KUMANO TRAVEL

Shizen-no-Ie is an old junior high school that was beautifully renovated as a lodge. 
It is located in the tiny community of Koguchi, halfway between Nachi and Hongu, thus making it an important overnight stop on the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route. To the south is the Ogumotori-goe trail and to the north is the Kogumotori-goe trail.

It is also popular with fishermen, students, and families as a summer vacation spot.  There is a small river and shrine next to the lodge.  This is a great area to enjoy the peacefulness of an isolated mountain village.

KUMAANO Farm & Guesthouse is located in the upper reaches of the isolated Koguchi settlement in the middle of the Kumano Kodo, Ogumotori-goe and Kogumotori-goe sections.  The building was built by the owner who often travelled to India.  His trips inspired him with the name, the extended MAA in Kumano means mother, to interprete the great mother nature of the sacred Kumano mountains.  Surrounding the cottage are mountains and forests with patches of agricultural land fashioned out of the slopes.  The meals are focused around organic vegetables grown in nearby gardens.  The owner welcomes people to enjoy the unique setting.

This cottage is for private use.  Only one booking per day starting from 2 guests.  Single occupancy is not accepted.

@koguchi is like a home-away-from-home in this remote mountain settlement.  It is located just outside of the Koguchi community between Hongu and Nachi. The owner has renovated her grandmother's house, preserving its rural village charm while adding warm modern elements.  In memory of her grandma, guests will be treated to a variety of her grandmother's traditional Japanese-style recipes such as wild boar and hot pot cooking.  The house is perfect for a private group stay, from as few as one to seven people as a stop on the Kumano Kodo Nakahechi pilgrimage route, or as a rural mountain visit. Relax in wicker chairs or stroll around the verdant green and breathe deeply from your new "second home."

The owner will pick up guests from the Kowaze Ferry Ruins (Kogumotori-goe trailhead) or Koguchi and see them off to either the Kogumotori or Ogumotori trailheads nearby in the morning.

NOTICE:
There are two plans to stay at @koguchi (from April 1st, 2024):
● Shared Stay (possibility of two groups)
● Privately Reserved (only one group)
The shared stay plan is from 1 to 2 people.  For groups of 3 or more people the privately reserved plan is the default plan.  (For 1 to 2 people the privately reserved plan is also available).

Minshuku Momofuku is run by Mr. Nakazawa, a friendly retiree.  This tiny guesthouse has only two rooms and is located in the isolated village of Koguchi in the mountains between Nachi and Hongu.  It is popular with pilgrims and hikers on the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route, as well as ayu (sweetfish) fishermen.  Koguchi is located between the Ogumotori-goe (100 m to trailhead) and Kogumotori-goe (1 km to trailhead) routes.  Local produce from the surrounding mountains and rivers is served at meals.  Mr. Nakazawa hopes guests make themselves comfortable and feel like Minshuku Momofuku is their second home.

Takata Green Land is an accommodation and onsen facility in a small community tucked into the lush mountains on the beautiful Takata river. It is about 30 minutes by free shuttle bus from Shingu or Koguchi, making this a good option for those walking the Kogumotori-goe and Ogumotori-goe sections of the Kumano Kodo.  There are three buildings, the main building has western guestrooms and hot spring baths; the annex has Japanese style guestrooms; and the original building houses the dining room.  The stone outdoor hot spring baths (Kumotori Onsen) and fresh, Japanese cuisine are highlights of a stay at Takata Green Land.

Sansaro Cafe & Guesthouse is a "mountain-side cool" home stay in Kumano-gawa village (15 minute bus ride from Koguchi).  It was opened in 2014 by Ms. Uzawa, who fell in love with the location in the natural surroundings. She is a dynamic soul with strong interest in yoga, music, food, healing, and the vitality of the Kumano region. Sansaro is a cafe with a house next door. There is one guestroom in the cafe itself, the others are in the house.  It overlooks the Akagi-gawa river and rice fields with mountains framing the horizon on all sides.  The Kanmaru bus stop is nearby.  Music is a mainstay with a DJ stand, piano, and other instruments.  An onsen ticket is given to guests on check-in to use the nearby Satsuki hot spring bath for free.

Yoga lessons are offered to guests staying at the inn.
Fee: 4,200 yen per person (free for children 11 and under)
Length: 60 min
Time: from 20:00 on check-in day to 9:30 on check-out day.

Guests can experience Reiki Healing instead of a Yoga lesson for the same price (4,200 yen / 30 minutes / session).
Ask the owner directly at check-in for details.

※NOTE:  Free pass to Satsuki Onsen is not included with No Meal Plan.