^{When I plan our visits to Japan, I try to include one or two unique accommodations as special treats – preferably within my budget, which is limited and not huge. So it usually requires a lot of research to find these gems.}

^{I lucked in on one of the highlights of our May trip this year simply by googling accommodation at Geibikei Gorge in Higashiyama, Iwate. The Gorge is about 450 kilometres north of Tokyo, and its scenic beauty is designated one of the 100 landscapes of Japan. I planned a night there for us. But, when I read more about this guesthouse, I opted for an extended stay to enjoy some fabulous food and to use the town as a base to see other nearby sights in Iwate.}

^{Guesthouse KAZIYA is not what you would expect in a Japanese rural area. And it’s not a traditional Japanese guesthouse – more French rustic style with Scandinavian simplicity. Something about it made me turn to black and white for many of my photos there. Perhaps because it had a timeless look.}

^{The accommodation is basic – the bedrooms stark – and bathrooms/loos are shared. I saw a trip advisor review saying the beds were hard. I’m very sensitive when it comes to hard beds, and I did not find them a problem. The facilities – including shower rooms – are spotless. The ambience overall is relaxing.}

^{It’s the food here that is the absolute winner. Menus designed to tease and delight the palate, put together by a former Tokyo chef – owner Obara – who cooked in a French restaurant for about six years. His family came to this area back in 1699 – which explains the date on the house sign. Clearly the guest house isn’t that old!}

^{Ingredients for each meal are carefully chosen, including organic whole wheat flour from the town and local Iwate Minami beef that has beaten out other top line beef brands in National competition. I mentioned the dishes teased – mainly because each one had my mind in overdrive trying to identify the marriage of ingredients to produce sublime flavours. Eventually, I realised I should just sit back and enjoy.}

^{Guesthouse KAZIYA is on various well known booking sites. But I contacted the owners by email as I was seeking more information, and after receiving good responses in English I made my booking direct with them.}

^{The guesthouse is about a ten minute easy flat walk from Geibikei railway station. It’s located next to a river with an empty field on the other side. Not a skyscraper in sight!}

^{We rang the door bell on our arrival, and were welcomed by a lovely lady who showed us around the guesthouse, and took us to our room on the first floor (second floor in Japan – there they call the ground floor the first floor). There is no elevator, so be prepared to haul your luggage up a flight of stairs.}

^{Men’s and Women’s shower rooms and toilets were on this floor, and there was a communal fridge for guests to use.}

^{We booked a twin bed room, and it came with a small dressing table. Sheets and towels provided, along with the usual house slippers. There were more rooms and facilities downstairs, including a Japanese style bedroom.}

^{On the ground floor was also a communal lounge/dining room, open for use all day. It does often turn into a cafe at lunchtime. There were books to share, plenty of tables and chairs, and coffee and tea available to make yourself at any time. On arrival, you choose a cup and keep it for your use throughout your stay.}

^{But let’s get down to the nitty gritty – the food I was raving about. I’m salivating at the thought of it. Simply superb. Photos are worth a thousand words!}

^{I should mention here that I celebrated my birthday on our first night at Guesthouse KAZIYA – and for desert I was presented with a delicious parfait! It certainly set the tone for the rest of our visit.}

^{On our second night we were invited to go to the family’s other nearby Inn for our evening meal. I’m not sure if this is usual. Perhaps it was because we were the only guests for dinner, as meals are optional. We chose to include breakfast and dinner each day, and our total tariff for two people/three nights was 60,060 yen – around $588 Australian (ie: $A294 a night for two, including dinner and breakfast).}

^{The restaurant at the family’s other Inn is far more traditionally Japanese, and our meal there featured several courses. It was a wonderful Japanese treat. Ingredients so fresh, beautifully prepared and presented.}

^{Our host/chef owner Obara invited us to enjoy an alcoholic drink each on the house. MJ chose a Japanese beer, and I decided to try a Japanese plum wine for the first time. It was home made, and my glass was filled from an huge glass demijohn filled with plum wine on the counter. The drink was so delicious that it ensured that I have become a plum wine fan! Our host asked if I wanted it with rocks. I was confused for a second, then realised he meant ‘on the rocks’ with ice.}

^{Our final night’s meal was back at our guesthouse – French style again and outstanding.}

^{Children under the age of 12 aren’t accepted at the guesthouse, but families can stay at the owner’s associated guesthouse that is virtually across the road.}

^{We loved Cafe and Guesthouse KAZIYA. There was easy walking access to Geibikei Gorge, to the riverbank path and to the rest of the town. I highly recommend it – stay a night, or two, or three …………}

NOTE; For more about our stay, read my previous story ‘Simple pleasures off the beaten track’. Coming up soon: Our visit to Geibikei Gorge.