5 Unique Stays and the Warm Hospitality of Their Owners in Woodland Kyoto

Bishamon House, located in the city of Kameoka, is defined by the unique partnership of its hosts, Tsuzumi and Christian. Christian is an Italian expatriate and a long-time student of Kendo, bringing a passionate outsider’s appreciation for the culture. Tsuzumi, conversely, was born and raised in this very area, possessing an intimate knowledge of the region’s charms that only a local can offer.

Bishamon House itself is a beautifully restored 150-year-old traditional Japanese home located at the foot of a mountain range. The property offers a “rural Kyoto” experience that mixes the aesthetics of a heritage property with the comfort of modern conveniences.

The real value, however, lies in how Tsuzumi and Christian facilitate your journey. They actively curate cultural engagement, such as practicing Zazen meditation. They also encourage exploring the vibrant local life, suggesting nearby places to visit during your stay.

Bishamon House
Website: https://www.kyotocountrysidestay.com/

The story of Inn Miyama is one of a long journey home. Tomoko and Sho spent over 30 years living overseas before returning to Japan in 2019. During their Miyama visit, they were immediately drawn to a traditional thatched-roof house and its location, and they decided to move there in 2021 to start a new chapter.

To ensure complete privacy, they host only one group at a time (up to six adults). The living room features a traditional kotatsu (a blanket-covered wooden table with a heater) and a wood stove, creating a cozy hub for relaxation. The house is also equipped with modern conveniences, including Wi-Fi, a dishwasher, and a gas oven.

The most enriching part of the experience is found in the interactions, especially the “Cook & Dine with Host” experience. Guests can cook traditional Japanese food alongside Tomoko and Sho using local produce and organic rice grown by the owners themselves. If you prefer, you also have the option to self-cater, order delivery, or eat at local restaurants. Visitors can also participate in immersive activities such as shimenawa (sacred rope) making, yoga, cycling, and rice harvesting.

Inn Miyama
Website: https://inn-miyama.com/

Madoka Abe, a former tour coordinator, founded Bonfire Cafe and Inn DANMOME in Kyotamba with a vision to create a “sanctuary for the soul.” She runs the cafe and inn with her husband, Takeshi. Inspired to build a reassuring haven, they are dedicated to providing a warm, uplifting space where every guest can feel truly at ease.

DANMOME is an intimate retreat reserved for only one group per day, ensuring complete privacy. The space seamlessly bridges the outdoors and indoors, featuring both an open-air bonfire area perfect for starry nights and a traditional indoor irori (sunken hearth) where guests can relax in comfort regardless of the weather.

True to its name, the guest experience revolves around the warmth of the fire. You can engage in activities like chopping wood to cook rice balls or bake pizzas. Ultimately, it is a stay designed to heal the soul through the power of food and atmosphere.

Bonfire and Inn DANMOME
Website: https://r.goope.jp/danmome/

Abura-ya is the passion project of Mr. and Mrs. Hayashi, a couple who left the bustle of Kyoto City for the quiet countryside of Fukuchiyama. These experienced hosts previously ran a popular guesthouse in Kyoto City but were drawn to the charm found in Kyoto’s backcountry and sought a slower pace of life.

The couple has transformed the historic, 180-year-old merchant house—once a camellia oil shop—into a unique retreat filled with their personal collection of antique furniture. Designed to host one group at a time, the house boasts a meticulously maintained moss garden, inviting guests to unwind on the veranda and soak in the garden’s vivid green glow in the clear mountain air.

One of the standout experiences at Abura-ya is the opportunity to shop for fresh ingredients with the owners, followed by a communal cooking session around the traditional irori. From the cozy hearth warmth during lively conversations to the enchanting summer evenings when fireflies illuminate the river just behind the inn, guests are sure to have an unforgettable stay.

Auberge Kikuya is a true labor of love run by owner-chef Mr. Komai and his wife. Mr. Komai is the third generation of a family that operated a ryotei (a high-end traditional restaurant) for over a century, while his wife brings a polished touch of hospitality from her background as an international flight attendant. Together, they relocated from Kyoto City to renovate this 100-year-old traditional house in Ayabe, operating it as an intimate private inn and restaurant.

Guests stay on the second floor, where the room is designed with a thoughtful twist: the beds are intentionally set low to the ground to ensure safety for guests traveling with dogs. The architecture is a highlight here, too. A glass panel set into the open ceiling allows you to gaze directly at the underside of the original thatched roof, offering a rare, up-close look at the home’s historic carpentry.

Visitors can also enjoy the multi-course kaiseki dinner, which uses the best local ingredients from Ayabe vegetables to seafood from nearby Maizuru Port. The couple ensures the service is personal and meticulous. Thanks to the couple’s own dachshund, the atmosphere is wonderfully dog-friendly, but the experience is truly for everyone. It’s a unique fusion of high-end cuisine and the kind of genuine, personal care that only a family-run establishment can provide.

Auberge Kikuya
Website: https://kikuya-komai.com/ (Japanese only)

Read our Ayabe E-bike Adventures article for deeper look into Auberge Kikuya.

These stays in Woodland Kyoto offer a rare chance to connect with fascinating hosts and immerse yourself in the authentic culture of rural Japan.

Discover the warm hospitality of Kyoto’s countryside and the people who make it unforgettable.

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