A Hidden Inn in Yui Valley

Nestled in a valley between Tokyo and Kyoto, is a wonderful country inn surrounded by verdant tea plantations, lush mountains and running brooks. As a way to get out and experience the countryside, we made a quick stop on our way from Kyoto, back to Tokyo at an Airbnb called the Yui Valley Inn. The spot was a charming retreat situated in a beautifully renovated and traditional 90-year-old farmhouse inn. The hosts and owners, a couple - Daisuke and Hila - were incredibly gracious and helped us settle in to our spacious house (they live next door). When we were there, breakfast was included but a fully equipped kitchen also made it easy to prepare our own meals. The surroundings were exactly what we were looking for to escape the bustle of city life. Right outside the wrap-around veranda, we found a stream winding down from the mountains and immediately rolled up our pants to dip our feet in it. Nearby, you can find green tea farms with some that are open to visitors for traditional tea ceremonies. Further away, are hot springs and the ever-present view of Mt. Fuji in the distance.

At that time, both Cam and I were overcoming a bout of food-poisoning so we sadly didn’t really get a chance to roam far but bicycles are available if you want to explore the surrounding countryside and quaint village. Yui Valley is the perfect stop if you are travelling between Tokyo and Kyoto. If you’re taking the JR line, get off at Shizuoka Station on the Tokaido Shinkansen line. Once you do, the inn is a short drive (we were picked up at the station) from the train station. Then, all you have left to do is sit back and enjoy the serenity!