Guesthouse HOUSEN
Accommodation
4.72
Guesthouse HOUSEN
Sign
Sample room
Sample dinner
Sample dinner
Sample breakfast
Sample dinner
Sample vegan dinner
Sample lunch box
Bath
Sink, washing machine, dryer
Toilet
Free Toilet
Inside of the cafe
Sample cafe menu
Sample cafe menu
Inside of the cafe
Special homemade pudding
Gym area
Refrigerator
Sign
Description
Guesthouse × Cafe
Guesthouse Housen is a new, bright, friendly accommodation between Chikatsuyu and Nonaka, built in 2022. The name "Housen" (pronounced "hoh-sen") can be translated to mean "boat of abundance" and relates to Ebisu, one of the Japanese Seven Lucky Gods, whose figure often graces restaurants and inns. The owners certainly hope their guests feel an abundance of relief and relaxation.This inn is perfect for small groups. Three western-style rooms available.
The family who owns the inn transplanted after running a yakitori-style izakaya restaurant for 30 years in Wakayama City to start their own inn and cafe in the Kumano area.
Although plans include two or three meals, guests can also relax and enjoy light food and drinks from the "N.S. Cafe" next door run by the owner's son including a special homemade pudding (The pudding is available to guests for free with dinner at the accommodation). There are refrigerators with free bottled drinks on the guest room floors that are free-use. There is also a workout gym in an adjacent building with full weights and exercise bikes free to staying guests.
| Full Name |
Guesthouse HOUSEN
ゲストハウス豊舟（HOUSEN） |
|---|---|
| Area | Chikatsuyu, Nonaka |
| Type | Guesthouse/B&B |
| Address | 18-5 Aza Anaguchi, Chikatsuyu, Nakahechi-cho, Tanabe City, Wakayama Prefecture, 646-1402
〒646-1402 和歌山県田辺市中辺路町近露字穴口18-5 |
| Map Code | 615 824 669*22 |
| Maps | |
| Check-in | 15:00 - 18:00 |
| Check-out | 10:00 |
Rating & Reviews
4.72
Guestroom
Baths
Meals
Location
Reception & Service
Date: Mar/2026
Australia (Female, age 60-69)
4.80
Amazing stay
The food was amazing, so much attention to detail and massive serves. The facilities were great with a big bath to finish a good day of walking as well as a washing machine if needed. Tea coffee and hot chocolate facilities for guests as well as a range of snacks. Highly recommend.
Date: Mar/2026
South Africa (Female, age 50-59)
4.60
- No subject -
No guest review.
Date: Dec/2025
China (Male, age 60-69)
5.00
- No subject -
No guest review.
Date: Dec/2025
Hong Kong (Female, age 30-39)
4.40
- No subject -
No guest review.
Date: Nov/2025
Israel (Female, age 30-39)
5.00
Great cosy stay - a home away from home!
We had a lovely one night stay - the amenities were great, and the food was absolutely amazing! Felt like home away from home.
Date: Nov/2025
Australia (Male, age 60-69)
4.20
Warm welcome
We got a very warm welcome from the host and their hospitality was greatly appreciated. The dinner was delicious and plentiful though the breakfast a little salty. The guest house is on the edge of the town but our host gave us a ride to Chikatsuyu.
Date: Oct/2025
United States (Female, age 40-49)
5.00
Made with Love on the Kumano Kodo
This is the second time we've stayed at Guesthouse Housen, and we just LOVE them! Super friendly, interested in your life and your journey (even with the language barrier - but I can tell they are working on their English!). They have made us feel right at home both times, and the meals are incredible. We were walking all the way to Hongu the next day, so we knew we'd need to leave early. We asked if they could just leave out a toaster and some bread for us in the morning, but instead they got up super early and served us a deluxe breakfast at 5am. Incredible! We have really enjoyed both of our stays at Guesthouse Housen.
Date: Oct/2025
United States (Male, age **)
3.00
- No subject -
No guest review.
Date: Oct/2025
United States (Male, age 40-49)
3.80
Good food in quiet home
Meals were great and hosts were helpful. Bathrooms were not clean at all, it was a little unpleasant to bathe or use the toilet.
Date: Oct/2025
Australia (Female, age 30-39)
5.00
- No subject -
No guest review.
Date: Oct/2025
Italy (Male, age 40-49)
4.80
- No subject -
No guest review.
Date: Sep/2025
United States (Female, age 70-79)
4.60
Hospitable guest house
Our stay was very comfortable. The food was excellent. The host was very accommodating. We were very tired after the hike and the host gave us a ride to his house. About dinner: the quality of food was outstanding, it was prepared beautifully and nicely presented.
Date: Sep/2025
Netherlands (Male, age 30-39)
5.00
- No subject -
No guest review.
Date: Sep/2025
France (Male, age 20-29)
4.00
- No subject -
No guest review.
Date: Jun/2025
United States (Female, age 20-29)
4.60
- No subject -
No guest review.
Date: Jun/2025
Hong Kong (Male, age 30-39)
4.00
Delicious local meal, one of the best during the entire journey
The hotel locates a little far from Chikatsuyu Oji but is conveniently located in the entrance towards Tsugizakura Oji. Room is a bit small but well equiped. Bath conditions comfortable and can use the laundry & dryer. The meals are the best highlight as it is very delicious and offer a nice experience to local countryside food. Bento box is also one of the best.
Date: Jun/2025
Malaysia (Male, age 50-59)
4.80
Guesthouse HOUSEN
Delicious food and incredibly warm hosts. We had a comfortable and restful stay in our own private space.
Date: Jun/2025
Canada (Female, age 40-49)
4.20
Nice Stay
The place itself is very modern, and we were hoping for more traditional options when we made the booking. The room is comfortable and clean, but no view. The meals were large, and accommodating but there is no privacy over dinner and both the hosts were there. The location is right on the trail so very convenient. The shower and laundry is nice and modern but on a different floor. It was a nice stay but compared to other ones not as comfortable.
Date: Jun/2025
China (Male, age 30-39)
4.60
very nice people；delicious food
No guest review.
Date: May/2025
United States (Male, age 50-59)
4.75
Perfect location if you are walking from Takijiri, and then to Hongu.
This location is absolutely perfect for walking Kumono Kodo. The hosts were kind and provided so much food.
Date: May/2025
United States (Male, age 40-49)
4.40
- No subject -
No guest review.
Date: May/2025
Belgium (Female, age 30-39)
5.00
All you need on your hike on the Kumano Kodo
Our hosts were very nice, the food was amazing (and plenty) and the beds comfortable. It was possible to also make some warm drinks in between for free. It was the perfect accomodation on our hike. Our host even drove us to the next bus stop early in the morning because it was raining super badly.
Date: May/2025
Japan (Male, age 50-59)
4.60
Excellent but bathrooms could have been a bit cleaner
Nice guesthouse run by a very nice couple. Meals were fantastic and rooms very clean. Shower was OK but toilette not enough clean but not a problem. All in all very nice experience
Date: May/2025
Australia (Female, age **)
5.00
- No subject -
We were warmly welcomed and made to feel very at home. We are gluten free and the meals tailored for us and were of a high standard. Our hosts were flexible and happy to fit with our schedule in terms of meal times. We walked extra kilometres to make for an easier day the next day, and so particularly appreciated the lift to the Log Bridge section of the trail in the morning.
Date: May/2025
United States (Female, age **)
5.00
On the Curve
Located around a bend right on the Kumano Kodo, the guesthouse was very easy to find. They only take one group of guests at a time, so we as a couple had the whole upstairs to ourselves. The bathing facilities were downstairs along with the washer and dryer, which we appreciated having access to after a long, arduous, and sweaty day on the Kumano Kodo. Thank you. The meals were traditional, and plentiful. We appreciated having the rice cakes we could take with us on the longest stretch of the trail facing us the following day. The couple's son runs a coffee/bar on the corner of the property with a huge anime library, which was a wonderful location to sit and have a drink and greet other walkers as they continued on their trek. We appreciated the careful awareness and response to special dietary requirements, particularly gluten intolerance.
Date: May/2025
United States (Female, age **)
0.00
- No subject -
Lovely couple and gracious hosts
Date: Apr/2025
Indonesia (Male, age 50-59)
5.00
Service station for hikers as it should be
Kumano Kodo hikers, we can highly recommend this place! It is right on the trail and from the moment you arrive, the hosts understand what you need. The spotlessly clean shower room, washing machine, comfortable bedroom with snacks and drinks, everything is ready for you. And the highlight is the food: we had the best dinner of our month in Japan here! Our preordered vegetarian meals were exceptionally delicious and plenty enough to feed a village. Similarly the breakfast and lunch box kept us happy and energized on the trail. Thank you for such a great service!
Date: Apr/2025
Germany (Male, age 40-49)
5.00
- No subject -
No guest review.
Date: Apr/2025
Canada (Female, age 40-49)
5.00
Place to myself
I was shocked when I realized I had the place to myself! This couple was so sweet. The dinner and breakfast were incredible… so many different types of food to try! I stuffed myself! They were friendly and lovely, despite the language barrier. Would definitely stay here again.
Date: Apr/2025
Singapore (Female, age 50-59)
5.00
The host offered us a free shuttle on next morning!
This guesthouse can host up to 6 pax (3 bedrooms available). However, the host preferred not to have mix group and the entire guesthouse were blocked out just for us (we are a group of 2). We appreciate the thoughtfulness as we need to share toilets and bathroom. Special shoutout to female host's culinary skill. It was superb! She was very generous with her portioning too. In fact a bit too much for us. Lastly, by their own initiative - the host offered to send us to bus station at 7 am. That could take us 20 min walk. P/S: all bedrooms are at level 2. Not too convenient if you are having some aching legs!
Date: Apr/2025
Hong Kong (Male, age 40-49)
5.00
Amazing place
What a lovely home! Right on the Kumano Kodo trail, modern and bright. The hosts are a lovely couple who took care of me like a son. The food was excellent in skill and variety. Thank you for taking such good care of me - wish I had stayed longer!
Date: Apr/2025
United States (Female, age 50-59)
5.00
Best place we stayed on the trail
This was an awesome place to stay. There were 3 bedrooms upstairs that we stayed in. There was a toilet upstairs and a full bathroom and laundry downstairs. The place was very clean and looked brand new. The hosts were super nice and the food they served was incredible! Really enjoyed our stay here and it was right on the trail. Would definitely recommend this place!
Date: Apr/2025
United Kingdom (Male, age 60-69)
4.40
- No subject -
No guest review.
Date: Mar/2025
Australia (Female, age 50-59)
5.00
Superb meals
Great location along the walk. Meals were amazing and plentiful.
Date: Mar/2025
United States (Female, age 50-59)
4.80
Thoughtful comforts and exceptional hospitality
Our stay at Guesthouse Housen was an absolute delight. The lovely couple who run it made us feel so welcome in their clean, modern, and thoughtfully prepared home. Little touches like cookies in the room, water and other drinks, and the chance to do laundry were such a gift after a long day on the trail! The meals were exceptional—generous, delicious, and beautifully prepared. As an added kindness, the owner even offered to drive us to our starting point the next morning, saving us a bus ride and starting our day with such warmth and care. We left feeling so grateful for their hospitality!
Date: Mar/2025
Spain (Female, age 30-39)
5.00
- No subject -
No guest review.
Date: Mar/2025
Australia (Female, age 40-49)
4.20
A restful stay!
We enjoyed a restful stay in a western style room at Housen. Our hosts cooked us the most amazing dinner and breakfast. We felt very well fed, and very well cared for. Housen in just up the Hill from the main town, and right beside the Komono Kodo route which made finding it very easy. The bathroom is communal and has all facilities necessary.
Date: Mar/2025
United States (Female, age 30-39)
5.00
Memorable meals with convenient access to Kumano Kodo
The owners of Guesthouse Housen used to run a restaurant, so be prepared for some delicious meals here! The dinner was one of our most memorable on our whole trip of Japan. And without a doubt, this was our favorite lunch bento box of the whole trip. The accommodation is very conveniently located, right along the Kumano Kodo trail just outside of Chikatsuyu. The accommodation is above the owner's living space and is set up with everything you need - there is water, tea, coffee, a half-bath upstairs and the guest rooms. Access to a full bathroom and laundry downstairs, too.
Date: Feb/2025
Australia (Male, age **)
3.80
- No subject -
No guest review.
Date: Feb/2025
Australia (Female, age 60-69)
4.00
- No subject -
No guest review.
Date: Feb/2025
Taiwan (Female, age 30-39)
5.00
- No subject -
The hosts are so nice and friendly. They gave me helpful information about the road. The room is tidy and comfortable. We had a very good rest after a long day of walking. The dinner and lunch box were super delicious. I’m so glad I could stay here! Highly recommend!
Date: Feb/2025
Australia (Female, age 50-59)
5.00
Wonderful!
A wonderful stay with such kind hosts. Our bags were in our room waiting for us, the food was amazing - dinner, breakfast and an enormous lunch for the trail. When we wanted to start walking at 7am our hosts prepared breakfast and lunch so we could leave early. Highly recommend staying here!
Date: Feb/2025
Taiwan (Male, age **)
4.80
- No subject -
No guest review.
Date: Feb/2025
China (Male, age 30-39)
4.80
- No subject -
No guest review.
Date: Jan/2025
Australia (Male, age 30-39)
4.40
- No subject -
Excellent accommodation, wonderful meals, especially dinner. Helpful information provided from the hosts. Perhaps some information regarding the walk from Chikatsuyu to Yonomine onsen could be provided, because there are several options to navigate.
Date: Jan/2025
Japan (Female, age **)
5.00
Good choice for taking a break from Japanese rooms and futons
Housen had BEDS, and all of us really appreciated sleeping in clean beds in clean modern rooms on Day 3. We had the entire second floor to ourselves (they only take one group per night), had a good soak in their big family bath, did our laundry in their large and fast-drying washer-dryer. They gave us a huge shabu-shabu hot pot meal for dinner and a huge breakfast as well. Friendly hosts, and the hosts' son runs a manga cafe on the premises, which was frankly the highlight of the trip for our child.
Date: Jan/2025
Brazil (Male, age 30-39)
5.00
Amazing people and delicious meal.
No guest review.
Date: Dec/2024
Australia (Male, age **)
4.40
Great location & food
Right on the trail and very welcoming. The meals delicious and we sat in the owners dining room to eat meals. The rooms are up some tight stairs. There is a toilet upstairs and the bathroom is shared by other guests and the hosts. The owner's son runs the shop (check out the interior decorations) outside and a beer & whiskey at the tables at the end of the night was very enjoyable. Due to rain, we were using the bus and the owner gave our group of 4 a lift to the bus stop that was out of the rain.
Date: Dec/2024
Romania (Male, age 30-39)
5.00
Perfect location
Great accommodation on kumano kodo, half way between chikatsuyu and tsugizakura. Great food, great hosts.
Date: Nov/2024
Netherlands (Female, age 20-29)
5.00
Amazing!
Our stay at Guesthouse Housen was great. We arrived at 2 p.m. one hour before check-in time, but we were welcomed with open arms! We wash and dry our clothes, which was very nice. The food was really nice and tasty, a lot to chose from, quite a lot. Only tip would be, that it could be a bit less. We would really recommend staying at Guesthouse Housen during Kumano Kodo route!
Date: Nov/2024
United States (Female, age 50-59)
5.00
Outstanding meals, lovely couple
No guest review.
Date: Nov/2024
Japan (Female, age 50-59)
4.80
- No subject -
とても親切な心温まる対応に、お食事、お弁当を 含め大変満足できました。また宿泊したいと思い ました。
Date: Nov/2024
United States (Male, age 60-69)
4.60
Friendly faces on the trail
Easy to find located along the trail at the end of Chikatsuyu. Clean and modern room. Friendly English speaking host. Delicious home cooked family style meals. My bento for the next day was packed with such care!
Date: Nov/2024
Netherlands (Male, age 60-69)
4.40
Housen
Place is good, but it feels uncomfortable to sit and eat in the Livingroom of the owners while it is called a guesthouse.
Date: Oct/2024
United States (Female, age 70-79)
5.00
Excellent Hospitality and Food
Our hosts were so welcoming and gracious. They gave us helpful suggestions regarding getting on the trail the next morning. The bedrooms clean and comfortable. We were able to do our laundry! We were served outstanding multi course meals, including our take away lunch box. What a treat to get such service along the trail. We highly recommend Guesthouse Housen.
Date: Oct/2024
United States (Female, age **)
5.00
Amazing stay!
We had a great stay. The hosts were lovely and provided the right amount of help and interaction. The food was incredible and among the best meals we had in Japan. We would highly recommend this accommodation!
Date: Oct/2024
United Kingdom (Female, age 40-49)
4.75
Amazing food, super helpful host
As a vegan I wasn't expecting such a fine dining experience, but I had my best meal of the trip! The hosts made a fantastic set Japanese meal for my dinner and adapted breakfast so I could take a packed breakfast. The host also gave me a lift to the bus stop in the morning, which saved me from a super early start and rushed start. The location is very convenient and the guest house has everything you need for a comfortable and peaceful stay.
Date: Oct/2024
Australia (Female, age 60-69)
4.40
- No subject -
Extremely helpful and friendly hosts, great food and service.
Date: Oct/2024
Singapore (Male, age 20-29)
5.00
Unique cafe and generous food portions just next to the trail
It's right on the edge of Chikatsuyu, and gives the best possible start from Chikatsuyu for the long day to Hongu. There's a very unique otaku cafe right outside the guesthouse, and I had a lovely chat with the young man managing it. The food portions given here are quite large, with a full spread of sashimi, shabu, salads, meats, and both rice and udon, which is perfect after a long day of hiking.
Date: Sep/2024
Australia (Male, age 30-39)
5.00
- No subject -
No guest review.
Date: Sep/2024
United Kingdom (Male, age 20-29)
5.00
- No subject -
Had a brilliant stay and was made to feel very welcome. Food was brilliant and accommodation was clean and comfortable. If I was to return I would definitely stay again, I was made to feel like a member of the family.
Date: Aug/2024
China (Male, age 40-49)
4.40
- No subject -
No guest review.
Date: Aug/2024
Netherlands (Female, age 30-39)
5.00
Perfect stay!
This was our second stop during our Kumano Kodo hike, and it exceeded all our expectations. We had a very warm welcome by the hosts in a very comfortable house. We were even more surprised when they’ve cooked an amazing dinner and breakfast for us (also a great vegetarian option). We had a perfect rest here and we were well prepared for our last day of the hike. Our host even drove us to the bus station to have a good starting point for the hike. Would recommend to everyone!
Date: Jul/2024
United States (Male, age 30-39)
5.00
Wonderful place 10/10
The couple that runs the place is so nice. They saw my wife and me waiting outside in the summer heat for our check-in time, so they came out to get us and let us check in early. We definitely appreciated that they had a washing machine we could use. The food was 10 out of 10, with big portions—just what you need after hiking all day. We would love to stay again. They also have vending machines out front with plenty of drinks to choose from.
Date: Jul/2024
United States (Female, age 30-39)
5.00
Great place for a stop right next to the trail
The hosts were very kind and generous. The house and room was very clean and had everything we needed. The wife is a great cook. We requested a vegetarian meal and were stuffed after every meal. The lunch was also amazing!
Date: Aug/2024
Japan (Male, age 40-49)
5.00
- No subject -
No guest review.
Date: Aug/2024
Japan (Male, age 40-49)
5.00
- No subject -
No guest review.
Date: Jul/2024
Japan (Male, age 50-59)
5.00
とてもゆっくり出来ました！
滝尻から近露まで雨の中を歩いて疲れていましたが、着いたら直ぐにお風呂も沸かして頂き、すっかり寛げました。料理も美味しく、気さくなご夫婦のお話も楽しかったです。お弁当までボリューム満点で歩き疲れた身体を癒やして貰いました。本当にお世話になりありがとうございました。
Date: Jul/2024
Czech Republic (Female, age 40-49)
5.00
- No subject -
ubytování je přímo na trase, vůbec jsme si nezašli. Měli jsme objednané dva pokoje a byli jsme tak v ubytování pouze my (já, manžel a dcera). HOstitelé byli milí. Bylo to naše první setkání s tradičním ubytováním v Japonsku a bylo to pohodlné. Nepotřebovali jsme vůbec nic - vše bylo pro nás připraveno - osušky, ručníky, kosmetika, oblek na spaní..... Výborná večeře a velmi dobrá snídaně. Děkujeme i za obědový balíček. Mohli jsme si zdarma vyprat. Druhý den nás hostitel odvezl na autobusovou zastávku - velmi děkujeme
Date: Jul/2024
United States (Female, age 70-79)
5.00
WONDERFUL
We had a wonderful stay at guesthouse Housen. Our hosts were very kind and every meal was abundant and delicious.
Date: Jun/2024
United States (Male, age 40-49)
5.00
- No subject -
No guest review.
Date: Jun/2024
Australia (Female, age **)
4.40
Delicious food and a very warm welcom
The food at Guesthouse House is incredible! So delicious and prepares you well for the 25km or so to Hongu. The beds were the most comfortable and we slept well. The hosts were very welcoming and made us feel at home.
Date: Jun/2024
United Kingdom (Male, age 40-49)
5.00
Great choice to end the first day of hiking
We're grateful for the excellent hospitality shown to us weary hikers. The accommodation was spotless and modern and the dinner, breakfast and bento lunch left us speechless. Our host kindly provided us with a lift to the bus stop as well and that was unexpected but greatly appreciated. Would recommend and return if I'm doing the Kumano Kodo again.
Date: May/2024
Germany (Male, age 30-39)
4.80
Best shabu shabu in Kumano Kodo
Really loved our stay here. We had the best shabu shabu of all Kumano Kodo in this guest house. We were the only guests for the night so the bathroom and toilet was exclusive for us. Location is perfect directly on the trail and provides a spacious front yard to relax in the afternoon sun after a long trekking day. Hosts are not good with English but very friendly and give enough privacy.
Date: May/2024
Singapore (Female, age 40-49)
4.80
- No subject -
The guesthouse was new, very clean and very comfortable. We appreciated being able to do our laundry. The food was generous and tasty; we'd recommend opting for the meals! The hosts were friendly and helpful, and even went out of their way to drop us off at the bus stop the next day.
Date: May/2024
China (Female, age 40-49)
4.80
- No subject -
wonderful experience. host will pick-up and send us to hiking start point which is very help. clean and comfortable room，food is super delicious and fancy！it‘s really out of expectation stay！super recommend！
Date: Apr/2024
United States (Female, age 60-69)
5.00
- No subject -
The husband and wife who run this guesthouse really go out of their way with the food! We had a huge hotpot dinner which included almost every kind of meat! Their son runs the cafe/bar next door and we could purchase beer and sake. The owner gave us all a ride to the start of the trail the next day rather than having us take the bus. Western beds were comfortable (harder than US beds).
Date: Apr/2024
United Kingdom (Female, age 30-39)
5.00
Welcome
The place was clean and modern and we could do washing. So welcome after our walk. Comfy beds. The dinner was amazing quality. But it was far too much food- we could have shared one! The breakfast and lunch box were excellent. Host was super helpful with buses and getting us to the track.
Date: Apr/2024
Germany (Female, age 30-39)
3.60
Pleasan stay
The guesthouse was very clean and comfy. The host was ver friendly and the pick up was smooth. Unfortunately for us the food was not enough at all. After a full day hike the hot pot was very small for two people and there was no option of getting more. Same with the breakfast, which was literally a small amount of salad, one slice of toast and one egg. The lunch box was only rice and a few vegetables unfortunately. It was still delicious but compared with the other guesthouses we stayed with was too little. If you’re not a great eater it should be fine, if you need a proper meal after the hike, it’s not.
Date: Mar/2024
Taiwan (Female, age **)
5.00
- No subject -
No guest review.
Date: Mar/2024
United States (Male, age 50-59)
5.00
Fantastic guest house
A great spot, right off the trail with some of the best meals I had in Japan!
Date: Mar/2024
United States (Male, age **)
4.60
Wonderful hosts
I stayed here on my second night on trail, hiking past the inn to log a few more miles then returning by bus. I was the only guest this night, which meant I lived like a king. The meals they prepared for me were fabulous and filling. The owner was also kind enough to shuttle me back up the trail to resume my hike - kind and generous.
Date: Mar/2024
Australia (Female, age 60-69)
4.60
Great guesthouse on the trail
Friendly owners who even drove us to the bus stop the next day in the rain! Fantastic meal and breakfast one of the best of our stay. Comfortable room above the owners. Quiet location right on the trail.
Date: Jan/2024
Hong Kong (Male, age **)
4.60
- No subject -
No guest review.
Date: Dec/2023
Australia (Male, age 20-29)
4.20
- No subject -
No guest review.
Date: Dec/2023
Hong Kong (Female, age 30-39)
4.75
- No subject -
The host are clean and have all basic equipment. The host owners are friendly and nice. They prepared the delicious and rich diet. I am so grateful to stay overnight. If I have an other opportunity, I would like to visit this host again. I highly recommend that people who hiking kumano kudo to stay. This host must provide a good experience during your whole trip.
Date: Nov/2023
United Kingdom (Male, age 60-69)
4.00
Great location
no better location - right on the trail
Date: Oct/2023
Singapore (Male, age 50-59)
3.80
- No subject -
The meals were delicious and the owner drove me to the bus in the morning. The room was clean and there is a cafe in front for light meals and beer and other drinks.
Date: Nov/2023
Israel (Female, age 60-69)
3.75
- No subject -
No guest review.
Date: Nov/2023
Australia (Female, age 20-29)
5.00
A lovely and friendly stay!
Housen was a lovely place to stay, very comfortable room, delicious home-style dinner, and the hosts were so welcoming and kind. Definitely recommend!
Date: Nov/2023
Australia (Female, age 70-79)
4.40
Ideal location
A friendly supportive hosts. Meals were excellent and the location next to the trailhead is both a winner and most ideal for take off.Clean and comfortable stay.
Date: Oct/2023
Taiwan (Male, age 50-59)
5.00
- No subject -
No guest review.
Date: Oct/2023
Australia (Female, age 50-59)
4.40
- No subject -
No guest review.
Date: Oct/2023
Australia (Female, age 20-29)
5.00
5 star rating for everything!
The owners welcomed us to their home with cold drinks and delicious sweet potato cake when we first arrived. The bathroom was spotless with a bath. The bedroom was very clean, with a window and the beds were also so comfortable. The food was amazing and you could feel it was made with love. We stayed at another accommodation later this trip that is 4 times more expensive but both my partner and I agreed our dinner here was the best of the trip. The wife was such a good cook, everything was amazing including the small side dishes. We couldn’t communicate much as we didn’t speak Japanese and they didn’t speak English but it felt like we were family. They were so sweet to us and spoilt us so much! They served our breakfast at 6am and dropped us off at the bus stop so we could make a very early bus. The husband even took us to the vending machine in front of the house to buy us a drink each. Thank you so much for having us! We will definitely come back if we plan to go on the Kumano Kodo hike again.
Date: Oct/2023
Japan (Female, age 60-69)
4.20
- No subject -
No guest review.
Date: Oct/2023
China (Female, age **)
5.00
Highly recommended
Right next to the entry point of kumano kodo(hisohara-oji), very convenient. Owned by a nice warm couple, meals were excellent, also you can wash your clothes. Definitely worth staying with them
Date: Oct/2023
United States (Female, age 30-39)
4.25
Lovely food
Our hosts at Guesthouse HOUSEN provided wonderful (and generous) meals, including a welcome snack and drink when we arrived after a long day of hiking. They served us breakfast early (6:30am) to accommodate our hiking schedule and dropped us off at the local bus stop to make the 7:33am bus to the next destination on a rainy morning. The room was clean and comfortable.
Date: Sep/2023
New Zealand (Female, age 50-59)
5.00
Fantastic hosts and wonderful vegetarian meals
We loved staying at this house as the owners were very welcoming and the food superb. We arrived after a very hot day walking, sweaty messes, and we were straight away offered ice cold drinks and Japanese sweets. The accomodation is a room in the owners house with your own bathroom. We had dinner, breakfast and a bento box for lunch. We are vegetarian and the owners easily catered for us with delicious, filling meals. We were really hungry but couldn’t finish it. We enjoyed meeting the owners who are very kind and welcoming.
Date: Sep/2023
Singapore (Male, age 50-59)
4.80
- No subject -
Excellent host. Very good food. Comfortable accommodation. Highly recommended.
Date: Aug/2023
Thailand (Female, age **)
4.50
Super welcoming couple and fantastic vegan food.
I was the only guest at Guesthouse Housen and I was treated like a Queen. I had been struggling with Vegan food in Japan so I was so happy at Housen, the food was incredible they had obviously gone to a lot of trouble. The whole guesthouse was spotless and the couple who ran it were just so welcoming.
Date: Aug/2023
United States (Female, age 40-49)
5.00
Like Staying at Grandparents House
We absolutely loved Guesthouse Housen!! It felt like staying with grandparents, so kind and thoughtful, interested in our life and our journey. Our host even looked at my social media to find out more about us - so sweet! They welcomed us in with coffee & pastry, showed us around and let us know what time dinner would be. The dinner is DELUXE!! Seafood soup, lots of other small dishes with fish, broccoli, mushroom, noodles, etc. It was very good and perfect to prepare for the very long hike to Yunomine Onsen the next day. Our room was very comfortable and the air conditioning was so nice, considering it was a hot summer day! The breakfast was just as delicious, very filling with lots of different items. The lunch box was perfect for the long day ahead, and I really appreciated that they even gave us a drink from the vending machine. Very special people and special place. Out of the 5 places we stayed, this lovely couple really made the biggest effort to get to know us and I felt their well wishes following us along our journey. I wish I remembered their names to say, THANK YOU! :)
Date: Aug/2023
Japan (Male, age 30-39)
4.80
- No subject -
No guest review.
Date: Aug/2023
Japan (Male, age 60-69)
5.00
感想
大変満足しました。期待していて以上のもてなしと、部屋、風呂、食事等、本当に満足以上のものでした。
Date: Jul/2023
United Kingdom (Male, age 50-59)
5.00
Superb stay. 10/10.
What an amazing experience from beginning to end. We arrived a bit earlier than anticipated but were warmly welcomed by this wonderful couple who made us feel so welcome. Not only was the accommodation superb....but the food was amazing and carefully prepared...such wide and varied meals...and especially thoughtful for my son who is vegetarian. They could not have been more helpful and kind. We will remember our stay here and our kind hosts for a long, long time. Thank you so much.
Date: Jul/2023
United States (Male, age 40-49)
5.00
- No subject -
great food here as well. comfortable room.
Date: Jul/2023
Spain (Female, age **)
5.00
They are very warm people
I arrived in the guesthouse after a long day of walking and it was the best. You can enjoy the rest of the afternoon in the tables outside and have a delicious dinner. Everything was so nice.
Date: Jul/2023
United States (Female, age 20-29)
5.00
Our favorite place on the Kumano Kodo
After a long day of trekking, Guesthouse HOUSEN was a true sanctuary for rest. The hosts were so kind. The wife is an incredible cook and she served us the most decadent spread for dinner. Breakfast and the bento lunch were also delicious. The guesthouse was recently built and is very clean. We were so grateful to sleep in western beds for the night. The husband was sweet too and showed us around the place, made sure we had everything, etc. The only thing that could make this spot better is if it were located a little further along the trail so the day two trek is a bit shorter. It’s a 25km trek from the guesthouse to Hongu. They served us breakfast at 6am though (we asked) so we could get an early start. I gave the wife a very un-Japanese but a very American hug as I left. I couldn’t help it! She smiled and laughed. Both the husband and wife came outside and bowed to us as we left for the trail. We will not forget this beautiful, generous couple and their guesthouse. We loved staying here!
Date: Jul/2023
Belgium (Female, age **)
4.00
Great stay on the Kumano!
It was really nice staying here. The communication in English was a bit difficult, but that's not a problem. We were the only guests in the guesthouse, which sometimes make you feel a bit uncomfortable. The room was modern. The food was really good (a bit too much ;-)) and the location is right on the Kumano. The owners got up really early to provide us breakfast at 6 am, which is really kind.
Date: Jul/2023
Singapore (Female, age 40-49)
4.80
Quiet basic stay with sumptuous meals
The hosts were warm and provided sumptuous dinner and breakfast. The western-style room was simple. The shared amenities such as toilet, bathroom and washing machine were functional. The accommodation was located at a quiet end of Chikatsuyu. The host drove me and my travel mate to the bus stop on the following rainy morning.
Date: Jul/2023
France (Female, age 50-59)
3.00
- No subject -
No guest review.
Date: Jun/2023
Japan (Male, age 60-69)
4.75
- No subject -
No guest review.
Date: Jun/2023
Singapore (Female, age **)
4.75
Hospitality and Warmth at Guesthouse Housen
We arrived earlier than the check-in time at Guesthouse Housen with mud on our gears, having slipped off muddy slopes while hiking from Takahara to Chikatsuyu. However, the elderly couple welcomed us with great hospitality, exceeding our expectations. From the moment we stepped in, they kindly offered us a drink and treated us to a moist and delectable banana cake, baked by the host's son who also owns a café next to the guesthouse. Their genuine warmth made us feel immediately at home. One highlight of our experience was learning the Japanese way to enjoy Nabe (hotpot) alongside the carefully prepared dishes. The hosts graciously shared their knowledge and offered advice for our next day's hike and ensuring we were well-prepared. The kindness and warmth of the hosts, evident in their thoughtful gestures and meticulously executed meals, truly rejuvenated our tired bodies for the next leg of our challenging hike. We left Guesthouse Housen with a deep sense of gratitude and a lasting impression of their exemplary hospitality.
Date: May/2023
United States (Female, age **)
4.00
Lovely couple who took care of us well.
This is a small place but the beds were comfortable and the hosts very kind. One great thing is that is up out of town right on the Kumano route so especially good to get a quick getaway on the long walk to Yunome onsen!
Date: May/2023
Netherlands (Female, age 40-49)
4.60
Warm welcome and fantastic food
A great place to stay, right on the trail, just past Chikatsuya. Very, very kind hosts. They made me feel very welcome. The room was comfortable and the house is new and spotless. All the food was absolutely amazing!!
Date: May/2023
Czech Republic (Male, age 30-39)
4.80
- No subject -
No guest review.
Date: May/2023
Japan (Female, age 40-49)
4.40
- No subject -
一棟貸し切りでのんびり過ごすことができました。
Date: May/2023
Australia (Male, age 60-69)
4.40
Guesthouse Housen
We arrived early at 1:30 but our hosts were willing to receive us and offered us a hot drink served with cake. They spoke little English but we got by with Google Translate. We had an upstairs room with twin share western beds. The bathroom was downstairs with hot bath prepared at a time of our choosing. There were also laundry facilities which we didn't need. Dinner was sumptious, especially the fried mushroom. We were able to eat an early breakfast and because of the bad weather our host drove us to the next bus stop free of charge. Bento box with soft drink provided for lunch. The 4 star of location is only because we could have walked further before arriving which would have given us a shorter walk the next day to Hongu
Date: Apr/2023
Italy (Male, age 50-59)
5.00
The best place
The best place web stay in our weeks in Japan Food was Amazing and host very welcome. The Place was sparkling clean Perfect.
Date: Apr/2023
United States (Male, age 60-69)
5.00
Very graceful for their help and accommodation
The host couple couldn´t be any more generous, gracious and helpful. Thank you very much for the 2 rides to the bus stops and the excellent dinner/breakfast/box lunch. They were beyond my expectations and extremely grateful hosts. My staying there really setup the tone for the rest of the walk.. Please send them my sincere regards.
Date: Apr/2023
Japan (Male, age **)
5.00
- No subject -
No guest review.
Date: Apr/2023
New Zealand (Female, age 50-59)
5.00
Great spot with fantastic meals and care
The service and food were exceptional. Really great spot on the trail and very accommodating hosts drove us to our busstop in the morning. Highly recommend
Date: Apr/2023
Taiwan (Male, age 60-69)
5.00
- No subject -
The meals are awesome. The others are great too.
Date: Mar/2023
United States (Male, age 20-29)
5.00
A highlight of our whole Japan trip!
After a hard day of traveling, we couldn't have asked for a better place to stay. We were welcomed with hot drinks and cake before choosing our dinner and bath time. The bath was perfect: Very hot, very clean and new – It was even better than the Onsens we experienced later in the trip! The beds were comfy, although would benefit from an extra pillow. Lastly, the food (hot pot, sashimi, homemade pudding, and more) was fantastic – probably a result of the host's decades of experience running an Izakaya in Wakayama City before opening HOUSEN. The hosts were amazing. So welcoming and attentive, and thought of lots of little details to make our stay more pleasant.
Date: Mar/2023
Australia (Male, age **)
4.80
A great homestay
The hosts were very welcoming and provided a sumptuous hot pot meal and beautiful breakfast. Very comfortable homestay style accommodation in very new and clean accommodation.
Date: Feb/2023
Australia (Male, age **)
5.00
- No subject -
One of the bests places we have stayed in Japan. The hosts were super accommodating. We wish we could speak better Japanese to talk to them more. The best part was definitely the food all the meals were absolutely amazing and super filling.
Date: Jan/2023
United States (Female, age 30-39)
5.00
- No subject -
No guest review.
Date: Jan/2023
Singapore (Female, age 20-29)
5.00
- No subject -
No guest review.
Date: Dec/2022
United States (Female, age 40-49)
4.80
Amazing homemade food and beautiful accommodation
The hosts Housen are so kind. They allowed me to check in early and welcomed me with cake and tea. They showed me around the guesthouse and allowed me to pick dinner and breakfast times that worked for me. They were extremely accommodating of my dietary restriction confirming what was okay during check-in. The food was made by the hostess and couldn’t have been more delicious and was presented in such an intentional and thoughtful manner. In the morning, in addition to tea they made me coffee and provided a lunchbox drink from the vending machine out front. Such a kind couple running an amazing guesthouse. I would stop here again if I find myself on this area of Japan.
Date: Dec/2022
Japan (Female, age 50-59)
5.00
お腹いっぱい至れり尽せりの中辺路の宿
2食付き+弁当で申込みましたが、到着後にウェルカムスイーツと飲み物、夜も朝もこだわりのデザートや美味しいコーヒーを入れて下さりお腹いっぱいになりました。お話好きのご夫婦で、近辺のことや和歌山のことなどもお話し下さり楽しい滞在となりました。辺りは動物が出没するほど静かでぐっすり眠れ、いっぺんに好きになりました。また泊まりたいです。他の方にもおすすめいたします。
Date: Dec/2022
United States (Female, age 50-59)
4.60
This was our best place we stayed when we walked the Kumano Kodo!
By far this was the best place we stayed on the Kumano Kodo. It didn't have an incredible bath or rooms or anything like that. The guesthouse was clean and very well kept. By far the best part of this place was the service! Both the hosts were very generous and they fed us like kings! We explained to him that our next day seemed a little far and he went out of his way to drive us closer to our next destination. I can't say enough about the hospitality of this place as their generous spirit and desire to make us feel comfortable made it the best place we stayed in!
Date: Dec/2022
Singapore (Female, age 20-29)
5.00
Amazing place
We were drenched and soaked after hiking through a full day of rain, the hosts provided us with dry towels and warm bath, and helped to wash and dry our clothes, as well as our shoes. Food was plenty and delicious. The bed was so soft and perfect for a day of hiking. The hosts were amazing and showed great hospitality and made us comfortable. Amazing place, probably the best accommodation we had for the entire trip
Date: Nov/2022
Singapore (Male, age 30-39)
5.00
This is what makes Japan special
Hosted by a lovely couple who took care of me well. The meals were huge in portion and i had a wonderful time resting there before my next days hike
Date: Nov/2022
Japan (Female, age 40-49)
5.00
熊野古道中辺路歩きでの宿泊
熊野古道中辺路歩きでの宿泊の際に利用させてもらいました。設備は新しくとても綺麗で、今は1組限定で受け入れをされていたので、貸切で宿泊させていただきました。ご夫婦もアットホームな方で地元ならではの面白いお話もうかがいながら、1日目の疲れを癒しながらゆっくり休ませていただきました。夕食もお腹いっぱいになるほどのボリュームでしかも美味しい！朝食も美味しかったです。お昼ご飯は大斉原で食べたのですが、大きなおにぎりが本当に美味しいお弁当でした。また、機会があれば宿泊したいです。お世話になり、ありがとうございました。
Date: Nov/2022
United States (Male, age 40-49)
5.00
Nice, clean, guesthouse right along the Kumano Kodo, great meals!
Owners are very welcoming and inviting. The house itself is quite new/modern and beds are quite comfortable. Our hotpot dinner was delicious (and huge!). Breakfast and lunch were also excellent. Owners aren't fully fluent in English, but we had no issues with a little help from google translate. Owners were very accommodating and helped us do a load of laundry so we had clean clothes for the next two days. Thank you!
Date: Nov/2022
Japan (Male, age 20-29)
5.00
Very hospitable
Tasty and generous meals. Clean and modern guesthouse!
Date: Oct/2022
Australia (Male, age 50-59)
5.00
Brand new & super friendly
This guest house is a new build, while it doesnt have some of the character of older alternatives, it is clean, friendly & convenient. Meals were cooked with love & delicious
Date: Oct/2022
United States (Male, age 20-29)
5.00
- No subject -
No guest review.
Date: Sep/2022
Japan (Male, age 50-59)
5.00
素敵なオーナー夫妻で楽しく過ごせました。
夫婦で熊野古道を散策しに訪れました。元居酒屋さんのオーナーということで楽しみにしていた夕食は想像以上においしく、量も食べきれないくらいでした。ゲストハウスは4月に建てたばかりとのことで部屋もお風呂もとてもきれいでした。おもてなしが好きなのがよくわかるお人柄のオーナー夫妻で楽しく過ごせました。 今回は自家用車で訪れましたがすぐ裏が熊野古道とのことで次回は歩きで訪れたいです。
Date: Aug/2022
Japan (Female, age 20-29)
4.60
- No subject -
The hosts at Guesthouse HOUSEN were wonderful and super accommodating! My friend and I arrived much earlier than expected, but we were received anyways! The guest house had bicycles that we were able to use to explore the town. Also, the food was amazing! My friend and I requested vegan meals and we had a large variety of dishes for dinner breakfast and lunch. The day that we were leaving, there were warnings of a possible rainstorm, the host offered to take us to our next destination by car purely out of kindness and even brought an item that I had left behind later that day to our new location. I have never before experienced such hospitality and I am really happy and grateful that we stayed there. I highly recommend this guesthouse to any travelers, especially vegan or vegetarians (plus there is a cute coffee shop right next door with tons of manga to read!)
Price Plan(s)
Statement from the owner to the guests
| Notice |
|---|
| ■ This accommodation follows guidelines to reduce the spread of Covid-19. |
Guestrooms
| Western Style | Yes |
|---|---|
| Japanese Style | No |
| Mixed Style | No |
| Other Style | No |
| Number of Rooms | 3 |
|---|---|
| Maximum Guests | 6 |
| Facilities |
|---|
|
| Amenities |
|---|
|
Baths
| Shared Indoor | Yes |
|---|---|
| Shared Outdoor | No |
| Shared Sauna | No |
| Privately Reserved | No |
| Ensuite Indoor | No |
| Ensuite Outdoor | No |
- Note
- Bath is available.
Meals
| Supper |
|---|
| 18:00～20:00 |
| Breakfast |
| 6:00～8:00 |
- Meal Options
: Possible : Not Possible
Vegetarian 
No Meat
No Fish
No Seafood (other than fish)
No Dashi fish stock
No Dairy
No EggsGluten Free With Miso & Soy Sauce
No Miso & Soy Sauce (Celiac or Intolerant)
Allergies Possible
Others No Raw Fish/Seafood
No Pork
No Red Meat (beef or pork)
No Shellfish
Vegetarianism and gluten free foods are not common in the Japanese countryside. Please double-check the meal options that are possible with each service provider to make sure that it meets your needs.
FISH STOCK: Often being able to eat trace amounts of the ubiquitous Katsuo Dashi (fish stock) makes it easier to find vegetarian options.
GLUTEN: For those who are not intorelant to gluten or Celiac then choosing Gluten Free "With Miso and Soy Sauce" will increase your options.
NOTE: It is difficult and not culturally sensitive to change meal requests, or make new meal demands, onsite when you arrive at accommodations. Meal options must be confirmed during the reservation process and respected during your visit.
Facilities & Services
- Internet
- Free Wi-Fi (Guestroom)
- Credit Card
- Not accepted
- Language
- Basic English
- Others
- Washing machine, laundry detergent and dryer available (free).
- Notes
- Entire Facility is NON-SMOKING.
Access
- Access Information
● ~20 min walk from Chikatsuyu village
● ~30 min walk from Tsugizakura-oji
Busses run daily to Kannonnji-mae bus stop and Miyanoue bus stop.
● ~1 hr by bus from Kii-Tanabe to Chikatsuyu-oji (bus timetable 1)
● ~1 hr 20 min by bus from Kii-Tanabe to Kannnonnji-mae (bus timetable 1)
● ~10 min walk from "Kannnonnji-mae 観音寺前" bus stop
Nakahechi East Area
Kumano Kodo Takahara~Tsugizakura-oji Map
- Shuttle Service
- Please consult with us if you have any queries.
- Parking
- Free parking available for up to 5 vehicles.
Sorry, "Reservation Requests" are not available at this time.
Set booking times: 7:00–9:30 and 19:00–22:00 daily, Japan Standard Time.
Please check this Article for more information.