Familia - Takahama

I loved this place. My friends and I stayed at the hostel/Airbnb over the weekend. The space was very comfortable and beautiful. The staff were friendly and accommodating. And the breakfast was really good. They even made the breakfast vegan. We also came to the restaurant for lunch and dinner a few times. The hamburgers, onion rings, and cocktail drinks were really good. I really missed good onion rings. I also liked the banana chocolate shake. Worth eating/staying here. And would come back. My vegan friend had a harder time ordering from the restaurant, and there were a few vegetarian options. But a vegetarian/vegan burger option would be awesome. Because the burgers were really good and I wanted my friends to be able to enjoy them with me.

I’ve been solo travelling around Japan for 2 months now and my stay at Familiar was by far the highlight of my entire trip. I was one of the only tourists at the guest house, and was welcomed with open arms! First off, the guest house itself is very clean, I felt very safe, and it is located *directly* on the most beautiful beach! Second, I met SO many locals while hanging out at the bar which is directly behind to the guesthouse. And don’t worry, I never experienced any noise issues. The bar also has a half pipe and it was super fun meeting the skate boarders and watching them! I originally booked 1 night and kept extending my stay for close to a week! One day, I rented a bike and cycled 20 kilometres along the coast. The food and drinks at the bar are delicious! Mecha okini Shungo!! <3

すごい Best place around for miles! Boss man Shungo is soooo welcoming which also spills over to all his staff. It’s true what’s they say how the leader sets the tone. Great Food. Amazing staff. Live DJ most nights. Incredible views. Steps from the beach literally. I really wanted to visit the Japan sea again so started on a late Saturday afternoon and ended up driving into a storm! Originally had camping plans, but nixed that, and was hoping for a good restaurant and bar, hang with locals and tourists and end with a good night sleep in the back of my HiAce (well equipped for sleeping). So on the way I stopped at a really nice road side shopping and dining area and decided to ask some locals what I should do. Tatooed and oozing cool, I tried my luck with Naoki. Best conversation ever. His other friends even invited me to camp on their lawn! But I said I was looking for a little more than that. Naoki recommend ファミリア. But in Japanese it sounds more like “Familia” or “family” in Italian. I was thinking hmm mafia? But no, it’s called Familiar and the name is perfect for the vibe. Before heading there, Naoki called the owner, Shungo, in advance to let him know I was on the way and to ask about a place to stay. Sometimes a foreigner in rural Japan gets some attention, both good and bad, so I asked if he could call. Not only did Naoki call ahead, but said he would lead me there. We were only a few km away and of course I had directions already in google, but I could tell he wanted to show their local hospitality so I gladly accepted his help and let him lead me there. Of course he had a HiAce also! I guess the cool guys in Japan drive HiAces! Actually I hear that a lot. Black HiAce Super GL all the way! Needless to say, I bought him and his girlfriend drinks. And after that … well let’s just say, “it was all she wrote!” I ended up staying through Monday. And then back the next weekend! That’s how good the place AND the beach and all the locals and the regulars from Kyoto and Osaka. Have a look at the pics and I’m sure you’ll end up there next summer! Although they are still busy through the winter because it’s a good surf spot on the Japan sea side.

Really cool place! Great location right on the beach. Stylish interior, tasty food, friendly staff. Excellent outdoor patio and fun BBQ space.

The place is really cool! Plays reggae, the decor…. I loved it! The food is very delicious! recommend to everyone!