cafe&GuestHouse kaziya

Super homely, gorgeous couple and amazing meals (worth getting - adds to the experience). Rooms are barebones but not uncomfortable and the bathroom/toilets are clean and nice. Great location for the gorge, and for a day of sightseeing. You can tell in every detail that the owner couple love what they are doing - and they went out of their way to help with some troubles/queries we had. Thanks so much for making our stay extra special.

Oh. My. Gosh!!! This Ryokan was one of the loveliest inn experiences in all my times in Japan! I’ve been to Japan many times now and when I go I always love the smaller towns and countryside far more enjoyable than the big cities and flashing lights. Higashiyama and the surrounding areas (Ichinoseki and Hiraizumi) were no exception. My wife and I stayed two nights in the Japanese style room and it was the most wonderful “home base” for our explorations of the area. The staff were wonderful and friendly, the room, bathroom and bathing rooms were clean and tidy and comfortable and the whole property has an air of quiet and peace. And I cannot say enough good things about the food!! We only had the two included breakfasts (and I know they serve lunch and dinner too!) and both were some of the best food I’ve ever had in my travels; homey and comfort food-y and just the best possible way to start every day. If you’re a morning person like me, here’s what I suggest: get up and have a lovely bath, walk on the causeway through sleepy Higashiyama to the 24 hour Family Mart and enjoy a hot coffee in the conbini while you watch the cars go by, then walk back, breathing in the morning air, and then journal and enjoy a wonderful home made locally sourced breakfast. It was heaven!

The BEST place to stay!! I would go back to Geibikei just to stay there again! The couple/owners are the sweetest people and made me feel right at home. They spoke some English, which really helped a foreigner like me. I even met their lovely little daughter. They kindly let me drop my heavy backpack off early before going to do the gorge boat ride. And the FOOD! The food is incredible... Every single item carefully chosen and prepared. The price for a room, dinner and breakfast was unbeatable! They even provided a luxurious skincare kit as a present. The entire home was spotless and looked Instagram ready. I found myself hanging out in the cafe area late into the night relaxing while drinking local Iwate mulberry tea. Then, to sleep, the bed was like a fresh cozy nest. Absolutely the perfect escape. I'm telling all my friends in Japan!

Fantastic guest house. I had no idea really what to expect when coming into Ichonoseki but this guest house was great. The staff were all very friendly, gave us great tips for things to do and places to eat at, and the meal we had there were great. One thing I found interesting was that near by is a patisserie and a bar. It seems like the cafe owner, the owner of the bar, and the owner of the patisserie are all friends and seemingly came back to their hometowns around the same time and independently opened cool shops. If you do visit, be sure to get the meals and also stop by Patisserie Fuji and Bar Gatsby