KUMANO TRAVEL

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.

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 (as there is no bath or shower onsite).

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

Guesthouse Ikkyu is a unique, eco-friendly, private, traditional house located between Shingu and Hongu near the confluence of the Kumano-gawa River and Kitayama River. Enjoy leisurely time on the wooden deck, have BBQs or bonfires in the garden, and savor drinks while gazing at the starry sky. The bonfire experience, popular with children, is perfect for creating memories with family and friends.Access is only by bus, rental vehicles, or taxi. While meals are not included, food catering may be possible by contacting the owner in advance through chat after a reservation is made. This accommodation could be perfect as a waylay point between Hongu onsen villages and other grand shrine areas of Shingu and Nachi-Katsuura, offering a rugged, slightly off-the-beaten-track experience in Kumano Nature.