A Traditional Japanese Minshuku and a Guesthouse in Wakasa Takahama

Sponsored by Takahama Town

I was fortunate enough to stay at Warakuso, a traditional Japanese-style inn, during my visit to Takahama in Fukui Prefecture, and it is without a doubt one of the best accommodations I’ve had to pleasure of staying at while traveling across Japan. The authentic Japanese hospitality I received at Warakuso can’t be beat, and something that I think everyone traveling in Japan should have the opportunity to experience.

The private rooms at Warakuso are absolutely splendid, as each room offers a great view of Wakasa-Wada, Takahama’s Blue Flag certified beach. The room I stayed in was equipped with a small table and two chairs where you look out over the ocean below, as well a TV and AC unit. Both the futon bedding and tatami floors really help to create a uniquely Japanese atmosphere, like you’ve travelled back in time, but it thankfully maintains all of the modern features that we all know and love.

Although the rooms at Warakuso are private, the bathrooms and shower/bathing areas are shared. But I never had a problem when attempting to use either of them. There are restrooms available on both the first and second floors, my room was on the second floor and the shared bathroom were just down the hall. The shower/bathing area is located on the bottom floor, and is separated into male and female rooms. The bathing room is a common Japanese set up, there is a bath available if you’d like to relax for a bit after taking a shower and shampoo/body wash are both provided.

Delicious Dinner and Breakfast at the Warakuso Guest House

I must admit that eating traditional Japanese cuisine has always been difficult for me, but everything at Warakuso is prepared fresh and is displayed like a work of art! I’m sure that fans of traditional Japanese food will be more than satisfied with what this minshuku has to offer.

Below are some photos of my dinner followed by the next mornings breakfast.

Dinner as well as breakfast is set out for you in the dinning hall on the first floor, my dinner was served at 6pm but I believe it is possible to request your meal at a specific time.

This guest house also has a beautiful garden which you are free to visit at anytime! It has two traditional stone lanterns and is also visible from the dinning room, which makes it a very scenic dining experience.

Kame House: A Unique Guest House in Takahama

In the past I’d always tried to stay in either a hotel or in an accommodation that offered a private room, but after staying at Kame House in Takahama near Wakasa-Wada Blue Flag Beach my eyes have been opened to the awesome experiences that can be had when staying in a shared living space!

My time at Kame House was a positive experience from start to finish! The house, which is managed by the very kind host Mai, is a very traditional Japanese house that has been converted into a beach side accommodation. Located less than a minute from the beautiful Wakasa-Wada Beach and in Takahama old fishing district, it’s a great place to stay if you want to have some fun at the beach as well as try out some relaxing fishing at the harbor.

Kame House has a maximum occupancy of 8 people, there is a private room which has space for 4 people and a mixed dormitory with 4 individual bunk beds. There are two private showers and and a restroom on the first floor, these are large tables, as well as a kitchen area for preparing your meals. Like in many homes across Japan you’ll have to take your shoes off at the entrance of the house. There aren’t any meals offered at Kame House but there is a restaurant and some grocery stores nearby.

Of course, I can’t guarantee that you’ll become friends with everyone you meet on your journey, but the hosts at Kame House have done an excellent job of creating a safe and friendly environment at this home. During my time at Kame House, I was able to meet a girl who was biking across Japan, a Japanese student who was studying castles across Japan, and a friendly German family; I had a great time talking with these people. I’m confident that your stay at Kame House will be just as great!

Kame House Airbnb Reservation: here

Wakasa Takahama Tourism Site: here

Access to Takahama, Fukui

From Kyoto Station take the Hashidate Express to Ayabe Station, at Ayabe transfer to the Maizuru Line and take the train to Higashi-Maizuru Station, from there take the Obama Line to Wakasa-Takahama Station.

Or, take the JR Maizuru Line to Higashi-Maizuru directly, then the JR Obama Line to Wakasa Takahama. Duration: approx. 2 hours, cost: approx. 4,400 yen.

For a more detailed guide on how to get to this amazing beach check out my article on Easy Access to Wakasa Takahama from Kyoto Station. 

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