iyanoyado kazuraya recensioner

Having stayed in several good hotels and a family homestay so far on our tour of Japan, my family and I did not have huge expectations for our stay at Kazuraya. We knew it was a small, family run inn situated in a rural part of Japan's Iya Valley. However, we were very pleasantly surprised by our experience. Kazuraya is situated in a stunning spot in the Iya Valley with fantastic views of the mountains and a very short walk from some fabulous waterfalls and a vine bridge, not to mention a beautiful gorge with crystal clear water running through it. The accommodation (we had two twin rooms) was spotlessly clean with a typical Japan style little table and chairs, kettle, etc. It was also en-suite which was a bonus for this style of accommodation, with what seemed like a very new shower/bath and toilet. The air conditioning worked well. We were warmly welcomed and given a choice of three times for our evening meal which was a set menu. We were also given a choice of three breakfast times. The evening meal was in a dining room with western style chairs and consisted of many different dishes - they just kept coming!! We were certainly very full by the end of the meal and were served by very obliging staff. You also had the choice of several alcoholic drinks you could purchase if required. We were told that due to the good weather conditions there was a high chance of the fireflies being around a pond that evening a short walk down the road - we went and were treated to a wonderful display of nature. We then had a go on the free massage chairs in the hallway. Not for the faint hearted! Our mattresses were put out for us whilst we were at dinner and were perfectly adequate. After a peaceful nights sleep we had breakfast, again consisting of many courses. On our second night's stay we had a different set menu which was equally delicious. We spent our morning white water rafting locally (half an hour drive away) before visiting a 'spooky' village full of scarecrows and some vine bridges. For a small Japanese inn, we found Kazuraya to be marvellous and whilst obviously not a luxury hotel, we would strongly recommend it.