越中八尾ベースOYATSU — Restaurant in Toyama

When we first discovered this place in the web, we were not sure what we were getting ourselves into.||||The Shinkansen ride from Tokyo to Toyama, well over 2 hours was a fantastic ride which had the alps looking down at us as we zoomed into the Toyama station. It was then we realised that to get to Yatsuomachi, where Oyatsu is - takes a little over 30 minutes slow driving, or a little over 45 minutes by bus.||||We took the bus as we had a little hiccup at the car rental. We needed an International Driving Permit to drive cars in Japan. A pity as a car would have really helped cover more grounds.||||So when we arrived about 5pm in Yatsuo, imagine the look on our face when we realised it is a very small village nestled amongst some lovely parks - away from neon lights - and very traditional. It is like walking into a Beauty and a Beast set but in an Eastern surround.||||Our faces lightened up when we saw Sayuri-san, the "owner" of the Oyatsu Inn waiting for us at the bus stop. Dressed in fine kimono, it was indeed a welcome sight.||||We were taken to the Inn where a delightful dinner with sake was served. Looking around, all shops were closed by then. The streets - clean and oozes with romance as the old street lights lined the way in days when Dr Jekyll was brought alive through the novels and streets of London.||||A very pleasant stay with 2 shower rooms and a nice japanese garden at the back - this Inn is itself very historic and unique with its stone-door frame and stone-doors.||||With a hostess like Sayuri-san, who told us how to use the so efficient public transport - we managed to get around very well - to the Gorges, the local supermarket (what an experience) and the local surrounds. So, we really didn't miss having a car.||||To get into the local mood and culture for the ladies, Sayuri-san has some kimonos for them to wear (if they are keen). And the people around the neighbourhood are so helpful and friendly, it really is a very different experience.||||Some lovely neighbourhood shops include a children's candy shop, local sake shop (Toyama sakes are one of the best in Japan, and rarely brought out from Toyama).||||Would we return?||||A...

When we first discovered this place in the web, we were not sure what we were getting ourselves into.||||The Shinkansen ride from Tokyo to Toyama, well over 2 hours was a fantastic ride which had the alps looking down at us as we zoomed into the Toyama station. It was then we realised that to get to Yatsuomachi, where Oyatsu is - takes a little over 30 minutes slow driving, or a little over 45 minutes by bus.||||We took the bus as we had a little hiccup at the car rental. We needed an International Driving Permit to drive cars in Japan. A pity as a car would have really helped cover more grounds.||||So when we arrived about 5pm in Yatsuo, imagine the look on our face when we realised it is a very small village nestled amongst some lovely parks - away from neon lights - and very traditional. It is like walking into a Beauty and a Beast set but in an Eastern surround.||||Our faces lightened up when we saw Sayuri-san, the "owner" of the Oyatsu Inn waiting for us at the bus stop. Dressed in fine kimono, it was indeed a welcome sight.||||We were taken to the Inn where a delightful dinner with sake was served. Looking around, all shops were closed by then. The streets - clean and oozes with romance as the old street lights lined the way in days when Dr Jekyll was brought alive through the novels and streets of London.||||A very pleasant stay with 2 shower rooms and a nice japanese garden at the back - this Inn is itself very historic and unique with its stone-door frame and stone-doors.||||With a hostess like Sayuri-san, who told us how to use the so efficient public transport - we managed to get around very well - to the Gorges, the local supermarket (what an experience) and the local surrounds. So, we really didn't miss having a car.||||To get into the local mood and culture for the ladies, Sayuri-san has some kimonos for them to wear (if they are keen). And the people around the neighbourhood are so helpful and friendly, it really is a very different experience.||||Some lovely neighbourhood shops include a children's candy shop, local sake shop (Toyama sakes are one of the best in Japan, and rarely brought out from Toyama).||||Would we return?||||A...

Do not miss out on the opportunity to stay at this amazing property. The owner Sayuri and her family are incredible and kind hosts. The town itself is beautiful to walk around to and to shop for souvenirs, and our entire stay (2 nights) were a wonderful opportunity to authentically experience a slice of traditional Japanese culture away from busy tourist destinations. We used the house as our base to explore Kanazawa and Shirakawa-Go by car - there is free parking nearby the property and we found the surrounding area beautiful. Sayuri recommended us many restaurants and places to visit based on our preferences including an amazing Yakitori restaurant about a 10min drive away. When we arrived we were very lucky to have our accommodation upgraded due to the property being free and it was DIVINE! It is finished to a incredibly high standard and we loved the beautiful tatami mat rooms, the wonderful hinoki bath to experience a private onsen overlooking the lovely courtyard garden. We slept so well and felt so looked after. It feels like we hit the jackpot finding this place and experiencing it. By the end of the trip Sayuri felt like a friend and we can’t wait to return in the future. We were pleasantly surprised to recieve a choice of welcome drink and have a traditional breakfast included. After we checked out Sayuri invited us to have coffee in the main building which is also incredibly beautiful and stylish, it’s like stepping back in time. She also owns a clothing store next door, repurposing old and beautiful kimono into a range of clothing and accessories of which we bought a few items and will treasure them for...