[05] Kuranoyado Kakurekura (Nagahama City) / Lodge in a Vibrant Rice Farming Village

Lodge in a Vibrant Rice Farming Village

Where Rice Connects Past to Future in Nishiazai

Kuranoyado Kakurekura (Nagahama City)

Keywords: nature / history & tradition / local food

Season: All year 

English Assistance: Fluent

Rice has been central to Japan’s culture for over 2,000 years, not only as a staple food but also as a foundation of Japanese culture itself. Long before Japan became a modern nation, taxes were paid not with currency, but rather with rice, underscoring its significance to the economy. It holds a unique place, distinct from all other crops, and is deeply intertwined with Japan’s spiritual life. As the key ingredient in sake, rice also plays a vital role in Shinto traditions and rituals. In many ways, the history of Japan begins with rice cultivation. Today, Shiga Prefecture is recognized as one of Japan’s major rice-producing regions, known for its high-quality rice.

Within this rich agricultural tradition, a peaceful village sits by a quiet cove at the northernmost area of Lake Biwa, where rice farming has been passed down through generations, adapting to the times. The village is part of a seamlessly connected landscape of forest, lake, and satoyama fields. A river winds through the village, fed by pure water from the forest, a crucial link in the ecosystem connecting the mountains to Lake Biwa. The water flows through the fields, nourishing the fertile soil, and sustaining the growth of the region’s delicious rice.

In this village, rice farming is more than just a tradition—it is evolving with innovative practices for the future. The sole accommodation of this village also provides guests with a unique opportunity to meet the people and explore the landscapes where rice farming continues to evolve. Surrounded by peaceful rice fields, this inn offers a rare experience where you can immerse yourself in the beauty of nature, as well as the rural culture and lifestyle of the village—timeless, yet quietly evolving. Here, you’ll encounter villagers whose deep yet humble passion for their land and traditions leaves a lasting impression.

Located in Okubiwako, or the ”Deep Lake Biwa” region, the area called Nishiazai is just 20 kilometers from Tsuruga on the Sea of Japan in Fukui Prefecture, resulting in heavy snowfall in winter. Historically, its location served as a vital link between the sea and Kyoto, playing an important role in connecting these areas via lake transport.

From JR Nagahara Station, heading south takes you to the port on Lake Biwa, while going in the opposite direction leads to peaceful rice paddies and small settlements along the foot of the mountains. Here, you’ll find the rice-farming village of Sho in Nishiazai.

High-quality rice is made possible by steep temperature fluctuations, fertile soil, and abundant mineral-rich water. This area’s rich masado soil, formed from weathered granite, enhances both water retention and crop growth. Fed by Shiga’s largest wetland, the Forest of Yamakado Water Source, the Oura River runs through the village and nourishes the fields. This unique environment creates ideal conditions for high-quality rice production.

In this setting, farmers grow rice with minimal intervention, avoiding unnecessary treatments to preserve the purity of the crop. The rice has earned high praise for its exceptional quality, comparable to that of Niigata, one of the nation’s top rice regions. The younger farmers of the village who cultivate the rice here also lead a project called Rice is Comedy, an initiative that celebrates the joy of farming and encourages a new generation to embrace agriculture.

There is only one accommodation in the village, Kuranoyado Kakurekura, and the guests staying here enjoy the rare opportunity to savor this exceptional rice and gain a deeper appreciation for the rich culture of this farming community. As an optional experience, guests can join the family in preparing home-cooked meals using seasonal vegetables and delicious locally harvested rice. Past international guests have shown great interest in cooking rice over a wood fire, making it a truly memorable part of their stay. Additionally, guests may have the opportunity to participate in vegetable harvesting, offering another way to experience local agricultural life.

The inn’s owner, Junya Kitano, was once a city dweller, but now farms rice in the village under the mentorship of Masaya Nakasuji, a key member of the aforementioned Rice is Comedy project. The project hosts seasonal farming events such as rice planting and harvesting, and you may have a chance to participate in the fieldwork if it coincides with your stay. Either way, Kitano-san also offers year-round insights into Japan’s rice farming traditions and serves as a connection between visitors and locals, providing deeper immersion into the village’s culture, both past and present.

The inn’s guests stay in a renovated traditional kura (storehouse), available for one group per night, while the main house serves as the owner’s residence. The traditional windowless kura design with steep stairs preserves its historical identity, yet the space is balanced for comfort with modern furnishings for a relaxing stay and a charming atmosphere. Moreover, its secluded location, surrounded by rice paddies and the gentle sounds of nature, makes for a perfect peaceful retreat. A newly added bath also gave the space a window, from which to enjoy the serene view of the rice paddies and mountains beyond.

During your stay, aside from winter, you can engage in various outdoor activities to take full advantage of the area, such as kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) on Lake Biwa, cycling along the lakeshore, or hiking in the Forest of Yamakado Water Source, where trails and guided tours are available. Of course, simply strolling through the area’s peaceful scenery and enjoying quiet moments can be just as rewarding.

The Rice is Comedy project is led by One Slash, a group of five young locals from Nishiazai, a small community of 4,000 residents at the northern tip of Lake Biwa. Hiroyuki Shimizu, a native of Sho Village in the Nishiazai region, leads the initiative. Its goal is to revitalize their hometown and draw new residents, as the area now faces typical rural challenges such as depopulation and aging.

At the core of their efforts is the Rice is Comedy project, which reimagines rice farming in a fun and engaging way. The name is a playful nod to the similarity between the words ”rice” (kome) and ”comedy” (komedi) in Japanese, drawing inspiration from a famous Charlie Chaplin quote. The project aims to challenge the negative perception of farming—often seen as hard labor—and attract younger generations to agriculture. Approaching these issues with a lighthearted spirit, they hope to reveal the hidden value of rural life and open up new opportunities for revitalization.

One of their notable activities is ”Guerrilla Rice Cooking,” where they appear, unannounced, in cities across Japan, cooking and sharing rice on-site, sparking curiosity and offering a taste of their produce. They also organize hands-on events such as rice planting and harvesting, giving participants a deeper connection to the land and insights into modern farming techniques that blend tradition with sustainability. In addition, they engage in various projects, including growing rice for local sake breweries and providing inedible rice usable for biomass plastic called Rice Resin. These efforts aim to diversify rice usage, enhance the profitability of farming, and support the local economy.

Another important role served by the group is connecting newcomers with the local community, bringing fresh energy to the revitalization efforts. Kitano-san, the owner of Kuranoyado Kakurekura guesthouse, is originally from Osaka, but was taken by the rural charm of the village and decided to settle here, working alongside One Slash and helping connect more new visitors with local residents. Since fulfilling his dream of opening the inn in December 2023, he has welcomed guests from around the world, offering them a chance to escape busy tourist cities and experience Japan’s authentic rural lifestyle, engaging with friendly locals and integrating with the community.

In this village, there is a profound commitment to preserving the precious environment passed down through generations, including those who have recently joined the community. Their vision extends beyond the present, striving to ensure that this rich heritage continues to flourish—connecting the past, present, and future for generations to come.

Please book directly through the provider

Name of Provider
Kuranoyado Kakurekura

Contact
https://www.kakurekura.com/en/ (EN) 
[email protected]

Activities & Pricing
Rooms (accommodates up to 3 guests)
●Please refer to reservation platforms for pricing information.
●Meal preparation workshops (dinner & breakfast) are available as an option.

Reservation
●Reservations may be made through reservation platforms linked from the website. 
●For allergies and dietary restrictions, workshop may be able to accommodate (consult when booking). Halal options are not available.
●While accommodation does not include regular meal services, a kitchenette is available for your convenience in the room.

Business Hours & Holidays
Throughout the year 

Check-in / out
4:00 pm / 10:00 am

Location
461 Sho Nishiazaicho, Nagahama, Shiga 529-0722

Payment Method
Through reservation platforms

Age Requirements
3 years old and up, due to the building’s structure, which includes steep stairs and many fragile items, to prevent injuries.

Support for Foreign Visitors
Foreign language speakers: Yes (English) 

Insurance
Not provided (individual coverage is recommended)

Wi-Fi Access
Yes 

Disabled Accessibility
N/A

Access
●From Kyoto Station: 
Take the JR Kosei Line to JR Nagahara Station (60 mins). 
●From Maibara Station: 
Take the JR Hokuriku Line to JR Omi-Shiotsu Station (30 mins), and transfer to southbound JR Kosei Line to JR Nagahara Station (5 mins). 
●From Tsuruga Station: 
Take southbound JR Hokuriku Line to JR Nagahara Station (20 mins). 
●By Taxi
About 110 mins from Kyoto, 50 mins from Maibara or 30 mins from Tsuruga. 

*Note: JR Nagahara Station and JR Nagahama Station are often confused but are separate stations within Nagahama City.

Ride Service
Available from Nagahara Station (please notify at the time of reservation)