I had to keep coming to my wife's aid to eject large spiders from the house. Maybe investing in some kind of spider catcher would be a good idea? Beware the bridge getting there is quite hair raisingly narrow if you're driving. It is literally in the middle of nowhere with no near vending machines and a fair drive to the town (which also has little convenience stores at night)

The riverside hideaway is exactly what I wanted and the place I was most looking forward to staying and it didn't disappoint. Beautifully renovated old Japanese house in the middle of nowhere by the river with spectacular night sky. The facilities were very clean and the beds were very comfortable. I loved the well kept garden. It is a wonderful place if you want to experience the inaka and Kenji is a great host.

Stayed in August 2025

The room was absolutely stunning, with every detail thoughtfully designed for comfort and style. The location itself was gorgeous, surrounded by natural beauty and offering the prettiest night sky I’ve ever seen. Our host, Kenji, was incredibly helpful and kind, he not only shared great suggestions for local restaurants but even offered to call ahead and make a reservation for us. The entire stay was peaceful and relaxing, and if it had been possible, I would have gladly booked a few more nights just to enjoy the stunning views and quiet atmosphere.

Stayed in August 2025

Nothing

A beautiful property in a beautiful part of the world.

Stayed in August 2025

Slightly bigger bathroom (toilet room) and more than 1 between all guests would be ideal.

Great authentic feel in a peaceful location.

Stayed in July 2025

Nothing really…there was another group staying at the same time and I was a bit worried about timings for bathroom and noise, but neither was a problem

Location was beautiful and the house was gorgeous.

Stayed in June 2025

A magical retreat in a beautiful traditional house, peacefully immersed in nature. Kenji is a wonderful host, super kind and willing to make everything perfect for your stay.

Stayed in April 2025

Beautiful Traditional Japanese House with a very kind host

Stayed in June 2025

The space we stayed in was beautiful, a very traditional house with stunning sliding doors and tasteful decoration, a good blend of old and contemporary design. Kenji is a lovely host, it was nice to chat with him during our stay ! We would really recommend Shimanto Riverside Hideaway for restful sanctuary, right next to the Shimanto river, with lovely nature on the doorstep and boat tours just 5 minutes away ! 🙏✨️

Stayed in June 2025

Walls are quite thin, so shared facilities can be loud, however everyone staying was very respectful and it wasn't a major issue.

Really easy check in, followed prior instructions and Kenji came right out to help us park and show us the facilities. The place feels extremely serene and chilled, the kitchen facilities are also great and the coffee was very nice. Kenji was really helpful and asked us about our plans at check-in, in order to aid us and help make sure our plans included anything he though notable in the area we planned to go!

Stayed in May 2025

Nothing to complain about. Just that we should have stayed longer :-)

Excellent We spent two wonderful nights in a traditional Japanese house that has been lovingly preserved and beautifully decorated. It was the most special accommodation of our four-week trip through Japan. The house is set in a peaceful location, surrounded by rice fields, with a lovely garden that invites you to relax. The kitchen is fully and thoughtfully equipped – everywhere you look, there are little details that truly nourish the soul. Our host Kenji was exceptionally attentive: he responded immediately to every request, shared great local tips, and even made restaurant reservations for us – where we were warmly welcomed and had fantastic food experiences. We recommend staying at least two nights to fully enjoy the house and its surroundings. A perfect experience from beginning to end – five stars from us! BTW there is an amazing Blacksmith experience in the area, Workshop Kurogane, where one can force his own Japanese kniffe. Highly recommended. Perfect Combo with the Riverside Hideaway experience.

Stayed in April 2025

The bathroom and toilet are a little outdated but very clean so we didn’t find this problematic . After all you are staying in an older wooden Japanese country house

Gorgeous location in a rural Japanese village on the riverside. Host Kenji went out of his way for us making reservations. The whole house is immaculately clean. Kenji’s touch goes further than just kindness: he leaves a welcome note on your towel, gorgeous cups and plates in the kitchen and quality coffee and tea.

Stayed in April 2025

*The toilet is very, very small. We realised we’d prefer a private bathroom - but the property itself is fine.

A beautiful old style home, in tiny group of houses, up in a quiet location.

Stayed in April 2025

There's one tiny little area for the toilet (I barely fit), and if you've taller than my average 5'10'', you'll have to sit sideways on the toilet :(

Beautiful location, the house was gorgeous, and the area was super peaceful

Stayed in March 2025

I didn’t have enough time to enjoy it more.

First of all- Kenji, the owner. An amazing guy with lovely personality and great taste. It was a great pleasure to get to know him and chat with him during our stay. The house itself is amazing, from its location to the small details carefully paid attention to by Kenji. Amazing experience, surely at the top of our list!

Stayed in March 2025

Location is beautiful, everything you may need is thought of and the host is super friendly en welcoming.

Stayed in March 2025

The location is breathtaking. The view of the stars from the property is amazing. 15 Minutes from workshop Kuragone.

Kenji, the host is very kind and thorough. The house is beautiful, clean, and fully equipped with everything one needs for a great stay.

Stayed in December 2024

Wonderful host and stellar home

Stayed in November 2024

location maybe far away from sightseeing points but it is also a benefit for people want to get away from the crowds

traditional Japanese style house. clear night sky and pure clean air

Stayed in November 2024

Nothing, everything was perfect.

Beautiful traditional house, with some lovely design touches and a very well equipped kitchen with delicious coffee and tea available. We enjoyed a wander down to the river and submersible bridge, and took a Canadian canoe onto the river - very relaxing, with stunning scenery. Kenji was an excellent host; helpful, informative and gave us great restaurant recommendations. Would thoroughly recommend a stay here - we found it a very calming place and enjoyed our 2 night stay immensely.

Stayed in November 2024

could use a little bit more heating in the halls as it gets really cold at night when you want to visit the toilet.

very nice place! i would go back again if i ever visit shimanto in the future. Kenji was nice enough to help us order food because we didnt want to go out at night because it got really dark.

Stayed in November 2024

Shame that there is no toilet or wash basin in the cottage - though the main house is just a few steps away, there is only one toilet and bathroom there. However, we didn’t come across any issues despite my initial anxiety!

The cottage (located next to the main house) was beautifully presented, very roomy and very comfortable. The setting was perfect. The host was wonderful.

Stayed in November 2024

It’s a really lovely place but the toilet room is tiny so you have to be quite careful with the door

Really beautiful traditional house in a small riverside settlement. We were the only people there the night we stayed so we had the place to ourselves. I think it has three rooms. There is a shared very stylish kitchen where you can cook (as long as it’s not too oily)plus a shared bathroom and loo. The owner is really passionate about the house and the traditions of the area. He also speaks really good English and is helpful and knowledgable about the area.

Stayed in October 2024

No food served at the placed but this was clearly communicate up-front. The kitchen facilities are excellents and great selectrions of coffee and tea are provided. The room was beyound expectation - traditional Japanese in every littel details. You need your own car (or taxi) to get there and you do not need to worry about crossing the submersible bridge; it is part of a wonderful experience.

Stayed in August 2024

It is a good place to escape. You will feel peace and serenity staying here. Besides the Shimanto river, it is not very far away from the downtown, around 20 minutes drive. Starry starry night is above your head at midnight. I like the quality of things picked by Kenji, such as the bedding, body soap, and the 大福 Kenji gave my daughter as a gift when we left. Kenji is a nice host, helpful and 優しい. He helped make multiple phone calls to car rental companies in Shodoshima Island to help me reserve a car, unfortunately except for two companies which had no car available, other local companies refused to rent cars to overseas customers. Although the narrow bridge leading to the house scared me a bit when I arrived, I found it not so 怖い when I drove on it the second time. I had a great time and rest, thank you Kenji.

Stayed in August 2024