This was the favourite of the 3 places we booked for the Kumano Kodo. It was exceptional in every way. From our arrival and introduction to the apartment through our spectacular meals to the final farewell all was warm and welcoming. I couldn’t recommend this place highly enough. We loved our stay at Kameya.

It was perfect!

March 31 was our first day on Kumano Kodo hike. When we arrived in Kii-Tanabe, the weather turned really bad. By the time we started our hike, the rain was pouring, the wind gust was up to 50 miles an hour. Worse yet, I fell at Kii-Tanabe station due to the slippery tile. A fellow hiker said that was a bad start of a long hiking trip. All these made the easy 2.7 mile hike much tougher. By the time we got to Kameya, we were all wet and very tired. Kameya is right next to the Kumano Kodo hiking route. The hosts Miyako-san and Toshi-san were right there to greet us. The little reception area overlooks the valley with beautiful flower tree right in front. Upon arrival, Miyako-san prepared delicious coffee, tea and dessert to put my husband and I at ease. Toshi-san took our wet boots and used boot dryer to dry them. This is so heartwarming. The guest house is fairly spacious for two people with all amenity you can imagine. It included much needed washer to wash our clothes, free of charge. The beds are western style, but the deco is Japanese. It even included a small balcony that also overlook the valley. The scene in the morning were absolutely stunning. After rest, we had dinner prepared by Miyako-san and a helper. All boy, this is such a wonderful dinner. The Tempura was crisp and not greasy. The Sukiyaki beef dipped in home-produced egg was out of this world. The rice is home grown and so tasty. One can just eat the rice without dishes. We both had plenty of it. After dinner, we had a little game of "catching the ball". We then retired to the guest house after selecting our snack. The breakfast next morning is also wonderful and plentiful to prepare us for the upcoming long hike. The most moving part was that on top of the wonderful food and stay. Toshi-san even gave each of us a little "charm" blessed at the local Shrine. We wear it outside our backpacks to prevent bear attacks. All and all, it is the most wonderful stay I had in Japan with personal touch and lots of attention from the host. Thank you so much Miyako-san and Toshi-san. We would return if we ever visit the Kumano Kodo area again.

We feel incredibly fortunate to have stayed in such a beautiful inn in this charming village. The warmth and kindness of the hosts made our visit truly special. From the delicious, thoughtfully prepared meals to the joyful moments we shared playing games together, it’s the kind of place we’re already excited to recommend to friends. Thank you, Miyako-san and Toshi-san, for your genuine hospitality and for creating such a memorable stay. We will carry these memories along with your good wishes with us for years to come.

Minshuku Takahara Kameya was absolutely beautiful in every way. An incredible place for our first night on the hike. An entire house to ourselves (we were a group of 3 friends). We LOVED the accommodation with its beautiful tatami living room with views over Takahara valley. Super cosy beds. Clean, comfortable and warm. AND the food was incredible and so beautifully prepared. We were nourished with home grown rice, veggies, mushrooms & eggs from their chooks, prepared with so much love. The hosts were utterly delightful. Kind, warm and joyful and we will treasure this night for a long time! Takahara is a beautiful and peaceful village and it's worth staying here for 1 night on the Kumano Kodo!

The best! Such gracious hosts, amazing food and the most lovely accommodations we had during our 5 day hike!

Would highly recommend staying at Minshuku Takahara Kameya. The owners are absolutely lovely, extremely helpful & superb cooks (along with their daughter). The accommodation was missing nothing, anything you wanted was there, bath/shower, washing machine, air conditioning, comfortable beds (not futons), living area, etc. They showed us their little farm (& chickens) from where they get their fresh ingredients to cook. Very traditional dinner & breakfast with a bento box for lunch. Even had a sample of their home made plum wine (umeshu)! Couldn't ask for anything more. Therese & Pete

What a beautiful stay. Beautiful people and atmosphere plus wonderful delicious meals!! Will NEVER forget this experience! Perfect way to re-energize after long day of travel from Osaka and short hike to Takahara

We had a fabulous stay. My daughter and I arrived at the house feeling completely exhausted, and were immediately greeted with such warmth and kindness — a cup of tea, delicious food, and genuine hospitality that made us feel at home straight away. The accommodation itself was beautiful, and the bed was honestly one of the most comfortable we’ve ever slept in. Everything about the experience felt thoughtful and welcoming. It was truly one of the best stays we’ve had, and we’re very grateful for the care shown to us.

Really enjoyed the warm service that was provided. The dinner was incredible and we thoroughly enjoyed the breakfast and packed lunch (onigiri) as well. The rice that we had here (grown by the owners) was one of the best we have tasted in Japan! The accomodation was perfectly warm and the bath was amazing.