Escape to a quiet mountain village and experience the slower rhythm of rural Japan at Essai B&B in Gokayama. Located about a 20-minute drive from Shirakawa-go, it offers a peaceful base for exploring the historic villages of the region. The entire house is reserved for one group per night. In the morning, guests can enjoy a simple plant-based breakfast featuring homemade natural-yeast bread, organic coffee, hojicha tea, soy yogurt, and seasonal fresh fruit. Essai is ideal for travelers who wish to experience authentic rural Japan away from busy cities. Whether you are exploring the historic villages of the region in Gokayama or Shirakawa-go or simply looking for a peaceful place to slow down, Essai offers a warm and memorable stay. The house accommodates up to four guests, making it perfect for couples, families, or small groups seeking a quiet retreat. Free on-site parking is available for guests. Essai preserves as much as possible the character of the house, which was once a village hall. It features many glass windows, with shoji screens for privacy. There are no blackout curtains, so please wake up with the sun, especially in the morning. And in the afternoon, take a leisurely nap. The spacious, high-ceilinged guest area with an open feel is located on the first floor up the stairs (there is no elevator). Should you tear or soil the shoji screens or fusuma sliding doors, you will be required to cover the cost of their replacement.

Plant-based breakfast(by reservation only) is served at 8:00 AM. Toast the bread yourself in the toaster and enjoy it warm. The menu includes… Homemade bread(*) baked from yeast the owner cultivated, homemade soy milk yogurt, seasonal fruit, hojicha tea, and hand dripped organic coffee. Please let us know at least 48 hours before your arrival if you have any dietary restrictions. *In case the yeast is not performing well, we may serve bread from our favorite bakery.

The bathroom doesn't have a bathtub. When you miss it, please visit nearby Kuroba Onsen or hot springs at Goka-san-so. 5 min to Suganuma 15 min to Ainokura 20 min to Shirakawa-go 60 min to Hida Takayama Please note that there are some noises and insects that are unique to this area, as detailed below. If these bother you, please refrain from staying at Essai. - Since rice and vegetables are grown in the neighborhood, you may hear the motor sounds of farm equipment like tractors and mowers depending on the season. We will notify you in advance whenever possible, but please understand that this depends on the weather and neighbors engage in farming. - Depending on the season and day, you can hear the loud chorus of frogs and of insects. In spring and autumn, there are times when insects (stink bugs) become more numerous. - The grand floor of the building is a parking lot, so you may hear the noise of cars of the neighbors coming and going. - When nearby dams release water, sirens and announcements will be made. - Across the Shō River lies a cement plant, and depending on wind direction, the noise of aggregate processing (gravel and sand) may be heard. - Since it's right off National Route 156, you can hear the noise of passing cars and motorcycles. - Everyday tools only Please note that only items for general daily use are permitted. Skiing, snowboarding, mountaineering and related equipment must not be brought into the house.