Features of the Guesthouse

Relocation and renovation of an old Japanese storehouse

An old storehouse built in a merchant’s house in downtown Matsumoto, Nagano, JAPAN 170 years ago has been relocated and renovated. Kawakami Architects, a company based in Matsumoto city that has been involved in many renovations of traditional houses, designed and supervised the project, and with the handiwork of many artisans, the building has been restored to suit the comfortable needs of modern living, while retaining its original, shaded, solid appearance.

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＜1st.Floor 360°View＞　

＜2nd.Floor 360°View＞　

Free-range Chickens in the garden

Please spend a relaxing time watching the dozens of chickens from the veranda. They peck the ground with their beaks, dig with their feet, bask in the sun, find and chase insects…
Watching them spend their time freely will make you forget the passage of time.

Because they are kept in a spacious outdoor area, there is almost no smell, and the fresh breeze of the Azumino forest passes through the garden. During your stay, you can also hold the chickens and enjoy experiences such as collecting eggs!

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For families with small children

We only accept one group per day (maximum 5 people), so it is ideal for families with small children. You can play with your children in the garden with chickens, as well as in the playroom on the second floor.

The host is a qualified childcare worker and has previously worked at an outdoor nursery school, so he wants families with small children to have a carefree and enjoyable stay. His wife (the landlady) also feels the same way, as she is a qualified childcare worker and has experience raising children. Having small children come to stay gives us energy, too. We would also be happy if fathers and mothers could spend their time relaxing.

(*We do not provide childcare services.)

For those considering moving to the countryside

The host moved to a company in Nagano Prefecture, worked as a staff member at an outdoor nursery in Azumino City, and then opened “NIWATORIYA”. Many of our guests are considering moving to the countryside, so we often talk to them about what life is like in Azumino. We would be happy to have the opportunity to continue talking with our guests about life in the countryside, raising children, agricultural life, and creating small jobs.

Chicken experiences

We host family enjoy a self-sufficient, circular lifestyle, growing natural and safe food ourselves or with our friends. We raise chickens, of course, but also work in rice paddies and other fields, and in the winter we cut down trees in the mountains to produce our own firewood for heating. Our motto is to enjoy everything in moderation, without straining ourselves. During your stay, please try out some simple chicken-care activities, such as collecting eggs (this experience is free for guests). We are sorry we do not accept visitors for tours or experiences that do not include overnight stays.

Staffs