Akatsuki is a “Minpaku” or homestay run by the cheery Maeda couple, in a neighborhood of Kurisugawa, on a narrow mountain road to the ridgetop settlement of Takahara (a 5-minute drive by car). 

It is a two-story home with guestrooms on the second floor.  One guestroom has twin beds and the other sleeps with futons on the floor.  The house itself is lovingly maintained and decorated with handmade crafts and flowers.  It is a comfortable and welcoming homestay environment.

The Maedas are thrilled to open their home to visitors and look forward to offering unique experiences to guests. Ms. Maeda playfully used the character 暁 “Akatsuki” for the name of the minpaku, which is a character in her husband's name (to make him work!).

They offer free pick-up and drop-off from Takahara, Takijiri-oji, and Kurisugawa bus stops.

Guest House Kiyohime is a two-story house in the small settlement of Manago, ~2 km south of Takijiri-oji (~20 min walk) just off, or uphill, from route 311.   

Rooms share common facilities including toilet, bath, washing machine and kitchen. Each room is simply decorated and provides comfortable private space.

This guest house was renovated to host walkers along the Kumano Kodo by the owner who frequently travels the world with his job as a dog breeder.  He noticed more and more international pilgrims and wanted to extend his hospitality to those who visit the area. Guest House Kiyohime is convenient for those wanting to overnight somewhat closer to Takijiri-oji.

* Please note that we are no longer accepting new reservations for the full-floor rental plan. We now offer private rooms with shared facilities.

● Note: the closest bus stop is Kiyohime, not Takijiri. See Access notes below.

NULLM KAZE Rental House (formerly Nuruminoie) is a boutique rental house in Nakahechi about 15 minutes drive north of the Takahara settlement.  It is an older farmhouse with a designer renovation.  The fully furnished house itself is a one-story wooden structure with a series of rooms, including both Western and Japanese-style atmospheres.  The entrance and kitchen feature an exposed ceiling to showcase traditional construction techniques. 

The relaxing space offers views over the bucolic satoyama landscape of the wide Nurumi-gawa river valley, which the name derives from.  The bamboo trees waving in the wind frame the mountains beyond. 

This is a private house rental for only one group per night.

Guest House Kiyohime 3 is the annex with rental rooms in addition to the nearby Guest House Kiyohime. It is a two-story house in the small settlement of Manago, ~2 km south of Takijiri-oji (~20 min walk) just off, or uphill, from route 311. This guesthouse offers two rooms with shared bath, toilet, kitchen, and living space. It was renovated to host walkers along the Kumano Kodo by the owner who frequently travels the world with his job as a dog breeder.  He noticed more and more international pilgrims and wanted to extend his hospitality to those who visited the area. Guest House Kiyohime 3 is convenient for those wanting to overnight somewhat closer to Takijiri-oji, ideal for Kumano Kodo walkers, but also those interested in longer stays.

● For guests interested in private suites, consider Guest House Kiyohime just a 1 minute walk away.

NULLM SORA Rental House is a renovated Japanese-style rental house in Nakahechi about 15-minute drive north of the Takahara settlement.  SORA means “Sky” and is the sister lodging to the nearby NULLM KAZE or "Wind".  This fully furnished house has a classic countryside atmosphere surrounded by a rural mountain scene.  There is a full kitchen and dining room with lofty ceiling exposing dark brown wooden beams.  The two bedrooms are fitted with sleeping futons.  The owners would like guests to relax and enjoy a stay in this classic Japanese home.

This is a private house rental for only one group per night.

Komorian is a beautiful Japanese-style house located a short drive north of Takijiri-oji (~7 minutes) and Takahara (~10 minutes) next to a clear stream.  Originally it was a private retreat cottage for a geisha and built by a highly skilled master carpenter.  There is a wooden indoor bath. The interior has a mixture of classical architecture and modern amenities such as a full kitchen, sitting area, and mini bar. The natural surroundings are refreshing and perfect for weary visitors.

Miko the owner likes cats, cooking, working in the vegetable garden, and travelling. She speaks English and Korean and would love to have you stay during your Kumano Kodo trek!

NOTES:

Please note that we do not offer any vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, or egg-free meal options.
Thank you for your understanding in advance. 

Shuttle pick-up for guests and luggage with conditions is possible. Please see details below.

 ● From 2 to 6 guests possible.
 ● Single guests not accepted.
 ● Only guests 8 and older are accepted.

We are sorry, but pets not accepted.
Thank you for your understanding.

Kumano Nakahechi Mine-no-Yado (Mine Own House) is a rental cottage perched on the side of the mountain opposite (to the west) of Takijiri-oji. 

It is a one story building with open-space sitting area and Japanese style room.  It has a compact full kitchen, toilet and bath. 

The views that stretch across the mountains (including the stars) can be enjoyed from a lawn-chair on the covered deck, one of the most popular activities of this cottage!

It is located along the Mine hiking route which descends from the Shiomi-toge pass. 

The owner offers pick-up and drop-off service from Takijiri-oji if reserved in advance, making it a good place to stay for the first night before walking the Kumano Kodo from Takijiri-oji. 

No meals are supplied, so please do some grocery shopping before you arrive.

Kumano Nakahechi Mine-no-Yado (Mine Own House) can only accept reservations 6 months or less in advance. 
Thank you for your understanding.