The closest station to Kaminyū is Samegai (2.8km away), but most guests arrive via Maibara Station (8.6km away), which is on the Shinkansen line—perfect for travelling from Kyoto (18mins), Osaka (34mins), or Tokyo (2hrs 15mins). You can access the guesthouse via taxi or Uber from Maibara station (Approx. 15min drive).

You don’t need a car, but it is recommended as it will give you more freedom to explore Kaminyū and beyond in all weather conditions! I recommend hiring one from Maibara Station (there are plenty of options —book ahead for the best deals!). Prefer to stay local? You can access the guesthouse via taxi or Uber from Maibara station and during your stay we’ve got complementary bikes you can use.

*Free Parking available on-site.

Rent-A-Car Options near Maibara Station:

JR rent-a-car ‍

Nippon Rent-a-Car

Toyota Rent-a-car

Orix Rent a Car ‍

Times Car Rental

The guesthouse accommodates up to two guests. Couples with infants (up to 12 months) are welcome too. A baby bassinet or child futon can be provided upon request.

Check-in is 3pm, and check-out is 10am. We will do our best to accommodate flexible check in-times where possible. Please email us at bookings@akitsuryokan.jp if required.

Breakfast is available as an optional add-on when booking for 1,500 yen per person. For Summer: breakfast includes a seasonal bagel sandwich paired with a juice. For Winter: breakfast includes over-night oats topped with seasonal fruit and a juice. (Please advise of any dietary restrictions or allergies at the time of booking).

Directly in Kaminyū Village we have the Akitsu shop just below the guesthouse which is open Wednesday - Sunday, (9:30am-3pm) as well as Nishide Shoten cafe. There are also a few restaurants and cafes, as well as a local supermarket in the neighbouring Samegai Village (2.7km away). A Lawson convenience store and a larger supermarket with a drugstore are also nearby (3.6km).

• Izame-An Inn — 3km (Samegai Post Town, old Nakasendō)

Traditional Japanese multi-course meal using locally sourced fish and seasonal produce. Approx. 8 courses, ¥2,300 per person. Reservations required at least 36 hours in advance.

• Kanaya Kitchen — 3km (Samegai Post Town, old Nakasendō)
Great lunch option with fresh, locally caught sashimi. Open 11am–5pm. Closed Wednesdays.

• Ki Mama — 5km (Kashiwabara Village)
Vegan restaurant with great flavours. Irregular opening hours. Lunch, dinner, and takeaway available.

• Kasho (嘉祥)— 9km (Maibara)
Fine-dining sashimi restaurant led by a Michelin-starred chef, intimate setting in a traditional style.

• Gonzo Cafe— 9km (Maibara)
Cafe style menu with a vast array of options using fresh local ingredients and full of flavour!

• Shio-Gensui Ramen — 10km (Nagahama)
Local ramen chain. Plum salt ramen is highly recommended.

• Cisoqui— 15km (Nagahama)
Fine-dining Italian style restaurant using high quality local produce, presented in an engaging and informative way by chef Ken. Reservations required.

• Biwa Collage — 15km (Nagahama)
Refined Japanese–Western fusion cuisine in an elegant setting.

•I Am Jackie — 17km (Hikone)
Western-inspired cuisine with tacos and burgers. Open for lunch or early dinner. Closed Sunday & Monday.

Take it slow and soak up village life. Enjoy a coffee at Akitsu Shop, wander the quiet streets, and meet local artisans—Kaminyū is known for its traditional woodcarving. You can learn more at the Museum of Woodcarving in nearby Samegai Village (2.7km away). Or take a woodcarving lesson, more info here.

A scenic 20-minute walk through the forest along the stream leads to the Samegai Trout Farm, founded in 1878 as Japan’s oldest trout hatchery, where you can try your hand at fishing.

Kaminyū is nestled in a valley surrounded by mountains, offering plenty of hiking options—from gentle 45-minute loops to more challenging 8-hour return trails.

Yes! The closest onsen to the property is Kamoikeso (鴨池荘), located a short drive away (11km) . It features both indoor and outdoor baths, with the outdoor bath offering views of Mt. Ibuki on clear days.

Please note that I haven’t personally visited this onsen, as tattoos are not permitted and entry may be refused to guests with visible tattoos. I recommend checking the latest rules directly with the facility before visiting.

Another well-known hot spring area is Ogoto Onsen (雄琴温泉), located approximately 50 km south of Kaminyū. Ogoto Onsen has a history of over 1,200 years. The alkaline waters are reputed for their skin-beautifying properties, and the area is home to a variety of ryokan (traditional inns) offering hot spring baths, including options with views of Lake Biwa. *Tattoos not permitted.

For a tattoo-friendly onsen, Kurama Onsen is a good option; however, it is a little far and best suited as a day trip, as it is located in the mountains north of Kyoto City (approximately 80–90 km from Kaminyū). It is known for its calming outdoor bath surrounded by forest.

We recommend booking a massage at Uturoi Spa (@nui_uturoispa) in Kashiwabara, which specialises in traditional Thai massage. A visit to Seigan-ji Temple in Maibara is also highly recommended for its beautiful gardens, historic architecture, and delicious matcha.

Yes! We recommend booking a tour with Tako-San from Biwako Backroads. They offer private guided cycling, walking, and cultural tours that take visitors off the typical tourist paths to explore rural Japan, nature, and everyday community life. Their tours focus on authentic experiences like village landscapes, local food traditions, and quiet heritage spots, with English-speaking guides sharing stories and insights into the region’s culture and history.

The guesthouse is equipped with a small bar fridge, minibar snacks, kettle, cutlery, and plateware. Simple meals such as bento or ramen can be enjoyed in the room; however, please note that there is no stovetop or kitchen facilities for more extensive cooking.

Yes! You can send your luggage directly from the airport or hotel using a luggage transfer service. Please include the building name “Akitsu Ryokan,” your name, and your arrival date on the delivery form.

We also have luggage forwarding services available at Akitsu Ryokan via Sagawa Transport, please ask our staff for more information on arrival.

We recommend booking longer than you usually would - this gives you a chance to truly unwind and soak up the pace of village life. Most of our guests say they wish they stayed longer!

Our cancellation policy works as follows:

Cancellations made up to 7 days before the check-in date are eligible for a full refund

Cancellations made 2–6 days before check-in receive a 50% refund of the accommodation fee

Cancellations made the day before, on the day of check-in, or no-shows are non-refundable

That said, if something unavoidable does come up — such as sudden illness or travel disruptions — please don’t hesitate to reach out. We always try to be as flexible and understanding as possible.