The traditional houses here are both beautiful and comfortable, the staff are incredibly helpful, and the activities offer a real glimpse into local life.

The homes are spacious, with living areas and bedrooms that comfortably fit four to five people. You’ll find tatami mats, wooden beams, and sliding doors—classic elements of Japanese design—combined with modern comforts.

The staff are welcoming and attentive, always ready to help. One of the highlights of our stay was the guided tour they provided around Nakagawa-machi. It gave us a chance to explore the local area and learn about its history and culture from people who know it best.

3-Day Guided Tour

Iizukatei offers a 3-day tour where the local staff will pick you up from a major station and drive you around the area. They organize cultural activities tailored to your interests, making it easy to connect with local traditions and the slower pace of life here.

Activities at Iizukatei

1. In-Room Catered Dinner
   You can choose between Japanese or Western-style meals delivered to your room. It costs 4,400 JPY per adult and 2,200 JPY per child, with vegetarian and vegan options available.

2. Farm Table Lunch/Dinner
   Enjoy a meal at a local farmer’s house, featuring seasonal dishes. It’s a great way to meet local people and get a taste of the region’s produce.

3. Cycling
   Electric assist bicycles are available for free. There are five bikes for adults, so it’s best to book in advance.

4. Koisago-yaki Ceramics Experience
   Try pottery at Fujita Ceramics Center, a family-run kiln with a long history. You’ll get to make your own piece with guidance from an instructor.

5. Shiraso Brewery Sake/Shochu Tour and Tasting
   Visit Nakagawa-machi’s only sake producer for a tour and tasting session. You can purchase your favorites to take home.

6. Zazen at Daio-ji Temple
   Try zazen (seated meditation) at Daio-ji, one of the oldest temples in the region, founded in 1404. It’s about a 20-minute drive from Iizukatei.

7. Soba Noodle Making Experience
   Learn to make soba noodles from scratch at Gozeniwa Bussan Center, guided by a friendly local chef. Afterward, you get to enjoy your handmade noodles.

8. Chopstick Making with Hirocraft
   Make your own chopsticks from various types of wood in an outdoor workshop. It’s a fun hands-on activity, best enjoyed in mild weather.

9. Tatami Making at Sato Tatami Factory
   Tour a traditional tatami factory and make your own mini tatami mat with the guidance of the Sato brothers.

10. Temochi Hanabi (Handheld Fireworks)
    In July and August, enjoy handheld fireworks in the evening—a classic Japanese summer activity.

11. Daigo Brewery Local Beer Tour and Tasting
    Visit a small brewery that uses local buckwheat to craft unique beers. It’s a 20-minute drive from Iizukatei or an easy bike ride.

12. Ayu Yana (Floating Fish Catching Raft) Experience
    In summer and early fall, you can try catching Ayu fish in the Nakagawa River. The fish are cooked fresh for you to enjoy.

13. Washi (Japanese Paper) Making Experience
    Learn the traditional art of washi paper making at Karasuyama Washi Kaikan, a family-run factory with deep roots in the community.

14. Seasonal Fruit Picking
    Depending on the season, you can pick fresh strawberries, apples, blueberries, and more at local farms.

Sample 3-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Relaxation

• 14:00: Pick-up from Ujiie Station

• Rest stop at Michi no Eki Kitsuregawa for a foot bath/onsen

• 15:30: Check-in at Iizukatei

• 16:00: Tour of Iizukatei and a stroll around Bato Shoutengai

• 18:00: In-room catered dinner

Day 2: Exploring the Area

• 8:00: Japanese breakfast

• 11:30: Farm table lunch at a local farmer’s house

• 15:00: Pottery making at Fujita Ceramics Center

• 18:00: Dinner at a local restaurant (staff will recommend options)

Day 3: Hands-On Experiences

• 8:00: Western breakfast

• 9:15: Checkout

• 9:30: Mini tatami making at Sato Tatami Factory

• 11:30: Soba noodle making lunch at Gozeniwa Bussan Center

• 13:00 Depart for the train station