We even had small entertainment room where you are to chill and watch movies in. The Breakfast included (we opted for the Japanese menu) was also delicious! A 7-eleven store is of walkable distance too.

Stayed in April 2025