What kind of accommodation is Auberge Villa Soso – Soso –?

It's the sister property of "Amanohashidate Rikyu Hoshi no Oto" in the Kyoto Amanohashidate area — a completely private, luxury auberge villa (a whole-building rental) reserved for just one group per day. The second floor has its own private dining space, offering the indulgence of inviting a personal chef into your own vacation home.

How many guests can stay, and what's the floor plan?

The villa accommodates up to 6 guests (children under elementary school age who share a bed and don't require meals aren't counted toward this total). The floor plan includes one bedroom with two single beds and two Japanese-style rooms, spread across a spacious 129.18㎡ — comfortable for families and groups alike.

What's the difference between this and "Amanohashidate Rikyu Hoshi no Oto"?

"Amanohashidate Rikyu Hoshi no Oto" is reserved for guests of junior high school age and older, while our sister property "Auberge Villa Soso – Soso –" is an entire villa reserved just for your group — so families with young children of any age are welcome to stay without any concerns (children of elementary school age or younger are not permitted to enter Hoshi no Oto).

For a larger group, can we dine together but stay in separate villas?

Yes. There are several sister villas (including the Grande series) within walking distance of this villa. Many groups enjoy gathering for meals in Soso's spacious private dining room, then retiring to their own separate villas for the night — a flexible way to travel together.

What are the check-in and check-out times?

Check-in begins at 15:00, and check-out is by 11:00. Please note that check-in takes place not at this villa, but at our sister property, "Amanohashidate Rikyu Hoshi no Oto" (3101 Hioki, Miyazu, Kyoto).

What are the benefits of "Gold Onsen"?

Gold Onsen is a reddish-brown, iron-rich hot spring that resembles the famous Kinsen of Arima Onsen.
It is said to be effective for anemia, chronic digestive disorders, and hemorrhoids, making it suitable for people of all ages.
Because it also contains a high level of salt, it provides the combined benefits of a chloride spring—helping to relieve muscle and joint pain and poor circulation such as cold sensitivity.

Benefits of Silver Onsen

Silver Onsen is especially recommended for its excellent skin-moisturizing properties.
Rich in metasilicic acid, this spring water is known as a "beauty-enhancing bath" or "skin-beautifying onsen."
Metasilicic acid is a natural moisturizing ingredient also found in skincare products for hydrated and smooth skin.
It promotes skin metabolism and helps maintain ceramide balance, leaving the skin soft and silky to the touch.

Are the hot springs open-air baths?

We offer a semi-open-air Gold Onsen and an indoor Silver Onsen.

What makes the hot springs at the villa special?

The villa is home to two rare natural hot springs — Gold Onsen and Silver Onsen. Because they sit right next to each other, you can move between their distinct qualities as many times as you like, all within a single villa.

What is the Gold Onsen bath like?

It's a semi-open-air bath, perfect for unwinding to the soothing sound of the waves. Enjoy the rich, mineral-dense qualities of iron and salt in an open, private setting.

What is the Silver Onsen bath like?

It's located indoors, and is known as a "beauty bath" for its high metasilicic acid content, which helps moisturize the skin. You can soak at your leisure any time, regardless of the weather.

Is the pool heated?

The pool is filled with cold water and is available only during the summer season.
Please note that clean water is maintained in the pool throughout the year.
※Swimwear is not provided.

Can I use the private pool any time? Is it lit up at night?

The villa has a completely private pool in the courtyard, though as it's cold water, it's only available during summer. At night, underwater lights built into the pool floor create a magical glow, like a sky full of stars.

What is "Sleepwear"?

Our facility provides two types of traditional attire for your comfort.
Sleepwear (Room Attire)
A comfortable garment provided for relaxing in your room or sleeping, similar to pajamas.
Yukata & Hanten (Lounge Attire)
A light cotton kimono and short jacket set for wearing outside your room, such as when dining or walking around the lobby.
Please enjoy both styles according to your needs during your stay.

If you would like drinks other than those stocked in your room's refrigerator:

A room service drink menu is available in your room. Please feel free to contact the front desk.
You can choose from a selection of wines, champagne, soft drinks, and more to suit your preference.

Can I smoke in the room? Is smoking allowed?

All guest rooms and indoor areas of the facility are strictly non-smoking.
Smoking is only permitted on the outdoor deck area.
An ashtray is provided on the wall shelf of the deck for your convenience.
Please refrain from smoking anywhere other than the designated deck area.
Please note that tobacco products are not sold on the premises.

Do you offer DVD players for rent?

We are sorry, but our facility does not provide DVD players.
At our property, we encourage our guests to experience the luxury of "doing nothing" — to relax and immerse themselves in the natural scenery and the star-filled sky, enjoying a truly tranquil and extraordinary time away from daily life.
For this reason, we do not have DVD players installed in the rooms, nor do we offer DVD or CD rentals.
Thank you for your kind understanding.

I would like to send my luggage in advance. How should I do that?

Please write down your check-in date and the name of the representative guest, then send your luggage to the address below.
Shipping Address:
Auberge Villa SOSO
2686 Hioki, Miyazu-shi, Kyoto 626-0225 Japan

How many people can stay?

The maximum capacity is 6 guests.
Children under elementary school age (infants and preschoolers) who share a bed and do not require meals are not counted toward the total number of guests.

What appliances and equipment are in the room?

The room comes with two single beds, air conditioning, complimentary Wi-Fi, a television, a refrigerator, a microwave, an electric kettle, a hair dryer, and an alarm clock.

What amenities are provided?

We provide amenities from THANN, a natural skincare brand born in Thailand.
All amenities are prepared in your room.
※Please note that they are provided per room, not per guest.

Where is the dining area, and how are meals served?

You'll dine on the second floor of the villa, in a private dining space with a stunning view over Miyazu Bay. A chef travels from "Amanohashidate Rikyu Hoshi no Oto" to prepare each dish and finish it right in front of you, made especially for you.

Is there a time limit for dining?

Since it's a completely private dining room, there's no need to worry about closing times the way you would at a typical restaurant. Feel free to linger over drinks and conversation with friends or family for as long as you like after your meal.

What style and genre is the cuisine?

Rather than sticking to a single genre, we serve innovative dishes blending Japanese and Western techniques (mainly Western-style). Enjoy dishes found nowhere else, made with seasonal ingredients from the local Kyoto Amanohashidate area and pesticide-free vegetables from our own kitchen garden.

Is dining available at Kanon?

It is available for up to 3 guests if seats are available.
※Please contact us in advance for inquiries.
Children of elementary school age or younger, and groups of 4 or more guests, are not accepted.

Can I order additional dishes?

Our course meals offer ample quality and volume; however, there may be special items or rare ingredients available depending on the day's arrivals.
Please feel free to ask our staff if you would like to request any additional dishes.

May I bring my own wine to enjoy during dinner?

If you wish to bring a special bottle—such as a wine that holds personal significance or one not available in our selection—please consult us in advance. We will be happy to accommodate your request.
※Restaurant corkage fee: ¥10,000 (tax not included) per bottle
※In-room corkage fee: ¥5,000 (tax not included) per bottle
※Please note that we cannot be held responsible for any damage to bottles or glassware brought in by guests.

Is breakfast Japanese style?

Yes, breakfast is served in Japanese style.
However, for guests staying multiple nights, a Western-style breakfast will also be available from the second morning onward.
Our breakfast features "body-friendly" dishes made with carefully selected local ingredients:
Premium Koshihikari rice grown with love by local farmers in Amanohashidate
Kyoto-style miso blended in our own unique recipe
Fresh local eggs from Ine Town
Homemade dried fish and other seasonal side dishes
Enjoy a wholesome and nourishing start to your day.

What kind of meals are served?

The menu varies depending on the day's ingredients, but we serve a full course meal featuring locally sourced produce and carefully selected premium ingredients from across Japan.
Our cuisine is innovative, blending techniques from both Japanese and Western culinary traditions to create unique and refined dishes.

Can you accommodate food allergies?

Yes, we can.
Please inform us in advance of any food allergies or ingredients you prefer to avoid.

Do you offer vegetarian or vegan meal options?

Yes, we can accommodate vegetarian and vegan requests. Please let us know in advance when you book.

Can I enjoy crab dishes in winter?

Yes — in winter, enjoy a full course featuring carefully selected, tagged brand crab, including the legendary "Taiza crab," often called the phantom snow crab. Savor a luxurious crab experience in the privacy of your own villa.

Can I have a BBQ at the villa?

We offer a room-only plan and a plan that allows you to bring your own ingredients, making the most of the villa format. Please confirm details about bringing your own food, outdoor cooking, and BBQ availability when you book.

Are there restaurants nearby for eating out?

Yes, the area around the villa has several excellent restaurants showcasing the cuisine of "Umi no Kyoto" (Kyoto's coastal cuisine). We're happy to recommend some of our favorites — consider building a night of dining out into your stay, alongside our in-villa auberge-style service.

Can children stay at the villa?

Yes, children of all ages are welcome.
As the villa is a completely private, whole-building accommodation, you can relax and enjoy your stay with peace of mind.
※Please note that children of elementary school age or younger are not permitted to enter "Amanohashidate Rikyu HOSHINO-OTO." Thank you for your understanding.

Can guests use the lobby services at our sister property, "Amanohashidate Rikyu Hoshino-oto"?

We are sorry, but the lobby services are not available for guests staying at our property.
All amenities and refreshments are prepared in advance and provided in your room.
※Champagne, wine, and baked sweets are included.

Do you offer wake-up calls?

To allow guests to relax without being bound by their daily schedules, we do not provide an automatic wake-up call service.
An alarm clock is available in your room.
If you prefer a wake-up call by phone, please let the front desk know and we will be happy to arrange it for you.

Do you provide newspapers?

Yes. A complimentary copy of the Yomiuri Shimbun is delivered to your room door every morning.
(Except on newspaper holidays.)

What can I see from the room?

An ocean view all to yourself, overlooking the beautiful waters of Miyazu Bay and its pine-lined shore. The sunrise from here is especially spectacular.

Is parking available? How many cars?

We have free parking for 2 vehicles on the villa grounds. If you're arriving with a third vehicle, please let us know in advance and we'll direct you to nearby parking.

What's the exact address, and what should I enter into my GPS?

The villa's address is 2686 Hioki, Miyazu, Kyoto 626-0225. However, check-in takes place at our sister property, "Amanohashidate Rikyu Hoshi no Oto" (3101 Hioki, Miyazu, Kyoto 626-0225) — please head there first when you arrive.

Can I have my luggage delivered ahead of time?

Yes. Please write your check-in date and the name of the lead guest on the package, and send it to the property (addressed to Auberge Villa SOSO). We'll keep it safe until your check-in.

Is Wi-Fi available?

Yes, complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi is available throughout the property — perfect for working remotely, streaming video, or posting to social media without any hassle.

Do you accept credit cards or cashless payment?

Yes, we accept a range of credit cards and major payment methods. Please check with us when you book or at check-in for details on which brands are accepted.

Can I use accommodation vouchers or membership benefits to pay?

This property participates in the "Grande" shared-villa resort membership program. For details on using membership benefits or vouchers, please log in to the members' site or contact the membership office directly.

Do staff speak English?

We communicate using a translation app.

Can I use the hot springs and sauna if I have tattoos?

Yes. Because the hot springs and pool are completely private to your own villa, guests with tattoos are welcome without any concerns — unlike public onsen facilities.

Is tipping expected?

No — tipping isn't part of Japanese culture and isn't expected or necessary here.

What should I pack? What's the climate like?

The villa sits right on Miyazu Bay, so sea breezes can make evenings cool even in summer — we recommend packing a light layer regardless of season.

Do you offer transfers from the airport or train station?

Yes. As with our sister property, Amanohashidate Rikyu Hoshi no Oto, a paid transfer service is available from the airport or Kyoto Station (fully reservation-based — please email us at yoyaku@hoshino-oto.jp or note your transfer request when booking), and transfers to Amanohashidate Station are complimentary.

Can I get here without a car?

Yes. A paid transfer service is available from the airport or Kyoto Station (fully reservation-based — please confirm by email or note it when booking), and transfers to Amanohashidate Station are complimentary. If you'd rather make your own way, the nearest station is Amanohashidate Station, about a 23-minute taxi ride from the villa (around 40 minutes by bus). From Kyoto Station, a limited express train takes about 2 hours to Amanohashidate Station, followed by another 20–40 minutes by car or bus. By car, the drive from Kyoto Station takes about 1 hour 55 minutes.

Are there any recommended spots for viewing Amanohashidate?

Yes. About an 8-minute drive from the villa, Kasamatsu Park offers a famous northern viewpoint — look at Amanohashidate upside down through your legs, and the sandbar appears to transform into a dragon ascending to the sky. On the south side, you'll find Amanohashidate itself, where you can walk along the pine-covered sandbar; Amanohashidate View Land, reached by chairlift or monorail; and Chion-ji Temple, dedicated to the deity of wisdom (each about a 24–25 minute drive).

Can I visit the boathouses of Ine?

Yes, it's about a 17-minute drive. Ine is a fishing village famous for its funaya — boathouses built right at the water's edge — and it's a popular day-trip destination for many of our guests. We can also arrange an Ine Bay cruise; please feel free to ask if you're interested.