Nothing. Everything was perfect.

this was hands-down, the best guesthouse experience of my entire life. The host was incredibly hospitable and with donation-based dinner every night at 7:30, he created an environment of warm sociability that you probably will not find anywhere else have spent many weeks in Japan and I have stayed in many guest houses, and this one is by far the best stay I have ever been in, even the second best that I’ve been in doesn’t even hold a candle to this one. Thank you to Hide for his wonderful hospitality. I wish I could give this a rating of a million stars.

Stayed in April 2024

I spent one night here and would have loved to stay longer. Hide-san created a little paradise in his house. As a solo traveller or couple, if you are looking for a social/local experience with long nights of talking and sharing with the other guests, this is the perfect place. Home-cooked dinner based on donation was the best food I've had in Japan so far.

Stayed in February 2024

It’s a bit far from the train station.

Everyone is very nice, the food is really good. Location is pretty good if you want to visit Zao.

Stayed in February 2024

Everything was just perfect. We will go there again.

Breakfast was included in the room price. There was freshly cooked rice every morning. You can use the kitchen and American style Bread, butter, honey, jam, ham, eggs, etc were always available. One needs to prepare breakfast themselves. Dinner is on donation basis. All the guests come together in the evening and enjoy the tasty Japanese homecooked food from the Host. Many of the guests staying there also cooked. There was just unlimited food and Sake. I even learned a to prepare a few Japanese side dishes. Rest you should experience it by yourself. I cannot wait to go there again. The host speaks English. The Staff was very helpful.

Stayed in January 2024

Sound-proof might be a little lacking.

The feel like home.

Stayed in December 2023

Nothing

Everything is beautiful from the moment we arrived till we left. The culture at this guesthouse is what im looking for at every guesthouse.

Stayed in January 2024

Non

Very unique homestyle accommodation. We had a very busy day from Tokyo to Yamagata and when we reach into this house we feel so welcome, the checkin lady is nice to show us around. We didn’t join their gathering at night but the owner is so kind to offer 1 glass of drink. It is truly a nice and special experience! Car park is available too in front the buidling.

Stayed in December 2023

Toilets and bath facilities are downstairs from bedroom areas but this wasn’t a big problem

The owner and staff are really friendly and welcoming. You feel part of the family from the moment you arrive.

Stayed in December 2023

The room wasn’t huge but we managed.

The community atmosphere! it was lovely, there is dinner cooked by the staff every night (payable by donation), friends of the owner come round and it feels like a family dinner where you can try different local food and hang out with local people. The kitchen area was super cosy and homely.

Stayed in November 2023

Fantastic stay, nothing to add here.

Hide and his staff were very welcoming. They gave us a tour of the house and invited us to their family meal (donation based). This meal was by far the best meal we've had in Japan, home cooked, healthy and extremely homey and comforting. If home cooked meals aren't your thing then the house is also stocked with snacks and quick food you can heat/warm up for a reasonable price. We really enjoyed family meal, it gave us an opportunity to meet the other guests and chat with Hide about his recipes. Thank you for everything! We hope to be back again soon!

Stayed in November 2023

I had a very nice stay at Mintaro Hut! You really feel welcome there!

Stayed in October 2023

Not a thing to dislike!

Very cozy ,everyone is so friendly here,chilling out at night time

Stayed in October 2023

You might need to use the earplugs they provide, if you want to sleep early. (But then you are missing out, as mentioned above.)

This place is an absolute experience in itself! Plan to spend some time home in the evening, chatting with the owner, while he cooks a shared dinner (most evenings, according to him. TASTY!) and the other guests. The staff speaks English very well.

Stayed in October 2023

Nothing, really nothing.

Lovely staff, Hide has transformed his parents house into a guest house. His staff and he prepare a free dinner every evening - it was sooo good, everything home cooked! You can have a nice conversation with Hide. Make sure to make a donation into the box. In the morning you can prepare a breakfast by yourself, the basic ingredients like coffee, milk, eggs are in the fridge. I felt like staying in a friend house. Everything was based on trust. Amazing experience. The bed was comfy, room/kitchen/bath was super clean. I hope I will come back one day again 🥰

Stayed in October 2023

Loved the host and staff - so friendly, they offered me sake and homemade umeshu. We ate dinner together and talked about the differences between our countries. Clean rooms, showers and toilets. Such a nice place to stay, and at such a low price.

Stayed in September 2023

the place was lovely, but most of all the staff was amazing, friendly and helpful. also i ate diner there (you pay by donation) which was the best meal i had in japan, with so many different dishes. would definitely come back when im japan!

Stayed in September 2023

Nothing

Hide San and his helpers are really nice and kind. They make you feel confortable and at home. It feels like a big family. My bedroom was really confortable. The breakfast is nice too with a lot of choice and you can also have dinner for the price that YOU decide. This is so affordable compared to the quality of the food and the people you meet there. During my stay, on my first night there, a lot of guests were here and Hide San sang for us with his guitar and we ended up all dancing with him. And on my last day while I was home Hide San was teaching English to a small group of Japanese. They all tried to discuss with me and offered me food. These is the kind of atmosphere I experienced at Mintaro Hut, and I will never forget it. I highly recommend this place 😊

Stayed in August 2023

The owner and all the staff is very welcoming, kind and always ready to help. Mintaro Hut is specially amazing if you want to socialize a little bit with other people, as guest are invited to join the staff for dinner (with a small donation). The dinner is really really good, with lots of different dishes, also vegetarian, and very abundant!! Keep this in mind if you prefer quiet places and solitude, as Mintaro Hut is more about creating a familiar and warm place (that could also mean noise).

Stayed in August 2023

The bed makes sounds when you move.

The staff were awesome and so polite.

Stayed in July 2023

The host made an amazing dinner for us. Friendly reception and good parking.

Stayed in July 2023

The owner is very friendly and kind. It's like being at home

Stayed in July 2023

The home was welcoming and cozy. Host and other guests were kind and polite. It was great meeting other travelers. Has plenty of parking, but is also a easy walk to the train station.

Stayed in May 2023

I never saw a cat.

Dinner was a magical buffet that just kept coming.

Stayed in May 2023

Everyone was warm, even guest, being around a meal with everyone was very nice. Thanks for all Tomone-san, Hide-san and Tora-san for the calm and kindness!

Stayed in May 2023