KUMANO TRAVEL

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.

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