Traditional Japanese House Near Sea — Hotel in Kamakura

I read the word "filthy" in several of the reviews. "Filthy" isn't the correct term to describe this accommodation; "lived in" is more apt. This is an airbnb ("airbed and breakfast" without the "air") before there was such a company. It seems to be the home of the host and his family and has the normal clutter of family homes. The home is old (100+ years) and was probably a mansion at the time it was built. Over the years since it seems to have been updated to include running water, flush toilets and electricity (many probably DIY projects and still works in progress). My main concern was for lack of pillowcases. The pillows seemed clean enough. They seemed to be stuffed with a type of grain husk, maybe rice or buckwheat. I'm not sure how they would get cleaned.

There are several "guest rooms" including the one they call the "dormitory," which seems a lot like a hostel. My husband and I booked the "en suite" room in order to have access to a private shower and toilet. At our age, we don't need to trip over other guests in the middle of the night several times in order to use the toilet.

Part of the charm of this place is its traditional character. You sleep on traditional Japanese beds: thin futon mattresses placed on top of "heated carpet" pads which are somewhat like electric blankets on the floor. I like a firm mattress and slept very well!

Another element of traditional Japanese homes is also present here: thin paper doors between the rooms. I love the "traditional-ness" of these. However, you can hear noises from the neighboring rooms. Since I'm a snorer, I felt sorry for the sleepers in the "dormitory" next to our room. I did notice that there was a duet of snoring coming from that room as well. Except for that noise, this place was very quiet. No traffic noise. No city noises. Just calm quiet until about sunrise when birds outside began singing.

I found the host to be very friendly, welcoming and helpful. He showed us how to use the various amenities and answered our questions. He even made room in the family refrigerator for some perishable groceries we brought.

In short, if you're a expecting a perfectly clean house, are a light sleeper or unable to get up and down from the floor, this probably is not the accommodation for you. On the other hand, if you're seeking an interesting experience in a welcoming atmosphere, I recommend the "Traditional Japanese House Near Sea."

Update: After I wrote this review, my husband and I ate a meal alone in the common dining room. The table was quite dirty. Whether it was the duty of the host or of the guests that had eaten there to clean the mess was unclear. I went into the kitchen find cleaning materials for the table. The kitchen was also not up to my cleanliness standards. To be fair, I am very picky about kitchen cleanliness!

Despite the condition of the kitchen, we had paid for the breakfast that was offered by the host and ate there. My husband said that for the price we paid we should only expect miso soup and rice. There was miso soup and rice, but also so much more and it was all delicious! Breakfast started with a salad. Then there was miso soup; rice and natto; steamed vegetables with chicken; seasoned sauteed vegetables with tofu age, three different kinds of tsukemono: mushrooms, daikon and plum; tofu and rice pudding; yuba soup; dried baby shrimp; (mushroom?) soup; delicious fried mackerel with glazed onion and a barley porridge. So much food! And all so delicious!

I wish I could rate the cleanliness of the rooms (bedrooms) separately from the kitchen/dining area. I'd probably give the rooms a 3 and the...

DAMP, DIRTY. OVERPRICED. AVOID. I went here with my two grown up kids... It seemed good value compared to other properties in Kamakura and the photos made it seem pretty cool. Should have read the reviews. The house has so much potential as a guesthouse but it's badly run. Blankets and tatami were dirty, with previous guests hair in evidence. They also smelled of mildew \ damp as did most of the house. Facilities are basic, I've used nicer toilets in backpacker hostels in India... We fled before attempting to use the kitchen and shower room. Also I GOT BITTEN ON THE FACE BY A CENTIPEDE. AND IT FECKIN HURT. I can't blame the host for this as shirt happens, but suspect the dampness and general lack of care might be a factor in attracting beasties. I believe it was lurking in the tatami that the host produced from a store cupboard. It would have been nice if the host warned us as IT'S NOT THE FIRST TIME someone has been bitten by a centipede there. Nobody slept much after that... And we fled as soon as we could. Overall vibe was that of a backpacker hostel without any camaraderie and the price was that of a Ryokan without the cleanliness and / or service. Location is pretty good. House could be great with a bit of investment \ better management. I'd start with a deep clean and a dehumidifier. If you're still contemplating booking this, I'd suggest you consult with the...

A major SCAM! NO COVID PREVENTION THE HOUSE IS FILTHY!! The house was once beautiful I’m sure, but it is sad and abused now. There was not one staff member, only a woman who claimed she lived there…? I honestly don’t think they have staff working there. It obviously hasn’t been cleaned in a long time. The woman also overbooked and put us in a staff room the size of a broom closet, my partner couldn’t even stretch his legs out. When we called she became defensive and rude. She was being extremely classist and was trying to gaslight my partner and I, lying about the room. We booked a semi double and we’re put in a closet with dirty sheets. She told us if we left right away we could get a refund, so in the middle of the night we fled and had to spend so much money for a new hotel but we couldn’t stand to be there. The next day she told us “you used the room so you don’t get a refund. It’s your choice you didn’t stay and it wasn’t a sensible one” even though it was her who offered us the choice. It was so awful it still makes me want to cry.

She also responded to our booking.com review with a complete fabrication of the truth. She said we booked a “cheap 3 tatami mat room for 2000¥” which is absolutely not true. We booked a semi double room for 6,000¥. She also said we would receive a refund...