It would have been nice to be able to be picked up slightly later from Tanabe just because shops open only shortly before pick up so getting dinner in town is nearly impossible--- but take out from 7/11 or one of the nearby take out spots was not bad at all

Picked with hesitsncy because it was so far from Tanabe but ended up being perfect. Caught a ride with the property owner who also dropped us at thr trail the next day. We grocery shopped before and so had a nice little mini meal in the room. The house is so charming and the entire place is clean and spacious. The futon and tatame are so clean amd comfy. We slept really well and ended up becoming friends with the couple staying in the room over and ran into them throughout the week. Simon and his wife are super knowledgeable about the trail (his wife apparently helped design the map) and his advice was very much appreciated

Stayed in May 2025

Simon and his wife are both super friendly and considerate.

Stayed in June 2025

Everything at Simon and Yumiko house is a 10 out of 10.All the amenities and needs are covered to the detail, the futon it's really comfortable (more even than my own bed at home) the house is beautiful and they are really kind and attentive. Simon even ensured a safe pilgrimage for me, providing for all the details and dropping me off at the beginning of the track(which is about 30m drive) for my 3 days stay. I would highly recommend to anyone wanting to experience a traditional Japanese house and the beauty of the landscape. Thank you Simon and Yumiko for absolutely everything!!! All the best to you!

Stayed in May 2025

None

Host is super nice! Pick us up at the station and drop us to the Kumamoto Kodo trail start. Super considerate, and care for our safety in the trail. Host can speak Chinese!

Stayed in May 2025

Fantastic traditional house. Very comfortable. Good location close to Tanabe and start of Kumano kodo hiking trail. Really appreciated the pickup and drop off by host!

Stayed in April 2025

Everything was great

Beautiful room with amazing reviews. New mattresses were so comfy we slept so well! Access to microwave, fridge and kettle. Host was so so accommodating. We got picked up straight outside the station in the evening and he even gave us some of his own home made plum wine. He then dropped us off to start of Kumano kodo In the morning. Would highly recommend

Stayed in May 2025

The cost was a little high for a basic accommodation. It was nice, but I’ve found similar properties in similar locations for half the cost of this one.

Very cozy and clean! The host was kind and thorough. It was spacious and although we were sharing the facility with other guests, it was very comfortable and quiet.

Stayed in May 2025

It’s too bad there is no breakfast available, but other than that everything was great.

I loved my stay here. The guesthouse is simple and quite remote, but extremely peaceful, with beautiful nature all around. The room was traditional Japanese style and everything was perfectly clean. I was able to put all my snacks and breakfast items I bought ahead of time in a fridge and there was coffee and tea available in my room. The owner speaks English and was super kind. He picked me up from the train station and gave me so much advice for the kumano kodo trail and even dropped me off at the beginning of the trail the next morning. I highly recommend it, I hope to be able to come back one day!

Stayed in April 2025

Excellent stay! Our host Simon was friendly and helpful and guided us around the house making sure we were comfortable during our stay. Bonus points for the homemade plum wine Simon offered! The room was spacious and very clean, with big windows in a fully restored traditional house overlooking the beautiful valley. Bathroom and shower was shared with the hosts which we did not find at all inconvenient. Although the house’s location is outside Tanabe and the route of local public transport, Simon offered us a free ride from the town and also walked with us to the start of the trail the next day. Thank you for everything!

Stayed in March 2025

There is no restaurant or convenient stores nearby, and the property do not serve any meal. If you don't drive (which is expected for hikers), you either have to cook your own (and buy before you come) or count on the owner to drive you to and from the town (which is a good 20min) for dinner.

In the mountain and right next to the Kumano Kudo, ideal for people who are hiking the trail. Beautiful surroundings with flower trees.

Stayed in March 2025

Our host was very kind and went out of his way to help us with everything. The shuttle service from kii-tanabe and then to the start of Komano-kodo trail was very handy. The house sits on a remote hillside and was spectacular, with amazing views and quiet rural surrounds.

Stayed in April 2025

Nothing

Simon was very accommodating - a great host!

Stayed in April 2025

Amazing place to stay! Simon, the host, is fantastic, and the 100-year-old house is absolutely beautiful. The surrounding area offers plenty to explore, including charming apricot and orange orchards. Simon also provides a free shuttle service from Tanabe to the guesthouse and then to the start of the Kumano Kodo in the morning. Although I didn’t use the shuttle myself, as I chose to walk both legs, it’s a great option for those who prefer a lift. One important thing to note—make sure to bring food, as Simon advises, since there are no restaurants or shops nearby. The guesthouse has microwaves and other kitchen facilities you can use, and Simon is happy to stop at a store with the shuttle if needed.

Stayed in March 2025

Mr. Simon was the most wonderful host. I highly recommend it 👌

Stayed in March 2025

It was perfect

Everything! Simon is a very kind man, he picked us up from the station and dropped us off in the trail. The house is Epic, traditional Japanese 100 Years old

Stayed in March 2025

We stayed here to start our Kumano Kodo hike. Simon is the best—he picked us up from Kii-Tanabe station and dropped us off at the start of the Kumano Kodo. The location is remote but absolutely beautiful, with stunning views of the mountains and plum trees. We got to taste some delicious plum wine. Keep in mind to buy food in the village for the evening and the next day. The room has a fridge and microwave. If you’re looking for a peaceful place to relax, then highly recommend!

Stayed in March 2025

What a beautiful traditional house, with sun setting right in front of our panorama window, Simon is super friendly and gave us a lot of tips for the pilgrimage route. Even drove us to the depart area, we were deeply impressed by his hospitality. The bathroom was so clean and convenient to use. We slept like babies. Thank you again!!!

Stayed in February 2025

It was a little bit difficult to find it, even using Google Maps.

Kindness and helpfulness of the owner.

Stayed in January 2025

We stayed here before the start of our Kumano Kodo hike. Simon picked us up at the train station and dropped us off at the starting point of the hike the next day for free. He was very helpful and nice. It was very clean and we had a comfortable stay. We also love that we experienced staying in a century old japanese house.

Stayed in January 2025

None

The Japanese style accommodation! And simon the owner was fantastic! Picked us up from Kii Tanabe and dropped us at the head of the trail!

Stayed in January 2025

The water couldn’t get hot enough in the morning so I still had a short chilly shower, but that’s probably because of the limitations of instant heating. The room warmed me up straightaway after that.

The best part about this stay was that Simon, the host, was extremely lovely in offering to pick me up from the train station even though it was rather late, and dropping me and the other guests at the start of the Nakahechi trail the next morning. He also provided lots of brochures and useful tips about doing the trail. It was the perfect stop to get ample rest before embarking on the trail.

Stayed in November 2024

Need to bring own food.

Stayed in November 2024

Nil. Was as advertised.

Simon was an excellent host, friendly and picked us up and dropped us off at station and starting location for kumano kodo trail. Room was big and comfortable. Beautiful home and community.

Stayed in November 2024

Simon was an incredible host. It is very nice that he picks you up from the train station. He was very gracious and picked us up when our train was running late. The actual location is in a beautiful rural area, gorgeous, plum and citrus trees. The stars clear at night. Easy access with Simon to the trail in the morning.

Stayed in November 2024