Shimanto Riverside Hideaway

The owner was friendly and helpful, and the house was in good shape, with large bedrooms and a well-equipped kitchen. My wife and two kids stayed there while two of us went to a blacksmithing class at Nobuya Hayashi’s nearby workshop, and we all had a wonderful time. The house is out in the countryside, surrounded by fields, rice I think, so don’t expect to walk into the city. Most people around there seem to be older, which I think is common around Japanese farms, with kids probably moving to the cities. If you visit, the blacksmithing class is great. Search for Kurogane knife making workshop. If you have time, you can make a kitchen knife using traditional Japanese tomahagane steel made in the workshop.

Kenji is a wonderful host, and this is easily the best place we’ve stayed on Shikoku Island so far. The shared spaces are very well equipped, and he’s chosen high-quality things for guests. Ask him for restaurant suggestions in the nearby town, or cook something yourself in the kitchen.

The only thing I’d change is the restroom. It felt quite small for a tall guy like me. If he sees this, I’d suggest removing the bedroom door and putting in a wall, then moving the restroom door to the hallway to make that area bigger. Apart from that, we had a lovely time. The house is fantastic, a traditional Japanese farmhouse with a great kitchen. The owner has a good eye for detail and makes sure guests have quality things to use. It was probably our favorite place to stay on the trip.

Kenji’s place was easily the highlight of our Japan trip. It’s a gorgeous traditional house in the countryside, and I’ve never seen so many butterflies in my life. Rent Kenji’s bicycles and ride along the narrow country road for a lovely dose of nature. I can’t recommend the place enough.