The location of the hotel was beautiful and the facilities were good. The drive up there is very beautiful too.

Stayed in August 2025

The observatory was really impressive and I loved the sento!

Stayed in July 2025

We loved the feeling of being so high up on the mountain. It was a long and charming drive up the winding mountain road with stunning views to this perfect little mountain hut hotel.

Stayed in July 2025

Limited option for dining and quite far away from the main road. But beautiful place worth to stay 1 night and hike around.

Ideal for a retreat in nature

Stayed in June 2025

- Nothing. It's far from the any transportation or conveniant stores. But it's in the mountain, so you know where you are going ! Don't be suprise ;)

The hotel, the room, the shared bathroom. Everything was was very very clean ! The food was good, the staff so nice and always here to help you. It was sooo quiet, so relaxing. I would have stay longer if I could. If you want to rest and enjoy the nature, just come here !

Stayed in May 2025

The hotel is REALLY on a top of a mountain and the road that takes you there is narrow with passing spots here and there. Most of the time no guard rails either. Even with a years of driving experience it was nerve racking. It is not a "skip the hotel" bad, just take it slow and you're going to make it alive 😄 Hotel itself has in my mind a couple of misses. 1. If you don't bring your own towels for onsen you, either rent or buy towels from the hotel. I think hotel of this price range should provide guests towels for free of use. 2.Breakfast was small compared to the price you pay for it 3. Even though it is rustic in a lovely way, I think the bathrooms should be taken care off of bugs and spider webs. Some of the carpeting could also use some loving. Overall the place is good but few weird policies drop the rating and also in our case the weather was bad and we did not get to even use the observatory telescope 😭

The hotel is located on top of a mountain which gives you an opportunity to see amazing views around the valley. It is something you can't capture with a camera, you need to be there to really feel it. Hotel itself is pretty secluded and is very tranquil. Staff is absolute lovely, dont speak much english but are willing to try. I'm not fluent in japanese and survived easily. Main facilities were rustic and made the feeling you get when you are on a cottage, somewhere quiet and cozy. Thank you very much for the stay.

Stayed in May 2025

Walls a little then so you could hear everyone walking around

Staff and food were excellent, location was nice in the the wilderness

Stayed in May 2025

Not a dislike specifically for us - but many will find it so. Do NOT underestimate the road there. It is not for the faint-hearted.

The onsen The location is truly magnificent - if the clouds grant you a view long enough to appreciate it.

Stayed in May 2025

Long drive up the mountain. But beautiful rooms and lodge. Very welcoming statt and we got to see Jupiter with the telescope. Was very cold in the night. But there were heaters

Stayed in April 2025

Incredible place. At the top of a mountain with a gorgeous view and even lovelier host. Couldn’t recommend this place more!

Stayed in April 2025

We loved our stay at the star lodge. We were made to feel very welcome and our room was perfect, set out with futon beds on tatami mats. The communal areas are large and there is a lovely heated low table area where you can sit and warm up. We ate at the lodge and had the chef’s special set meal on the first night, it was delicious and just as good as any top restaurant we’ve eaten in. We had breakfast too and it was tasty and filling. There are public onsen on site, which were great. It was quiet, so we had them to ourselves. We even got to see the moon on our last night through the large telescope onsite. There are plenty of walks around the lodge, some can be steep, but ok if you’re fit. The road to the lodge is narrow and windy, so would recommend doing it in the daylight.

Stayed in April 2025

The pillows were very hard

The setting was amazing, breakfast very nice

Stayed in April 2025

The property is accessed via a public road and it is not for the faint hearted. We drove up and back and it is about a 35min drive on a very narrow, winding, rough, single vehicle road with shear drops on the side. Would suggest to navigate this during the day only.

The property itself was clean tidy and in an amazing location. The staff were friendly and engaging and the observatory experience was spectacular.

Stayed in March 2025

Just take care driving up, it’s a windy narrow mountain road. Make sure you drive up in daylight!

Absolutely fantastic little guesthouse (and observatory) right off the beaten track and in the most peaceful hillside location, you’re really up in the hills with great views. Very affordable Japanese style rooms, really clean and comfortable even for a group (8) sharing a large family room! Shared bathrooms with good showers and a lovely warm bath. You can request breakfast (Japanese style) and a basic noodles or curry & rice dinner which is simple, but really hits the spot after a day exploring the Iya Valley. The folks running the guesthouse were super friendly, helpful and generally all round lovely, showing us round the observatory and helping us with stargazing. We only intended to stay one night but loved it so much we stayed an extra night! Wouldn’t hesitate to recommend, such a very special place.

Stayed in August 2024

The food was really good and the people are so nice and friendly

Stayed in August 2024

Very cool telescope and awesome about serving late dinner. It is a very interesting drive up to the location and good for families and hostel goers.

Stayed in August 2025

Beds were like sleeping on concrete, really really hard (like the pillow). Onsen is the only bathroom available, only open between specific times. Nearest train station 25km away (50min taxi).

Very peaceful spot in the mountains. Really cool to watch the moon/stars in the night and sunrise in the morning. Nice walk in the area. The onsen was clean and comfy. Staff was really nice to help us with taxi from train station.

Stayed in May 2025

Road up was quite dangerous and narrow, best to get to the ryokan during the day

Location at top of mountain great of hiking

Stayed in April 2025

Way way overpriced for what was offered. The drive was long and when we got there, everything was charged for a room that was already way too overpriced. The observatory was sad. My wife and daughter were expecting something cool but we only saw a star that appeared as a dot. The room was too hot and insects kept us awake. They charged for towels and terrible canned food. I would never recommend this to anyone. We paid eat too much for two nights but only stayed for one because my wife, daughter and I were so unhappy with the place. At least the host was very pleasant.

The host was friendly and helpful.

Stayed in August 2024

The road up is tricky to navigate, so you need to be a confident driver. The hiking trails to the waterfalls were overgrown and hard to follow. Would have been good to know about the shared fridge/microwave facilities available.

Being on top of the mountains was amazing. Spectacular views and we had great weather. The lodge is well kept and convenient.

Stayed in August 2025

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Stayed in June 2025

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Stayed in May 2025

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Stayed in May 2025

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Stayed in May 2025