Pet-friendly hotels and homes in Hongu

Staying in this property while hiking Kumano Kodo has been the highlight of our trip so far. Strongly recommended to people with an interest in traditional Japan! Host was friendly, we went to his yakitori restaurant for dinner and it was lovely as well.

The level of service was simply outstanding! From the moment we arrived (not quite dressed for any occasion, after a hefty day hike in pouring rain), to the moment we left, the staff was extremely helpful. When we found out late in the evening our planned train connection wasn't available after all, they helped us find an alternative and offered bento boxed breakfast, only to come knocking on our door 5min later when they thought of an even better option by driving us to a bus stop a few villages away early the morning. Special thanks to Tak from the front desk! Dinner and breakfast were also an exciting culinary journey :-)

I was so fortunate to choose Guesthouse Yui to spend over a week doing Kumano Kodo and stay for Christmas. I used it as a base to walk the Nakahechi route, catching the bus to/from the trail each day, as required. Staying at Guesthouse Yui made all this much easier and more enjoyable. The owner-operator Sanae-san is such a welcoming and caring host. She made my stay like a home-away-from-home. I had the tatami room nearest the entrance which was spacious, clean and warm. I made use of the common area for writing, emailing, watching TV. I was fortunate to be there during a slower time which made it not so busy, apparently. Regardless, Sanae-san put on a hot pot for 4 of us guests one night which was superb. The shower/bath facilities at the guesthouse are very good but I didn't use these much as there is an excellent community public bath a 5 minute walk away (and only 200 yen!). Mad if you don't use it. Kumano Hongo Taisha bus stop and the "town centre" is a 5 minute walk away. Here the dining options are good but very few. Sanae provides full use of the kitchen with stove, rice cooker, microwave etc if you want to cook. She also provides basic items such as beer, packet rice etc to purchase. I highly recommend Iwatani-san's Ramen restaurant on Monday and Tuesday nights, and Miyazushi the other nights.

The shop owners are an elderly couple who are incredibly friendly and welcoming. Staying here feels just like being at home. The rooms are very spacious and comfortable, with all the necessary amenities. The husband even told us to feel free to drink as much wine as we like. The kitchen is fully equipped. This is a warm and cozy place where you'd want to stay forever.

Although we only stayed for 1 night, Piko-san took really good care of us. Everything was perfect ! Thank you so much for your warm welcome, and the talk and karaoke ! We wish we could have stayed longer ! <3