KOKURIKO: A SMALL INN IN UCHIKO WITH HEARTFELT HOSPITALITY

A town of Uchiko sits in the southwest of Ehime Prefecture, about an hour’s drive from Matsuyama City. The town thrived on producing Japanese wax from the late Edo period to the Meiji period. There are old traditional houses and merchant residences standing side by side along 600-meter long ancient street. Alongside the buildings and warehouses with plaster ceilings, merchant houses and folk houses that are now used as museums and cafés, workshops and souvenir shops all create a streetscape that takes you back to old Japan.

The Raum Kokuriko Farm Inn is a 10-minute drive from the heart of Uchiko town. The inn is run by a local man who loves his hometown and his wife, who are both eager to host guests and offer a cordial reception. Surrounded by trees, the inn has a main house and a lodging facility and accommodation for four groups of guests is available.

Kokuriko’s owner opened the inn about 20 years ago, realizing his simple wish to create a place where people can gather and share the story of Uchiko. Guests are served breakfast and dinner prepared by the wife, all cooked with fresh home-grown vegetables. After a pleasant meal, you will be entertained by the owner who loves to share stories and information about Uchiko. Even if you don’t understand Japanese, you will enjoy the warm hospitality and soothing atmosphere of the inn.

The guest rooms are furnished naturally with timber and white wallpaper, softly illuminated with downlights. All rooms are have a bathroom. They do not have bathtubs, however, so if you want to experience bathing in a classical Japanese way, try the Goemon-buro in the shared bathroom. The water is heated by a fire lit directly underneath this traditional bathtub. There are English instructions in the bathroom, so why not take turns and have a unique experience?

As Kokuriko is one of the inns involved in Uchiko town’s green tourism, it offers a series of farming experiences throughout the year, from rice planting to fruit picking. Enjoy a comfortable stay at Kokuriko, a cozy inn with a rural peaceful setting.

Per night: 8,800 yen per person including dinner and breakfast
Capacity: Four rooms (each room sleeps two people)

Address: 636 Iyoki Uchiko-cho Kita-gun, Ehime
Phone: 0893-44-2079 (Japanese only)
E-mail: kokuriko@dokidoki.ne.jp (English understood)