Loved everything

It had a lovely onsen with an amazing view. It was in a very peaceful location. Food was made with so much care and tasted/looked incredible. Staff were the most friendliest people. Second time staying here and definitely would love to be back in the future!

Stayed in August 2025

Amazing location - the view from the dining area, onsen and rooms is amazing overlooking the mountains from a secluded perch. From the moment you walk in you are made to feel so welcome in a warm family-run establishment. The food is some of the best we ate this trip. A real convivial vibe with everyone congregating for drinks on the terrace ahead of dinner. Make sure to try the homemade ume-shu!

Stayed in August 2025

For me, learning to sleep comfortably on Japanese style beds has been a learning experience. No fault of the inn though.

We were hiking the Kumano Kodo, so the location was perfect and easy to find. Ate dinner and breakfast at the property, and they were gourmet quality. Dinner was one of the best meals I’ve ever had. We enjoyed a soak in the indoor onsen. Very peaceful, quiet, and beautiful.

Stayed in July 2025

Would be nice to have more vegetarian options even for the meaty menu.

This place is full of soul, and the owner really makes it very special, he is a great host, well traveled and that makes it easy to communicate. Its a lovely atmosphere in which the guests end up feeling as if they were staying at a friends house.

Stayed in June 2025

None

One of the best on Kumano Kodo. Food is wonderful, view is perfect! I slept very well.

Stayed in July 2025

Very attentive and friendly staff who make an effort with their guests. Onsen and bedrooms were very clean and comfortable. The dinner and the breakfast were absolutely delicious. Incredible view for sunset.

Stayed in July 2025

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.

Stayed in July 2025

Loved everything

Very welcoming. Food was amazing. Amazing food, amazing hospitality

Stayed in June 2025

Nothing, everything was perfect!

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!

Stayed in June 2025

Amazing location, just steps from beautiful hiking trails. The view from the room was breathtaking, and the service was excellent. The hosts, John and his wife, were incredibly warm and welcoming. Both dinner and breakfast were delicious, healthy, and thoughtfully prepared. Highly recommended for anyone looking to enjoy an organic, nature-inspired lifestyle.

Stayed in June 2025

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.

Stayed in June 2025

Nothing!

This is my 2nd time staying at this amazing place. Fantastic host, Jian, and his family, very nice, friendly, and cheerful host! Oh... very good dinner and breakfast too! Amazing location high up in the mountain with a superb view, especially in the evening and early morning when the weather conditions are right, you get a magical view of Unkai (sea of clouds) from your room or the dining area. Highly recommended!

Stayed in June 2025

Nothing!

Absolutely everything, from the hospitality, the accomodation, the view, the tranquility, the food, the amenities. Everything was simply perfect.

Stayed in June 2025

The welcoming hosts, the amazing facilities and the fantastic food. My stay was relaxing and stress free in a beautiful setting. The hosting was exceptional. I couldn't recommend staying here enough.

Stayed in June 2025

Nothing

Everything was perfect - the owners, the room, the food, the view, the Oncen. Se highly recommend it

Stayed in May 2025

One of the best stays of my Japan trip - the scenery is breathtaking, and lodge and team are just super welcoming. An amazing combination of great food, great hiking/route advice and just very comfortable surroundings. Book it - you won’t regret it! Wish I had stayed an extra night.

Stayed in May 2025

Our room facing the mountain, view is great. The food is super good. The restaurant has great atmosphere, and the food is great! The host is very warm and accommodating to guests’ need.

Stayed in May 2025

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

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!

Stayed in May 2025

We should have stayed here longer!

Food, location, venue and hosts were all exceptional!

Stayed in April 2025

Nothing

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!

Stayed in May 2025

Great place to stay during kumano kodo trail. Very friendly people!!

Stayed in April 2025

Excellent location, beautiful and comfort place. The host and his family are super kind. I was planning to leave very early the next moring and they answered my concerns and helped me with the planning. They also knew my hometown and discussed the food with me. On the next morning they prepared bento for me since I would miss the breakfast. Highly recommended!

Stayed in December 2024

None

The food was fantastic! I love their public onsen! The place is a combination of Japanese andFrench style set-up! The owners and the staff are fantastic!

Stayed in January 2025

This is a really special place in the mountains. We stayed as part of a treck in the mountains - our first in Japan. We stayed late December when it’s cold and this was warm and welcoming with a really lovely feel

Stayed in December 2024