Originally built in the early Showa period, this traditional Japanese kura (storehouse) and barn were transformed into a warm and inviting guesthouse through extensive renovations in 2023, designed to comfortably accommodate up to two families (up to 8 guests). While preserving the nostalgic charm of the original architecture, we’ve thoughtfully modernized the facilities, adding two fully equipped bathrooms and kitchens to ensure a spacious and comfortable stay for our international guests. After relocating from Tokyo to embrace a sustainable lifestyle, we now cultivate organic, pesticide-free vegetables that we’re delighted to share with our guests. Set on a sprawling 2000-square-meter garden, the property invites you to enjoy open-air activities: play with our two friendly rescue dogs, explore the grounds, catch insects, or savor a barbecue amidst nature’s beauty. This is a space where modern comfort meets rustic tradition, offering a tranquil countryside retreat.

Hotel MOKUREN is a traditional Japanese house turned into an accommodation. They take only one reservation at a time, so guests can exclusively use the two spacious Japanese style rooms during their stay while enjoying a view of the vast countryside. Feel the essence of Japan in a relaxing space and enjoy a farming experience in adjacent fields and in the traditional storehouse, as well as sightseeing in Nasunogahara. The hotel does not have a meal service, but the guest room includes a kitchen where you can cook harvested farm products. The storehouse has a cooking stove for preparing rice and BBQ equipment. There are also restaurants and diners near the hotel. The guest room has a shower, but if you wish to have a relaxing soak in a larger space, you can try a nearby onsen. You can also borrow bicycles.

Farm Stay Iri (Hachinosu) is a quiet, two-story Western style accommodation built 20 years ago in a farm village with an extensive view of the countryside. The owner has renovated a 55-year-old storage shed into a fermentation research laboratory “Fer-Lab.” Only one reservation is accepted at a time and guests will not see any other guests during their stay. Guests and the owner cook meals together using home-grown rice and seasonal vegetables with no commercial spices. If requested, vegan meals and gluten-free meals can be made. You can also experience vegetable harvesting. The accommodation offers a long-stay plan in which you can experience a program featuring the full process of making fermented foods such as shio koji (fermented seasoning).

Otawara City holds the “Yoichi Festival” on the first Friday and Saturday in August every year. This festival is in honor of Nasu Yoichi, the most famous archer in Japanese history. Highlights of the festival is the samurai parade. An actor/actress would cosplay Nasu Yoichi and lead the parade walk around downtown. You can see a traditional dance named “Yoichi Buyo” at night when you walk on street during the festival.

The floats, intricately carved with flowers, birds, lions, and other designs, are well worth seeing. The climax of the festival can be said to be the Buttsuke (a musical ensemble) performance by nine floats with golden lanterns.