I highly recommend a stay at Tokuheian if you are looking to experience Japan in a different way and away from the hustle and bustle of the major urban centers. Hideo-san and his wife Yukako-san are excellent hosts who took great care of us during our 3 day stay - guided by Hideo-san, who has very good knowledge of the region, we got the chance to see how life is like in rural Japan, enjoy scenic views and experience activities that we don't typically get the chance to do in Singapore. We also had a great time enjoying a range of wonderful (and affordable) cuisine that's available in and around Keihoku/Obama area. Most memorable is the home-cooked okonomiyaki prepared by Yukako-san and a sushi/sashimi feast after a morning of shopping at the Obama fish market. It was a wonderful experience and definitely a highlight of our trip to Osaka/Kyoto.

A stay at Tokuheian is a great way to get a bit more off the beaten track and experience Japan. We drove there in a hire car and had no trouble finding it while also seeing the beautiful surrounding countryside. The house is in a valley surrounded by farm land and we had access to bikes they had at the property to explore the nearby area along quiet back roads and tracks. The owners are very hospitable and friendly. The house is very large. Just the two of us stayed, but with the space in the very large loft beneath the traditionally thatched roof there would be more than enough room for a large family.

Very traditional house. You can experience traditional Japanese life. And the owner was kind and gave lots of good advice.