Stay in a beautifully renovated former village hall in the quiet mountains of Gokayama.
Located about a 20-minute drive from Shirakawa-go, it offers a peaceful base for exploring the historic villages of the region.
Essai is a private house that accommodates up to 4 guests, offering an authentic countryside experience in a small Japanese village.

The spacious, high-ceilinged guest area, with its open feel, is located on the first floor up the stairs (there is no elevator).

Open the shoji screens of this house, formerly a village hall, and enjoy a full view of the courtyard. The view overlooking the courtyard is sure to soothe your soul.

The bedroom is a Japanese-style room with tatami mats. Please rest on the futon we’ll lay out for you (for 2 people).

Just before the bedroom lies a spacious hall with wooden floors. Please try lying down on the floor and feeling the warmth of the wood beneath you. Gazing up at the sturdy wooden ceiling beams and letting your mind unwind is also quite enjoyable. There are two sofa beds.

The bathroom features a shower stall, toilet, sink, and washing machine.
If you’d like a bathtub, please visit the nearby Kuroba Onsen or the hot springs at Goka-san-so.

Breakfast will be prepared and placed in the stairwell by 8:00. Please toast the bread yourself in the toaster and enjoy it warm.
The menu includes...
Homemade bread(*) baked with yeast cultivated by the owner, homemade soy milk yogurt, fruit, roasted green tea soy latte, and hand-brewed organic coffee.
Please let us know at least 48 hours before breakfast if you have any dietary restrictions.
*If the yeast isn’t performing well, we may serve bread from our favorite bakery.