Beautiful light, airy room (and house) in a picturesque, peaceful situation right on the water's edge surrounded by greenery and old japanese houses. Modern private bath with a view of the water. We stayed 4 nights, self drive was easy, plenty of things to do within cycling distance: walks by the sea or up the forested hillsides, local museum, beautiful temple with hillside gardens overlooking the sea. We could have just chilled out here for a week. Lovely welcome from the owner, she cooks excellent beautifully presented food for breakfast and dinner, and was very adaptive to our preferences. We explored the area with her electric bikes and 2 kayaks. It was all so easy, everything was on hand. We visited the bay also on a small motor boat. Great icecream parlour and saké manufacturer on the edge of the little town. Journeyed for 3 weeks in Japan, this was our favourite place! 1 hour drive from Iné fishing village to the east. Didn't have time to visit the villages to the west along the coast. Beautiful drive to Himeji in 2.5hours to continue our travels. We really saw some rural Japan to complement the towns. No crowds! Also a great get away for people living in Japan, working in a city.

Nothing. It surpassed our expectations.

First of all, Etsuko is a master chef and culinary artist. She made some of the best meals we have ever had in our lives and that is no exaggeration. Everyday was something new and creative with fresh home grown ingredients and local+western infusions in every meal. I’m now inspired to cook better myself. Both her and her staff are extremely kind and welcoming and we enjoyed getting to know them and learning more about the area. This is a very authentic experience in a town nearby but away from the Onsen tourist attractions. The location is beautiful and quiet right on the water with beautiful views from the room and deck and kayaks and bikes available to use (biking around the area was my favorite). We saw so many birds, jumping fish, and rays. This is the perfect place for nature lovers wanting a quiet escape from the city. We both feel that this was our favorite place we stayed in Japan and will remember and think back fondly on these 4 days always. Thank you for making our time there such a special experience!

Nothing.

Waterside Cottage Heron was on of the best experience we had in Japan. The room was beautiful, with a perfect view to the river. It was so relaxing to sit in the room balcony and drink tea by the river side. The hospitality of the owner and her staff was extraordinary! They where very kind to us and give us a welcoming filling. The breakfast , the owner made by her self where so good! everday she made us a 4 different courses with a fresh product. She lend us her bicycle and we did a beautiful trip around the bay. The only thing that was a little bit challenging is to find a restaurant in the evening, there is only 3 restaurants and one of time requires advance reservations. We are highly recommended to you to come!

Insane inn experience with a wonderful hostess/chef Suda and her accomplice Keiko. We spent 3 weeks in Japan (two nights at Cottage Heron)and Suda’s interpretation of French/Japanese fusion was spectacular at breakfast and dinner. Forget about Japan, her cooking was some of the best I’ve had internationally in the last decade!! The presentation, delivery, and quality of her dishes were outstanding. We had two breakfasts and two dinners and each was so memorable. The accommodations are rustic/modern with wood floors and ceilings, large separate sleeping areas, baths, and bathrooms It sits on a tidal stream/canal and is very quiet. Beautiful farmhouse vibe. We visited in November and the town was quiet. The surrounding nearby seashore is beautiful with beaches to walk, hikes to take, and kayaks to explore the bay. we saw bicycles to rent as well. For a quaint inn experience, and incredible cuisine, it doesn’t get better than this. One of the BEST OF JAPAN.

Nothing

I chanced upon Kumihama and the Waterside Cottage Heron, as it wasn't in my destination initially and it's not in the usual list of sights to visit. It's a little town by the Bay of Kumihama - deserted (compared to other places I've been), quiet & simple. Yet, I must say that I enjoyed my time the most here! Etsuko-san made me feel so welcome and at ease during my stay here. The room and premise beside the water canal were so serene, peaceful and therapeutic. She cooked dinner and breakfast for me - with impeccable service and taste, and deep thoughtfulness; she handwrote the meal courses in English for me and kindly introduced each dish for me. I really look forward to each meal time and enjoyed the casual conversations! The next day, she recommended me to use the in-house bicycle (battery powered) to cycle round the Bay - it was such a breeze cycling and pleasure exploring the Bay and also stopping by the Jersey Farmhouse for a nice ice-cream! Oh, and her dog, Leo, was so friendly and he gave me a lick before I checkout. Thank you so much, Etsuko-san for making me feel so at home. I'm truly glad that I made it here and I hope to visit again.

Nothing.

There are three things that set Waterside Cottage Heron above any other place I've stayed: the room/view, the hosts, and the food. The view of the river from the rooms is so calming, I loved going to sleep and waking up to it. Both the hosts were so kind and welcoming, they made it genuinely hard to say goodbye! The food is among the best I've had in two years of living in Japan, so fresh, creative, and so carefully prepared. Truly showing the ingredients at their best. I am already trying to figure out how to return and eat there again.

Absolutely nothing

Spacious bedroom, lovely bathroom, perfect setting by the water, beautiful garden, tranquil setting, a charming and interesting host and the most incredible food.

Nothing.

Our stay at the cottage was incredibly enjoyable. The peaceful surroundings and cozy atmosphere provided a perfect retreat. A standout feature was the exceptional food, skillfully prepared. Overall, a delightful experience.

Food was good, room was clean, Many thanks for the hospitality Shuda San showed us.

Everything is good, while the comforter is a little hot for the June.

Etsuko Suda San and her staff were super super! It was my favorite place during my Japan trip! I will come back again!