Cafe & Guest House Engawa

Accommodation

4.17

31 reviews

Inside cafe

Cafe & Guest House Engawa

Inside cafe

Inside cafe

Family portrait

Sample supper

Sample breakfast

Outside covered area

Guestroom

Goemon outdoor bath

Outside covered area

House located on hillside

Goat

Wood stove in cafe

Washing machine and washing area

Bio-toilet

Entrance to house

Description

Rustic Farmhouse Stay

At the end of a windy road, in the forested mountains of the Kii peninsula, is the simplistic Café and Guest House Engawa. This family of 7 lives in an old farmhouse, which they have renovated into a small café and guestroom. Much of the construction has been done by the owner and his children, including a classic iron, outdoor wood heated bath; a unique experience and a calm place to stargaze from! Ingredients are sources locally for their vegetarian focused meals. Goats, chickens, and a friendly dog also live on the property. The bio-toilet, washbasin, and bath are all shared with the family. This rustic home-stay farmhouse get-away is located off-the-beaten path, so for those without a vehicle a pick-up and drop-off service is provided from nearby locations such as Koguchi and Hongu.

Full Name	Cafe & Guest House Engawa カフェ & ゲストハウス縁ga環
Area	Koguchi, Kumanogawa
Type	Guesthouse/B&B
Address	450 Nishi-shikiya, Kumanogawa-cho, Shingu City, Wakayama Prefecture 647-1221 〒647-1221　和歌山県新宮市熊野川町西敷屋450
Map Code	478 411 162*60
Maps	Google Maps
Check-in	15:00 - 18:00
Check-out	10:00

Rating & Reviews

4.17

31 reviews

Guestroom

(3.9 / 5)

Baths

(4.1 / 5)

Meals

(4.5 / 5)

Location

(3.9 / 5)

Reception & Service

(4.5 / 5)

Date: Mar/2026

United Kingdom (Female, age 30-39)

Overall:

4.60

Individual: Guestroom 4, Baths 5, Meals 5, Location 4, Reception & Service 5

Plan: Supper & Breakfast

- No subject -

No guest review.

Date: Dec/2025

Australia (Male, age 50-59)

Overall:

4.60

Individual: Guestroom 4, Baths 5, Meals 5, Location 4, Reception & Service 5

Plan: Supper & Breakfast

Serenity

Loved it. What a beautiful family. So privileged to have spent a night with them. What an amazing place in the mountains. Great vegetarian food. Wonderful hospitality. Thank you so much.

Date: Nov/2025

United States (Female, age 20-29)

Overall:

4.60

Individual: Guestroom 4, Baths 4, Meals 5, Location 5, Reception & Service 5

Plan: Supper & Breakfast

- No subject -

This house is definitely rustic, but the room is clean and a stay here offers a very unique experience of staying with a family deep in rural Japan. With the compost toilet and simple facilities, could be a good option for people who are used to camping/staying in cabins, etc. It was definitely the most unique of my guesthouse experiences, with baby goats, an off-grid house, and an outdoor bath heated with firewood. Seichii's youngest son is very friendly and it was fun to play with him. Seichii kindly picked me up and dropped me off at the trailhead the next morning. And the food was really delicious!

Date: Nov/2025

United Kingdom (Female, age 30-39)

Overall:

5.00

Individual: Guestroom 5, Baths 5, Meals 5, Location 5, Reception & Service 5

Plan: Supper & Breakfast

Such a special stay

Seichi was kind enough to pick us up from the trail head and took us back to his family home. You are greeted by his sweet boy, the goats and cats as you enter the homestead. The room was clean and warm, there was a shower room and a compost toilet which was fine for us. The bath was a wood fired cast iron outdoor bath looking over the forest - excellent way to unwind after walking. The food the family prepared was absolutely delicious, we would have loved to be able to chat to Seichi more as he was clearly a very interesting hardworking person! We loved staying here, it was completely different to the other guesthouses but special and lovely in its own way.

Date: Nov/2025

Finland (Female, age 50-59)

Overall:

4.75

Individual: Guestroom 4, Baths 5, Meals 5, Location -, Reception & Service 5

Plan: Supper & Breakfast

A welcoming accommodation with one of the best meals we had in all Japan.

We arrived on a day of torrential rain. Welcomed by Seiichi, and a Japanese hottub. To bathe in pouring rain with the lush forest surrounding us was one of the most unforgettable experiences on our trip. The meal and the breakfast were just incredible! There was no trouble having my meals modified to gluten free options - felt very safe and taken care of in that regard as well.

Date: Nov/2025

Australia (Female, age 60-69)

Overall:

4.40

Individual: Guestroom 4, Baths 5, Meals 4, Location 5, Reception & Service 4

Plan: Supper & Breakfast

Out of the way Rustic Farmstay

If you want to see a little of the genuine lifestyle of the farming folk, this rustic farmhouse at the end of a winding tiny road into the Forrest….. this is a place to stay. Don’t come if you want everything to be pristine and spotless. This is like visiting family in the countryside. Funky bath heated with a fire under the tub itself, outside with Forrest views. Owners communicates with you through an app and his children are around. One of my favourite experiences on the hike. But I am used to roughing it a little.

Date: Oct/2025

United States (Male, age 40-49)

Overall:

4.60

Individual: Guestroom 5, Baths 5, Meals 5, Location 3, Reception & Service 5

Plan: Supper & Breakfast

Cultural stay

Staying with this family was very peaceful. The bath that they provided was very interesting and the culture that surrounded this stay was fun and creative. I enjoyed seeing all the animals on the property and learning about the host lives.

Date: Oct/2025

Israel (Male, age 30-39)

Overall:

5.00

Individual: Guestroom 5, Baths 5, Meals 5, Location 5, Reception & Service 5

Plan: Supper & Breakfast

- No subject -

No guest review.

Date: Sep/2025

China (Female, age 30-39)

Overall:

4.80

Individual: Guestroom 5, Baths 4, Meals 5, Location 5, Reception & Service 5

Plan: Supper & Breakfast

- No subject -

No guest review.

Date: Jun/2025

United States (Male, age 40-49)

Overall:

4.80

Individual: Guestroom 5, Baths 4, Meals 5, Location 5, Reception & Service 5

Plan: Supper & Breakfast

- No subject -

Sage and his family (and farm animals) were one of the memorable parts of our trip. The farm is tucked away on a culdesac near a large stream. We walked in the evening and saw tons if fire flies. The bath is a bit rustic and the compost toilet is also - not for people who want modern conveniences. The food was amazing (we were not vegans but didn’t care, it was delish!), and Sage was kind enough to adjust on pickup and drop off for the trail. The room was clean and cozy. Thank you!

Date: Jun/2025

Netherlands (Female, age 20-29)

Overall:

5.00

Individual: Guestroom 5, Baths 5, Meals 5, Location 5, Reception & Service 5

Plan: Supper & Breakfast

Very Sweet

Seiichi was there on time and picked us up. You can tell the love and attention that he gives to his house and his family. The room was clean, the futons comfortable, food very nice and there was a very cool japanese bath in the garden. We had a lovely stay!

Date: May/2025

Australia (Female, age 40-49)

Overall:

4.20

Individual: Guestroom 4, Baths 5, Meals 4, Location 3, Reception & Service 5

Plan: Supper & Breakfast

Beautiful Farm retreat

A beautiful farm stay with Sechii and his family. Sechii picked us up from Koguci after walking the Kumano Kodo, and drove us to his house about 20mins away. Its a simple Japanese house, but comfortable with a family feel. The outdoor hot tub is fantastic and lit by a fire underneath. We were given a lift to back to the trail the following morning. Highly recommend staying here, albeit be prepared for not having any internet for the night.

Date: May/2025

Japan (Male, age 60-69)

Overall:

2.00

Individual: Guestroom 2, Baths 1, Meals 3, Location -, Reception & Service 2

Plan: Supper & Breakfast

- No subject -

No guest review.

Date: Apr/2025

Malaysia (Male, age **)

Overall:

3.40

Individual: Guestroom 3, Baths 3, Meals 4, Location 3, Reception & Service 4

Plan: Supper & Breakfast

- No subject -

Engawa will give you a genuine rural experience. Located in the hills resembling a farmhouse. The novelty of this guesthouse is the outdoor bath with wood fired hot tub. Food(vegetarian)was really good and very beautifully presented. Rooms and amenities are pretty basic / rustic and may require some upgrades .

Date: Mar/2025

Spain (Female, age 30-39)

Overall:

1.60

Individual: Guestroom 1, Baths 1, Meals 2, Location 1, Reception & Service 3

Plan: Supper & Breakfast

- No subject -

No guest review.

Date: Mar/2025

Germany (Female, age 20-29)

Overall:

4.40

Individual: Guestroom 4, Baths 5, Meals 5, Location 4, Reception & Service 4

Plan: Supper & Breakfast

Unique experience

It was a truly unique experience out of the comfort zone to stay at Guesthouse Engawa. Given the remote location it is really calm and peaceful. The family is self-sufficient and cooked very tasty, fresh food grown by them. All vegetarian which is very uncommon in Japan.

Date: Jan/2025

United States (Female, age 60-69)

Overall:

4.40

Individual: Guestroom 4, Baths 4, Meals 5, Location 4, Reception & Service 5

Plan: Supper & Breakfast

Permaculture and country living

I enjoyed staying at this small farm; the hosts were very kind, and living close to nature. It's a bit rustic. The vegetarian meals were amazing!

Date: Dec/2024

Italy (Male, age 40-49)

Overall:

2.60

Individual: Guestroom 2, Baths 2, Meals 5, Location 2, Reception & Service 2

Plan: Supper & Breakfast

- No subject -

No guest review.

Date: Nov/2024

Spain (Male, age 60-69)

Overall:

4.60

Individual: Guestroom 4, Baths 4, Meals 5, Location 5, Reception & Service 5

Plan: Supper & Breakfast

- No subject -

No guest review.

Date: Nov/2024

Finland (Male, age 20-29)

Overall:

2.75

Individual: Guestroom 2, Baths -, Meals 4, Location 2, Reception & Service 3

Plan: Supper & Breakfast

- No subject -

No guest review.

Date: Nov/2024

Australia (Female, age 30-39)

Overall:

4.00

Individual: Guestroom 4, Baths 4, Meals 5, Location 3, Reception & Service 4

Plan: Supper & Breakfast

- No subject -

No guest review.

Date: Nov/2024

United States (Male, age **)

Overall:

2.80

Individual: Guestroom 2, Baths 3, Meals 4, Location 2, Reception & Service 3

Plan: Supper & Breakfast

Really rustic remote place

Be ready to experience really rustic Japanese place, almost a cabin. Amenities are super basic, dinner is basic, breakfast was also simple but very good. Really long ride from koguchi. Friendly hosts.

Date: Nov/2024

Australia (Female, age 50-59)

Overall:

4.00

Individual: Guestroom 3, Baths 4, Meals 5, Location 3, Reception & Service 5

Plan: Supper & Breakfast

Wonderful experience

Exceptional meals and kind host family

Date: Oct/2024

Australia (Male, age 60-69)

Overall:

3.20

Individual: Guestroom 3, Baths 4, Meals 3, Location 2, Reception & Service 4

Plan: Supper & Breakfast

- No subject -

Quaint, rustic place. Family demands most of their time. Veg food was pretty good taste wise and presented well. Unique bath tub open air and compost toilet. Provided a good insight into rural Japan

Date: Oct/2024

New Zealand (Female, age 50-59)

Overall:

4.75

Individual: Guestroom 4, Baths 5, Meals 5, Location -, Reception & Service 5

Plan: Supper & Breakfast

Unique experience

Opportunities like this do not come up often, we enjoyed seeing a different way of life, having a hot bath outside and a bonus was the food was fantastic!

Date: Sep/2024

France (Female, age 40-49)

Overall:

4.40

Individual: Guestroom 5, Baths 3, Meals 5, Location 4, Reception & Service 5

Plan: Supper & Breakfast

great ecological stay

and one of the best meals we ate in Japan. the house is around 30mn drive from the kumano kodo, but with the free pick-up and drop-off it's perfect, and the owner is super friendly

Date: May/2024

Australia (Female, age 30-39)

Overall:

5.00

Individual: Guestroom 5, Baths 5, Meals 5, Location 5, Reception & Service 5

Plan: Supper & Breakfast

A wonderful family friendly stay

We had a wonderful stay and felt very welcomed by the family. Transport from the end of our hike in Koguchi and to Kanmaru the next day was very much appreciated. Our family of 6 fit comfortably into the large room. The outdoor bath was steaming hot after a long day hiking in the rain. Vegetarian meals were delicious. A great insight into life in rural Japan.

Date: May/2024

United Kingdom (Female, age 70-79)

Overall:

5.00

Individual: Guestroom 5, Baths 5, Meals 5, Location 5, Reception & Service 5

Plan: Supper & Breakfast

Quirky farm on the Kumano Kodo

Great place to be based for walking around the Hongu area. Seiichi was very helpful about pick up & drop off. The place is simple, but the traditional Onsen was good at the end of the day’s walking, & the food was good.

Date: Apr/2024

Netherlands (Male, age 30-39)

Overall:

5.00

Individual: Guestroom 5, Baths 5, Meals 5, Location 5, Reception & Service 5

Plan: Supper & Breakfast

Very kind and welcoming

This was such a wonderful stay. They were very welcoming and made me feel right at home.

Date: Mar/2024

Canada (Female, age 20-29)

Overall:

5.00

Individual: Guestroom 5, Baths 5, Meals 5, Location 5, Reception & Service 5

Plan: Supper & Breakfast

Wonderful

We had an absolutely wonderful time. Such a peaceful and quiet place. We loved the little cats roaming around and the cute goat. The food was absolutely incredible. It was exactly what we needed after a long wet and rainy hike. Honestly, one of the best parts of our trek.

Date: Mar/2024

Sweden (Male, age 30-39)

Overall:

4.00

Individual: Guestroom 4, Baths 4, Meals 3, Location -, Reception & Service 5

Plan: Supper & Breakfast

- No subject -

No guest review.

Price Plan(s)

Supper & Breakfast

Vegetarian OK

Allergy OK

Others OK

from 12,200 yen

Guestrooms

Western Style	Yes
Japanese Style	No
Mixed Style	No
Other Style	No

Number of Rooms	1
Maximum Guests	4

● Futon mattress on wooden flooring.
● Guestroom is above cafe.

Facilities
Desk

Summer: Fan
Winter: Kerosene heater

Amenities
Face towel Bath towel Slippers

Baths

Shared Indoor	Yes
Shared Outdoor	Yes
Shared Sauna	No
Privately Reserved	No
Ensuite Indoor	No
Ensuite Outdoor	No

Note: ● Outdoor goemon wood heated bath.
● Basic indoor shower.

Meals

Supper
From 18:00
Breakfast
6:30~8:00

● Vegetarian focused meals
● Meals served in the cafe

Meal Options

: Possible : Not Possible

Vegetarian	No Meat No Fish No Seafood (other than fish) No Dashi fish stock No Dairy No Eggs
Gluten Free	With Miso & Soy Sauce No Miso & Soy Sauce (Celiac or Intolerant)
Allergies	Possible
Others	No Raw Fish/Seafood No Pork No Red Meat (beef or pork) No Shellfish

Vegetarianism and gluten free foods are not common in the Japanese countryside. Please double-check the meal options that are possible with each service provider to make sure that it meets your needs.

FISH STOCK: Often being able to eat trace amounts of the ubiquitous Katsuo Dashi (fish stock) makes it easier to find vegetarian options.

GLUTEN: For those who are not intorelant to gluten or Celiac then choosing Gluten Free "With Miso and Soy Sauce" will increase your options.

More Information

NOTE: It is difficult and not culturally sensitive to change meal requests, or make new meal demands, onsite when you arrive at accommodations. Meal options must be confirmed during the reservation process and respected during your visit.

Facilities & Services

Internet: Free Wi-Fi (Guestroom)
Free Wi-Fi (Lobby)
Credit Card: Not accepted
Traveler's Cheques: Not accepted
Language: Basic English
Others: ● No stores in the immediate area
Services: Shuttle service
Shipping

Access

Access Information: Located in an isolated valley at the end of a road.
● No public bus access.

Shuttle Service: Shuttle available to/from Hongu, Koguchi, Ukegawa and Hosshinmon-oji.

It is about 20~30 minutes from each destination.

Parking: Free, up to four vehicles.

Back

Sorry, "Reservation Requests" are not available at this time.

Set booking times: 7:00–9:30 and 19:00–22:00 daily, Japan Standard Time.

Please check this Article for more information.

https://www.tb-kumano.jp/en/2024/03/13/12612/

Description

Rating & Reviews

Price Plan(s)

Supper & Breakfast

Guestrooms

Baths

Meals

Facilities & Services

Access

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