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Summary of reviewsTajimaya, located in the heart of the picturesque village of Magome, is celebrated for its superb location along the Magome-Tsumago-juku hiking trail, ideal for nature enthusiasts. Nestled on the central street of Magome-juku, the ryokan offers easy access to the Nakasendo Trail and immerses guests in the historic charm and authentic rural Japan experience, enriched by its well-preserved buildings and stunning natural surroundings.
The traditional Japanese ryokan ambiance of Tajimaya is further enhanced by warm, spacious rooms and delicious home-cooked Japanese meals. Guests particularly appreciate the ryokan's traditional design, cleanliness and the immensely welcoming and hospitable staff who contribute to a memorable stay. The meals, including the meticulously presented and hearty breakfasts and dinners, receive high praise for their authenticity and excellent quality. Visitors rave about the variety and taste of the top-quality Japanese ingredients, despite some initial unfamiliarity with the traditional breakfast offerings.
Tajimaya's traditional tatami rooms are both comfortable and spotless, featuring cozy futons that ensure a sound night’s sleep. The combination of classic decor and modern comfort within a meticulously clean environment enhances the serene atmosphere. The exquisitely maintained shared bathrooms and private bookable onsen further complement the overall relaxing experience.
The staff at Tajimaya are frequently lauded for their exceptional friendliness, professionalism and proficiency in English, which enhances interaction and ensures guests’ needs are met. Their balance of attentiveness and respect for guests’ privacy contributes significantly to the comfortable and welcoming environment. Unique cultural experiences, such as traditional samurai performances, add an extra layer of enjoyment.
Tajimaya's parking facilities, while convenient and generally well-regarded, are noted for being somewhat narrow but manageable. Detailed instructions provided beforehand could improve this aspect. Nevertheless, the overall consensus is that the combination of traditional charm, remarkable cleanliness, superb hospitality and an excellent location makes Tajimaya a standout choice for a truly authentic Japanese experience. Show more
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Small Ryokan
Located in Magome, Tajimaya offers a traditional Japanese experience with its classic architecture and hospitality. The intimate setting and personalized service contribute to a cozy and memorable stay.
Ryokan with Free Wi-Fi
Ryokan with Parking
3-Star Ryokan
Room Types
Japanese-Style Twin RoomFeatures tatami (woven-straw) flooring and Japanese futon bedding. This air-conditioned room features a flat-screen TV and a thermos of hot water with green tea bags. A public bath and toilets are shared. Toothbrushes and Japanese Yukata robes are available for all guests.
Triple RoomThe unit offers 3 futons.
Guest Reviews
9.0
Excellent
Location
Located in the heart of the picturesque village of Magome, Tajimaya offers guests an immersion into the historical charm of Japan’s old post towns. The hotel sits perfectly along the Magome-Tsumago-juku hiking trail, making it an ideal base for nature lovers and hiking enthusiasts. Reviews highlight the excellent and convenient location, right on the central street of Magome-juku, which allows for easy access to the Nakasendo Trail. The town of Magome with its beautiful scenery and sloping main street, provides an authentic experience of rural Japan, enriched by the well-preserved historical buildings and stunning natural surroundings.
Guests appreciate the traditional style and authenticity of the ryokan, further enhanced by its spot at the beginning of the Nakasendo route. The hospitality of the hosts, spacious rooms and delicious home-cooked Japanese meals contribute to a memorable stay. Tajimaya’s central position not only places it in the midst of a vibrant tourist area but also adds a layer of tranquility, allowing guests to fully enjoy the serene atmosphere of the region. Overall, Tajimaya receives high praise for encapsulating the essence of Magome’s historic charm combined with modern comforts.
Breakfast
Tajimaya impresses guests with its immaculate cleanliness and serene ambiance, making it an excellent introduction to the traditional Japanese ryokan experience. The breakfast and dinner offerings are highly praised, often described as delicious, excellent and substantial. Guests can expect meals that showcase a variety of local products with particularly high marks for the top-quality Japanese ingredients and superb presentation. The traditional Japanese breakfast, while sometimes a challenge for Western visitors unfamiliar with rice and fish in the morning, is still highly recommended for its authenticity and flavor.
Despite some comments about the early and fixed breakfast time of 7:30 AM, the meals are noted for their satisfying and filling portions. The atmosphere of the village and the inn, along with friendly staff, enhance the overall dining experience. Guests enjoy the traditional Japanese dining elements, including a variety of small side dishes that offer a unique taste of local culture. Those staying at Tajimaya are treated to meals that are not just nutritious but also a cultural experience worth the stay.
Dinner
Tajimaya offers an exceptional dining experience that is often highlighted by its guests. The food, whether for dinner or breakfast, consistently impresses with its traditional Japanese preparations. Guests have described the meals as excellent, authentic and hearty, noting that both dinner and breakfast are plentiful and delicious. Many reviewers specifically praised the kaiseki dinner for its quality and presentation, often calling it one of the best meals they've had in Japan.
Visitors appreciate the traditional setting of the ryokan, where meals are beautifully presented and served in a communal space that enhances the cultural experience. The hosts receive commendations for their hospitality, adding to the overall positive dining experience at Tajimaya. Despite a few mentions of comparably better dinners at other ryokan, the overall consensus points towards consistently high-quality meals. In summary, Tajimaya’s food offerings are a significant highlight, admired for both their authenticity and exceptional taste.
Rooms
Tajimaya offers a quintessential Japanese experience with its traditional tatami rooms and authentic inn setting. The accommodations are widely praised for their comfort and cleanliness, featuring a mix of cozy, compact rooms and more spacious options, including family rooms with separate living and sleeping areas. The futons provided are particularly noted for their comfort and guests frequently mention a sound sleep due to the high-quality bedding.
Guests appreciate the lovely, spotless rooms that are both classic and warm, perfectly capturing the charm of an older Japanese guesthouse. The inn’s beautiful, well-maintained structure, complete with traditional decorations, adds to the overall delightful experience.
The shared facilities, such as bathrooms and baths, are meticulously clean and the onsen can be booked for private use, allowing for a relaxing and authentic stay. Despite some rooms having only basic Japanese elements like zabuton floor cushions, the creativity in layout ensures comfort.
Tajimaya's excellent location in a beautiful old town adds to its appeal, making it a favorite among those looking to immerse themselves in Japanese culture. The friendly hosts enhance the welcoming atmosphere, making it an all-around enjoyable stay in an ambient, historic setting.
Beds
Nestled in a serene setting with the soothing sounds of running water, Tajimaya receives high praise for its exceptionally comfortable beds. Guests consistently highlight the thick and cozy futon mattresses, which surpass expectations and ensure a restful night’s sleep. The bedding, described as thick and nicely warm, adds to the luxurious experience. Accommodations are cozy, featuring traditional tatami mats and foldable futons, all kept impeccably clean. New and clean bedding, coupled with an extra mattress underneath certain futons, exemplifies the establishment’s commitment to guest comfort. In a delightful cultural touch, the enchanting experience of participating in a samurai song and dance class contributes to the unique charm of a stay at Tajimaya.
Cleanliness
Tajimaya stands out for its impeccable attention to cleanliness, combining traditional charm with modern comfort. Guests repeatedly emphasize the pristine condition of the rooms and facilities, noting that everything from the restrooms to the shared baths is meticulously maintained. The rooms, decorated with a tasteful mix of authenticity and modern comfort, leave a strong impression of cleanliness and order.
The shared bathrooms, easily bookable at check-in, provide a convenient and spotless experience. The property also boasts beautifully kept hot springs, contributing to a relaxing and comfortable stay. With well-kept and newly updated rooms, bedding and bath facilities, Tajimaya impresses with extreme cleanliness throughout the entire facility.
Guests appreciate the combination of a clean and comfortable atmosphere with an old inn's charm, enhanced by thoughtful renovations that keep the traditional Japanese architecture alive while meeting modern standards. The location further adds to the appeal, offering a harmonious blend of accommodation, food and relaxation. Overall, Tajimaya is praised for its perfect property conditions and a special, satisfying experience that makes it a delightful place to stay.
Staff
At Tajimaya, guests consistently praise the hotel's staff for their exceptional friendliness and helpfulness. Numerous reviews highlight the warm welcome and high level of hospitality and kindness extended by the hosts and owners. The staff's proficiency in English is noted, allowing them to adequately address guests' questions and needs. Descriptions of the staff as super friendly, polite and efficient are common with many guests remarking on their professional yet personable service.
The staff is described as maintaining an ideal balance between attentiveness and giving guests their space, ensuring a comfortable and pressure-free stay. Particular attention is paid to the kindness and helpfulness of the staff with several reviews noting that they took great care of guests and made significant efforts to enhance their experience.
The hosts at Tajimaya are frequently mentioned as being exceptionally kind and hospitable with some guests having memorable experiences such as a traditional samurai song and dance performed by the owner. This level of personal service and cultural immersion adds an extra layer of enjoyment to the stay.
Overall, the staff's dedication to delivering remarkable service and maintaining a welcoming atmosphere leaves a lasting impression on guests, making their stay at Tajimaya noteworthy and pleasant.
Parking
The parking at Tajimaya is notably convenient with the lot being very close to the accommodation. Guests appreciate that parking is available, offering ample options to park their cars. Additionally, there is free parking available both at the top and bottom of the village. However, some visitors found the entrance and exit to be a bit narrow and challenging to navigate. Despite these minor difficulties, the overall accessibility and convenience of the parking are generally well-regarded. Including detailed explanations about the parking lot in the reservation confirmation email could enhance the overall experience.
No, Tajimaya doesn't have any pool.
No, a spa isn't available at Tajimaya.
No, Tajimaya doesn't allow dogs.
Yes, parking facilities are available at Tajimaya.