- Tips for a Comfortable Stay
- Relaxing Moments on the Engawa (Japanese Veranda)
- Tranquil Living Away from Crowds
- Savoring Local Delicacies
- Living with BBQ and Bonfire
- Living with Kitchen garden
- Mindful Living that Engages the Five Senses
- Tasting Spring Wild Edible Plants
- Living with Mindfulness and Meditation
- Cycling by Lake Kasumigaura’s Rinrin Road
- Experiencing the Seasonal Changes
- local interactions
- Life with Fishing
- Searching for Four-Leaf Clovers
- Enjoying Pottery Art
- Breathtaking Sunrise Over Rice Fields
Tips for a Comfortable Stay
Escape the Crowds: A Journey to Slow Living in Japan’s Scenic Countryside, Far from Tourist Hubs
Relaxing Moments on the Engawa (Japanese Veranda)
Enjoy leisurely moments on the engawa unique to traditional Japanese houses.
Indulge in the luxury of simply sitting and feeling the gentle breeze.
The living room features a large low table, which transforms into a cozy kotatsu during the winter season.
Tranquil Living Away from Crowds
A stroll alongside rice fields reminiscent of the Kanto Plain refreshes both the mind and spirit.
It’s the perfect setting to unwind and embrace the luxury of doing nothing.
Despite being a short drive from Tokyo, you can enjoy the serenity of rural life.
You’ll realize how comforting it is to be away from artificial noise.
Savoring Local Delicacies
With a fully equipped kitchen, you can cook and enjoy freshly caught Shirauo (whitebait) from Lake Kasumigaura or seasonal fresh lotus root available at roadside stalls.
Living with BBQ and Bonfire
When you rent the entire property, you can enjoy BBQs or bonfire in the garden. Experiencing a BBQ or bonfire in a quiet, serene environment is a unique pleasure. BBQ sets are available for rent, and firewood and charcoal can be purchased.
Please make sure to finish cleaning up in the garden by 9:30 PM out of respect for the neighbors.
*No open flames allowed.
Living with Kitchen garden
Embrace the rural lifestyle. Right in front of INASHIKI NEST, there’s a Kitchen Garden where you can enjoy freshly picked vegetables and herbs.
The scent of soil and plants provides a refreshing boost for both mind and body, offering a taste of countryside gardening. You can harvest fresh, seasonal vegetables and herbs right on the spot, cook them, and savor their flavors. It’s an opportunity to experience a lifestyle deeply connected to nature and the concept of “Shindo Fuji” — the unity of body, mind, and land.
*Depending on the weather and season, vegetables may be unavailable.
Mindful Living that Engages the Five Senses
The tranquil sounds of chirping birds, croaking frogs, and buzzing insects echo in the peaceful surroundings.
Enjoy the scent of seasonal flowers and fresh greenery, and savor seasonal produce.
Cherish spontaneous encounters and light exchanges with locals.
This might be where you can truly recognize the happiness that comes from a calm lifestyle.
Tasting Spring Wild Edible Plants
Depending on the weather and temperature, you can harvest wild plants like butterbur around March, and bracken and Yomogi in April nearby.
Living with Mindfulness and Meditation
The area is incredibly serene, allowing you to focus on your personal time.
Although you may occasionally hear airplane sounds from nearby Narita Airport, the environment is truly quiet and peaceful, creating a perfect setting for mindfulness meditation as you deeply concentrate on your breath.
Cycling by Lake Kasumigaura’s Rinrin Road
The Rinrin Road, a popular cycling course alongside Lake Kasumigaura, is just around the corner.
Enjoy cycling through scenic rice field views or refresh yourself by riding on the national cycling route around Lake Kasumigaura.
We have four rental bikes (27-inch mama-chari) available for 500 yen per day.
Experiencing the Seasonal Changes
You can hear the songs of nightingales, see swallows flying, and listen to the chorus of frogs and beautifully chirping insects.
Feel the varying breezes—cold, humid, or dry.
The sunlight may appear yellow, orange, or golden.
Immersing yourself in the peaceful rural scenery away from the noise helps you become more attuned to small changes in nature.
local interactions
You may also have the chance to enjoy local interactions in the countryside during your stay.
Life with Fishing
Guests have succeeded in catching the elusive giant fish known as “Aouo” (Japanese catfish) in the Tone River, after challenging themselves to ten consecutive days of fishing!
Searching for Four-Leaf Clovers
While strolling, you might come across a four-leaf clover.
You might even find one with five or six leaves on rare occasions.
This is where you can discover the joy in life’s little treasures.
Enjoying Pottery Art
In the Shika district of Inashiki City, Ibaraki Prefecture, there is an atrie once used by renowned potter Mr. Ogawa.
Some of his works are available for use in our kitchen in INASHIKI NEST.
Each pottery piece is truly one of a kind. Why not take a moment to enjoy your time with a piece that becomes your personal favorite?
Breathtaking Sunrise Over Rice Fields
An endless expanse of rice fields stretches before you.
Here, you can witness a stunning sunrise over the rice fields—a view distinct from the ones seen by the sea or lakeside.
It’s a moment of pure serenity and renewal.
Shrines and Temples – Exploring Spiritual Power Spots for Good Fortune-
The “Osugi Shrine,” also known as the Dream-Fulfilling Shrine, is located very close to INASHIKI NEST.
The shrines are also known for their unusually luxurious restrooms, sparking conversations among visitors.
It has a slightly different atmosphere than typical shrines and gives the feeling of being inside an attraction. Locally, it is also affectionately known as “Anba-sama.”
Three Shrines of the Eastern Provinces
KATORI Shrine
KASHIMA Shrine
IKISU Shrine
Hozenji-Temple
“Houzenji Temple” located in the Shin-Tone district of Inashiki City, Ibaraki Prefecture, has been cherished since ancient times as the Kannon-sama of Ono and is one of the selected landscapes of Ibaraki. The wooden statues of Kongorikishi, the Niomon gate, and the thatched-roof buildings with sculptures on the premises are historical cultural assets that I would strongly recommend you to see.
Local tiny shrine in INASHIKI NEST
Within the grounds of INASHIKI NEST, there is a small shrine that has been revered by the local community since the Edo period. It is a sacred place with a traditional annual visit by locals in February.
Other recommended areas near Inashiki-city
小江戸 佐原 Koedo Sawara
Sawara in Katori City, Chiba Prefecture. It still retains the scenery of the Edo period.
It’s about a 20-minute drive from INASHIKI NEST, making it a perfect place for a casual stroll or foodie to go on a food tour.
* If you plan to go to Sawara during an event, it is recommended to directly drive there using your vehicle, such as a rental car.
成田山 Naritasan
Naritasan Temple is about a 40-minute drive from INASHIKI NEST.
It’s a great spot for strolling, enjoying local street food, and exploring the temple.
Since it’s not too far, I highly recommend visiting!
USHIKU DAIBUTSU
It takes about 30 minutes by car from INASHIKI NEST to the world’s largest Buddha statue. The huge Buddha statue is a sight to behold.
ANIMA
It’s less than a 30-minute drive. You can also interact with various animals, including owls.
HITACHI SEASIDE PARK
Hitachi Seaside Park located in Ibaraki Prefecture, is particularly famous for its vast fields of nemophila flowers in the spring. It is about a 1 hour and 30-minute drive from INASHIKI NEST.
HAKKONOSATOKOZAKI Fermentation Market
From Kozaki Bus Station, known as the Fermentation stores, there is a direct bus to Tokyo Station. It is a convenient place with fresh vegetables, food-related to fermentation, and a restaurant all on site.
How to Enjoy in Deep Local
OBENTO/Lunch Box
at local store
In the afternoon, head to the local shop along the road that runs through the rice paddies. Enjoy a homemade lunch while experiencing the warmth of the shop owners and the locals you happen to meet.
Cycling
Enjoy a leisurely bike ride along the National Cycle Route “Ring-Ring Road” that runs along the second largest lake in Japan, Lake Kasumigaura, or explore the endless rice paddy fields and peaceful scenery.
Retro Public Spa and Bath
Azuma Health Public Center exudes a nostalgic atmosphere. The sauna and large bath are nice. You can sweat a lot and detoxify, it’s a happy time.
Misakiya
A restaurant with incredibly delicious food.
Especially popular for its flavorful soba. It also has a tatami room, making it a comfortable option for families with children. The restaurant is open not only for lunch but also for dinner, making it a great choice for a delicious evening meal.
Sakusaku
Recommended when you’re craving a hearty tonkatsu in a homey atmosphere.
Open for both lunch and dinner, offering a filling and satisfying meal.
Asahiya-Shyokudou
The lotus root “Katsudon” has even been featured in the media.
Enjoy a delicious meal in a relaxing environment, featuring local specialties like lotus root dishes for lunch.
Takasu-suisan
A delicious shop where you can buy “Tsukudani” made from ingredients caught in Lake Kasumigaura.
Perfect as a souvenir.
One of the highlights is the friendly interaction with the warm-hearted owners. Located just a short walk from Wada Park by Lake Kasumigaura.
Horaiya
You can purchase delicious, heartfelt side dishes and bento meals here.
Their sweet, melt-in-your-mouth baked sweet potatoes are seasonal and available from around the end of October to May. Located right next to Osugi Shrine.
Shrines and temples
The “Ohsugi Shrine,” also known as the Dream-Fulfilling Shrine, is located very close to INASHIKI NEST. Additionally, there is the magnificent thatched roof temple “Hozenji.” approx 20 minutes by car. Receive blessings and power up.
IBARAIDO
It is a theme park where you can enjoy various experiences in nature. Various events such as Spartan Race are also held regularly.
It takes about 20 minutes by car.