SinoYado Niji

The keys to the entrance and the room were confusing, making it difficult to get in. I was bewildered by the lack of instructions, but it was clean and spacious, and the kids seemed to enjoy exploring. There's a proper kitchen too, so you won't have any issues. It was also nice to see wild deer in the garden in the morning.

It was a guesthouse that felt like a converted villa. It wasn't new, but it was very clean. There were only three rooms, but the living and dining areas on the first floor were very spacious. The kitchen was fully equipped. There was even a kettle with boiled water. There was a large refrigerator. It was empty, so I couldn't distinguish between the vegetable and freezer compartments. To enter the building and your room, you need to enter a number you received just before your arrival. If you forget your phone and leave your room, you might not be able to get back in because you won't know the number. I stayed in room 203. It had air conditioning, although it was cool enough that I didn't need to use it, even in the middle of summer. There were small disposable towels, a cotton bath towel, and a toothbrush. There were no loungewear. Outdoor shoes are not allowed inside the house. Slippers are provided at the entrance. It's located a little way up from Lake Yamanaka, and it's very quiet, feeling like you're in the middle of a forest. Arriving at night might be difficult to find and a bit scary. On the day I stayed, there were no other guests, and no reception staff, so I was alone in the large house.

The house is beautiful, the rooms match the pictures, and it has everything a good place to stay should have. The kitchen is fully equipped with cooking utensils and ingredients. However, it's a matter of luck with your housemates. If you're lucky enough to get solo or coupled foreigners, you'll have a peaceful and quiet stay. But if you happen to get a group of teenagers staying there, be prepared for quite a bit of noise.

The staff at the inn were very helpful in picking us up and dropping us off. The inn was clean and comfortable.