We booked the Zen lodge at the end of a 3 week visit of Japan, travelling all over this beautiful country. It was great to be able to finish the holiday in a spacious house in a quiet but not remote neighbourhood. The house is as gorgeous as described, including the warm and genuine hospitality you receive from Mr. T!!!
I loved being able to do my little walks along the river early in the morning, while the rest of the family was still asleep.
The house is conveniently close to Aoto Station, which connect to the JR Inner loop, and connect directly with Narita and Haneda. The neighbourhood has plenty of affordable restaurants where the absence of english menus can lead to a lot of fun and warm contacts with the waiters...
Booking Zen lodge is more than booking an airbnb... you get all kind of little attentions you did not expect but appreciate (drop off at the station at departure, sudden new clean towls without having to ask for it).
Not cheap, but worth each Yen you pay for it.