Yakuza’s remodeled 1922 carriage house is nestled inside the restaurant’s backyard, among a delightful Japanese Garden.

Image: Kuza Garden Cottage

As travel season approaches, we regularly field questions about the hippest places to stash out-of-town guests. Now Portland—and especially downtown—has plenty of beautifully appointed hotels. But what about when your guests want to make the East Side their home base? Or what about places that simply say "Portland" (or Portlandia)? For that, turn to the city’s host of hidden, owner-run guesthouses. We’ll help you discover these adorable abodes with our series on under-the-radar, in-town digs.

To launch our exploration: the Kuza Garden Cottage, a recently remodeled 350-square-foot cottage tucked among the beautifully landscaped Japanese Garden behind NE 30th Street’s Yakuza restaurant. Just $150 per night* nets you a full kitchen, 24-hour access to the Yakuza’s outdoor hot tub, coldwater pluge tub, and shower (plus your own bathroom stocked with Mada products), and easy access to Yakuza’s dining room. And DOC. And Beast. And and and.

View our slideshow to get a look inside this contemporary Northeast treasure.

Book the Kuza Garden Cottage at airbnb.com or vrbo.com

*Two-night stay required.