Kiri-no-Sato Takahara Lodge "Organic Hotel"

This is a wonderful hotel with an amazing family running it. Their friendly hospitality, food and personalised approach to service is exceptional. The onsen is also lovely, and the views from the rooms are out of this world. I was only here for one night on my way through Kumano Kodo, but I would happily have stayed for much longer. Arigato gozaimasu!

Great find. Friendly service, interesting food selection. Onsen facilities inside. Inside decor is a mix of traditional and eclectic. Rooms are the classic tatami mat style. Meals are served in the main room with its high ceilings and fireplace. Lots of places to chill. Great views, with 180 degree sunrise and mist in the morning.

Excellent! Lovely welcome at the end of a steep and rainy hike into a charming and cosy space. The owner and team were SO warm and charming, and the food was outstanding. Great onsen, incredible views. Lovely feel and soul to the place. Strongly recommend!

We stayed here on the second night of our Kumano Kodo walk. It’s a family run establishment, and they were all most helpful and considerate of our limited Ryokan experiences guiding us through the etiquette for both the Osen and dinner Shabu Shabu. The grilled Pork rib at dinner was particularly delightful, as was the espresso Cafe Latte before I headed off the next morning. Looking back across our trip, this was one of the most friendly and helpful places we visited. Quick notes, first days walk is short, but checkin is not till 3pm, so take your time. We were grateful they were able to let us in a little early.

We stayed here the first night of our Kumano Kodo hike. The food was incredible and the staff were very friendly and helpful. The view from the rooms/onsen are also spectacular. Would definitely recommend.

This place is a gem. From the moment we arrived, we felt welcomed and cared for. The location is stunning — nestled near the river with peaceful views, yet still accessible. The food was a highlight: homemade, fresh, and full of local flavor. Every detail felt intentional, and the hosts were kind and attentive without being intrusive. If you’re looking for authentic hospitality and a relaxing stay, this is the spot.

We never expected that our first night on Kumano Kodi trail would end with an impromptu flamenco guitar performance by our Spanish-speaking wonder -host Yan, but such is the magic of Kiri-no-sato. Yan and his family provide amazing hospitality, accommodations, and meals for trail weary travelers. Their onsen baths soak away the trail miles and meals recharge your tanks. A 10/10 in all ways.

Arrived on a trek of the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route run by MT Sobek. It's a small eccentric country inn with exceptional food, run by a charming family and their staff, some of whom are young Americans studying Japanese language and culture. The decor is wacky -- a melange of Victorian Japanese bric-a-brac (the owner, Jian, got many items from his grandfather, he said.) Jian is a hilarious storyteller and sometimes serenades his guests by playing Spanish flamenco guitar (he's good.). The clean, comfortable rooms all overlook mountain valleys where the morning mists drift in like a scene from a Kurosawa movie. The onsen baths are small but it's only an eight-room hotel, and they have porches that overlook the valley. When it's cold, a fire burns on the patio. A pot of coffee is put out early for early risers. You can use the inn's washing machine for your clothes, but you must hang them to dry yourself. The food is delicious and infused with color and taste -- mostly Japanese but with fusion elements like pate mixed in. It's amazing how many little tapas-type dishes the tiny kitchen can turn out using seafood, meat and lots of local vegetables. The vegetarians and pescatarians in our group were as happy as the omnivores. We didn't test the kitchen's vegan or gluten-free talents but it was accommodating (given enough warning). And sitting around chatting in the big dining/viewing space, with the staff as part of the conversation is a delight.