KUMANO TRAVEL

MUI is an older home lovely reformed into a cozy guesthouse steps away from the Kumano Kodo Nakahechi route about 15 minutes walk east of Tsugizakura-oji.  The owners moved to the area because of their love of the mountains and desire to live a rural lifestyle.  They were inspired to create a place of communication and exchange for pilgrims after their walk on the Way of St. James in Spain.  The first thing that guests will notice is the location: a small set of homes, interspersed with tiny, terraced fields surrounded by towering cedars and cypress trees.  The second is their pet goat!  There are two Japanese style guestrooms on the second floor with communal sitting area, bath and toilet on the first floor.  A small yard in front of the house offers a quiet place to sit and relax.  Home-made meals are served in the dining area, a renovated building next to the house.

3rd Place Kumano Kodo is an old farmhouse in the Nonaka area near Tsugizakura-oji on the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route. Mr. Tetsuyama has reformed the building while maintaining the authentic charm of the countryside, rich deep browns of aged wood, tatami mats, fusuma sliding doors, and veranda - decorated with antiques. There is a full kitchen, small bath, toilet, bicycles, and free Wi-Fi;  making for a convenient stay. The congenial Mr. Tetsuyama is passionate about sharing the local mountain culture. He is an organic farmer with the diversity of crops. He would like guests to feel at home -- your personal third place on the Kumano Kodo!

Minshuku Nonaka Sanso is a family run guesthouse in the Nonaka area of Nakahechi village next to route 311. 
An annex cottage with an Irori hearth is the focus of the minshuku, where meals are sometimes taken. 
There is a river running behind the property. In the spring, fireflies dance with the sparks from the fire. 
This friendly inn is a popular place to stay for pilgrims and walkers on the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route, as it is located approximately half-way between Takijiri-oji and Kumano Hongu Taisha.
It is about a 25 minute walk downhill from Tsugizakura-oji to Minshuku Nonaka Sanso.

Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Route Guide >>

Walking options from Tsugizakura-oji to Kumano Hongu Taisha >>

This accommodation also offers luggage shuttle services.

Minshuku Tsugizakura is named after the nearby Tsugizakura-oji, an ancient shrine with centuries old trees along the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route.  The Nonaka-no-Shimizu spring, one of Japan’s 100 famous waters, is just around the corner. 

Minshuku Tsugizakura is a simple home that was turned into a guesthouse at the beginning of 2011 by the Yuba family. Mr. Yuba is a professional chef and worked all over Japan before returning to his hometown in the mountains to open this minshuku - which is why the traditional Japanese meals here are so delicious!

Irorian Minshuku is an oasis along the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route.  It is located in the settlement of Nonaka, between Chikatsuyu village and Tsugizakura-oji.  This wooden house was originally built as a small workshop to make bento lunch boxes and homemade miso before being reformed into a guesthouse.  The owners are very knowledgeable about the surrounding area and mountain culture.  There are only two rooms on the second floor for guests, so space is limited.  Meals are served around the Irori hearth.  In the evening the owner shuttles guests to the nearby Hisui-no-yu hot spring bath.

Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Route Guide >>

Walking options from Tsugizakura-oji to Kumano Hongu Taisha >>

NOTE: Minshuku Irorian will be tempolary closed from Sep 1, 2018.