Mashiko Life Stay Amamaki

A renovated traditional house rented as a whole in the satoyama of Mashiko (opened spring 2025)

This whole-house rental had its grand opening in spring 2025 in the green Kamiobane district of Mashiko, Haga-gun, Tochigi. The owner's construction firm, Mashiko Life, carefully renovated the traditional house into a modern space where black-toned furniture and appliances sit alongside natural wood. Guests have the entire building to themselves, making it an easy place to unwind with family or friends.

A spacious two-bedroom layout with a loft, and a full kitchen

The house has two bedrooms plus a living-dining-kitchen area and a loft, sleeping 2 to 5 guests. Simmons beds await at the end of the day, and the kitchen is stocked with a microwave, rice cooker, toaster oven, dishwasher, induction cooktop, frying pan set and Mashiko-ware tableware, so it suits self-catering and longer stays. A refrigerator, kettle and humidifying air purifier are also provided, making it easier to cook for a baby and keep to a daily routine. Stays are room-only as standard, and a barbecue equipment set can be used outdoors for an additional fee, with advance notice.

A wood-fired sauna, an outdoor bath and a guest bathroom open 24 hours

The wood-fired sauna, surrounded by forest, uses a Japanese-made Moki Manufacturing wood-burning sauna stove, and you can pour water over the sauna stones for a löyly steam burst. Using the sauna requires booking a sauna-inclusive plan, and the outdoor bath (an open-air bath) is available with the same plan. Note that under the official usage rules children aged 10 and under cannot use the sauna, so keep your children's ages in mind when choosing a sauna-inclusive plan. The guest bathroom is fitted with the LIXIL Spage system, whose three water outlets — a shoulder shower, a shoulder-relaxing spray and a lower-back-relaxing spray — give a spa-like soak at any hour of the day. Amenities include POLA HITOTOKI shampoo, conditioner and body soap, and a ReFa BEAUTECH DRYER PRO at the washbasin.

Family-friendly spots nearby

The official area guide highlights Mashiko Kita Park, with a playground area suitable even for babies and toddlers; Moka Hi-Tra Sports Park, whose children's play area is divided into three age bands covering ages 1 to 12; Mashiko Kanko Ichigo Danchi, one of the largest strawberry-picking areas in northern Kanto; Mobility Resort Motegi, with an indoor adventure course for rainy days; and Igashira Park Ichimannin Pool, with a lazy river and water slides.

Access and check-in

About 15 minutes by taxi from Mashiko Station on the Mooka Railway Mooka Line, and about 50 minutes by car from Moka IC. Parking is free for 6 cars and requires no reservation. Check-in is from 3 p.m. to midnight, and checkout is at 11 a.m. Check-in is self-service: you unlock the front door using the key box, and the code is sent to you by email.