Valley Hideaway Iya Bijin

Warmly welcomed in the building next to a charming soba restaurant, I enjoyed Iya’s local culture and nature.Upon entering the Room, I immediately noticed the lush green view, the bath, and a massage chair.The bath was already filled so I could use it right away.They also explained how to use it and told me it takes 20 minutes to fill completely.I wanted to soak immediately, but since it was a season of strong sunlight, I waited until the sun slipped behind the mountains.The breeze was pleasant, and I relaxed in the Room.The next morning, I ran hot water for about 10 minutes and then kept it flowing as I bathed;the gentle sound of trickling water and the crisp air made it wonderfully quiet and atmospheric.The cuisine was refined local fare—perfected so that each dish tasted best at the moment you take your first bite.I enjoyed my meal slowly and peacefully in an irori (sunken hearth) dining Room.When I entered, salt-grilled river fish and “dekomawashi” were already skewered over the hearth, gently roasting.As I ate the first dishes while watching the irori right in front of me—“So this is how you place charcoal…”“The irori really warms you up…”“This is how far from the fire you set skewers…”—I found myself drifting into a world like old folk tales. It was such an enjoyable time.When they lifted the lid of the soba-rice porridge (zousui), its aroma rose beautifully, and its flavor on my palate was wonderful;I honestly thought, “I didn’t know zousui could be this delicious.”A bright, friendly staff member also adjusted one skewer’s angle midway while checking how it was cooking—and for that brief moment their gaze and hands looked like true craftsmanship. Both the dekomawashi and river fish were warm and perfectly plump.Every dish was timed impeccably; paired with sake, everything tasted excellent.Even though I felt completely full afterward, the soba at the end was so good that I thought,“I’m full—and yet it’s already gone.”By breakfast time the next morning my body felt refreshed and hungry again, so once more I truly enjoyed my meal.From check-in until seeing me off, I could feel their careful attention to timing in every detail.Thanks to that thoughtfulness, my stay was truly comfortable.

The in-Room Onsen and the dinner served in a private dining room with an irori hearth were both outstanding. Everything was delicious—from dishes we don’t often get to try, such as dekomawashi, wild boar hot pot, and river fish sashimi, to the chef’s homemade pickles and the soba at the end. The portions were generous, and we were absolutely stuffed.The proprietress and all the staff were courteous, kind, and left a wonderful impression.This is an Accommodation we would love to stay at again if we have the chance.Thank you very much.