{"id":40109,"date":"2018-09-09T08:00:45","date_gmt":"2018-09-08T23:00:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/voyapon.com\/?p=40109"},"modified":"2021-05-10T23:55:12","modified_gmt":"2021-05-10T14:55:12","slug":"takahamal-minshuku-guesthouse-near-kyoto","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/voyapon.com\/takahamal-minshuku-guesthouse-near-kyoto\/","title":{"rendered":"A Traditional Japanese Minshuku and a Guesthouse in Wakasa Takahama"},"content":{"rendered":"

Sponsored by Takahama Town<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

I was fortunate enough to stay at Warakuso<\/strong><\/a>, a traditional Japanese-style inn, during my visit to Takahama<\/strong> in Fukui<\/strong> Prefecture<\/strong>, and it is without a doubt one of the best accommodations I’ve had to pleasure of staying at while traveling across Japan.<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n

\"Warakuso

A garden with a beautiful stone lantern is on display in the center courtyard of Warakuso<\/p><\/div>\n

The private rooms at Warakuso are absolutely splendid, as each room offers a great view of Wakasa-Wada<\/strong>, Takahama’s Blue Flag certified beach<\/strong>. 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\u00a0futon<\/em> bedding and tatami<\/em> 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.<\/p>\n

\"Warakuso<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

\"Warakuso<\/p>\n

Delicious Dinner and Breakfast at the Warakuso Guest House<\/h2>\n

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!<\/strong> I’m sure that fans of traditional Japanese food will be more than satisfied with what this minshuku has to offer.<\/p>\n

Below are some photos of my dinner followed by the next mornings breakfast.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

\"Warakuso

Grilled and salted fish for dinner<\/p><\/div>\n

\"Warakuso

Sashimi, a very popular dish in Japan<\/p><\/div>\n

\"Warakuso

A very interesting and fun to watch method of preparing meat<\/p><\/div>\n

\"Warakuso

A very satisfying breakfast<\/p><\/div>\n

\"Warakuso

In a fishing village it’s okay to have fish for breakfast, lunch and dinner!<\/p><\/div>\n

This guest house also has a beautiful garden<\/strong>\u00a0which 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.<\/p>\n

\"Warakuso

Larger stone lantern visible from the dinning room<\/p><\/div>\n

\"Warakuso

Small stone lantern near the rear entrance<\/p><\/div>\n

Kame House: A Unique Guest House in Takahama<\/h2>\n
\"Kame

View from my Kame House private room<\/p><\/div>\n

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<\/strong> 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!<\/p>\n

\"Kame<\/p>\n

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<\/strong> 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<\/strong>, 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.<\/p>\n

Kame House has a maximum occupancy of 8 people, there is a private room\u00a0<\/strong>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.<\/p>\n

\"Kame

A fully-equipped kitchen<\/p><\/div>\n

\"Kame

Coffee machine, toaster, fridge; everything you need when preparing a meal<\/p><\/div>\n

\"Kame

Remember to separate your trash!<\/p><\/div>\n

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!<\/p>\n

Kame House Airbnb Reservation: here<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Wakasa Takahama Tourism Site: here<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Access to Takahama, Fukui<\/h2>\n

From Kyoto Station<\/strong> take the Hashidate Express<\/strong> to Ayabe Station<\/strong>, at Ayabe transfer to the Maizuru Line<\/strong>\u00a0and take the train to Higashi-Maizuru Station,\u00a0<\/strong>from there take the Obama Line<\/strong> to Wakasa-Takahama Station.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Or,\u00a0take the JR Maizuru Line to\u00a0Higashi-Maizuru <\/strong>directly,\u00a0then the JR Obama Line to\u00a0Wakasa<\/strong>\u00a0Takahama.\u00a0Duration: approx. 2 hours, cost: approx. 4,400 yen.<\/p>\n

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.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Map:<\/h3>\n