KUMANO TRAVEL

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.

NOTE: during the planting season (end of April to beginning of May) & harvest season (beginning of September) no meals will be prepared.  But instant food and local vegetables are for sale at this time.

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, half-way 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 fisherman, 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.

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.