ROKKONOMAD

The couple who runs RokkoNomad are lovely. I enjoyed talking with Naoko about their vision for the property (make sure you get the house tour!). They were very flexible with my booking days because of snow (I may have booked the coldest days of the year haha), and were great at communicating with me as I prepared my trip. I was looking for a 'cozy cabin in the mountain with a wood-burning stove' and that is exactly what I found. A lovely well-equipped cabin surrounded by forest and a distant view of Kobe bay. I was a little disappointed that there was an A/C to heat the place as I enjoyed the wood burning stove so much! Of course at night when the temp dropped, that A/C was very welcome! Very well-insulated cabin, stays cozy. The Japanese style small (but deep) bathtub was super relaxing, and very very clean (something I appreciate greatly). So many hiking trails, and the nearby Arima Onsen, all very accessible. Great for a couple or family, I will come back with my husband next time!

My only hangup about this wonderful place is the price. It felt a bit too expensive for what it was. A little more attention to detail would help greatly. For example, I would have liked to have been stocked with enough wood to last me the entire afternoon/night. When I asked for more wood they kindly provided some but it would have been nice not to have to ask. Maybe a stack of wood outside? Some toiletries from Arima Onsen provided in the bathroom would also be a nice little touch (though of course not entirely necessary). The single bed in the bedroom was too small for me (I am very tall, 180cm) and I couldn't sleep, so I ended up sleeping on the day bed in the living room, which was perfectly comfy.