Concept
“Escape from everyday life and connect with craftsmanship.
Forget time and feel your breath.
Here, in this old folk house, is a place of healing.”
Izumigaya Kōgei no Yado Waraku is a charming accommodation located in the historic Mariko inn area of Shizuoka Prefecture, on the old Tokaido road. The inn is housed in a traditional folk house over 100 years old, which has been renovated to preserve its original wooden beams and pillars, maintaining the traditional beauty of its architecture.
Surrounded by crafts made with care by skilled artisans, guests can immerse themselves in the authentic, hands-on experience, escaping from everyday life. Enjoying a slow, relaxing time in the hinoki wood bath and sauna allows you to listen to the sound of your own breath.
This is a place where you can indulge in a luxurious and peaceful stay.
The property also features one of the largest traditional craft experience facilities in Japan, where guests can enjoy hands-on experiences with various crafts that have been cherished since the Imagawa and Tokugawa eras. These include Suruga bamboo crafts, Japanese dyeing, woodworking, lacquerware, and ceramics. In addition, there are stylish cafes and galleries on-site, offering so many attractions that one visit might not be enough to fully experience everything.
During your stay, be sure to explore the grounds and take part in the craft experiences, as well as enjoy the historic Mariko inn and Izumigaya area to the fullest.
Rooms
Waraku offers a variety of options, each with its own unique charm. However, all rooms share a nostalgic atmosphere, beautifully incorporating the warmth of wood, creating a comforting and inviting environment.
I would like to introduce the room called ‘Wa’. This room features a balcony, a view of the sky from the private sauna’s relaxation area, and a unique garden that stretches across the entire window, creating a space where you can truly feel the connection between your body and nature.
Each room is equipped with a private sauna, allowing you to lose track of time and enjoy sweating to your heart’s content. The aroma of tea during the sauna’s ‘loyly’ treatment calms the mind. The relaxation area offers a view of the sky, where you can feel the breeze while calming both your body and mind. The bath is made of hinoki (cypress wood), and it envelops you in a deep, forest-like scent, providing a blissful experience akin to a forest bath.
loyly: sauna practice where water is poured on hot stones to create steam, enhancing heat and relaxation. Popular in Japanese spas, it often includes attendants fanning the steam.
In addition, the room’s refined atmosphere is enhanced by a variety of crafts made by skilled artisans. The craftsmanship of Suruga bamboo latticework, in particular, was so beautiful that it was impossible not to admire it. Spending time surrounded by these exquisite pieces of art allows you to truly disconnect from the everyday and focus on your own breathing, making this inn’s charm even more profound.
Dining
(Photo credit: Official website)
Shizuoka is blessed with both the rich sea and mountain resources. Here, you can enjoy creative dishes made with seafood from Suruga Bay and locally sourced ingredients from Shizuoka Prefecture. The meals are all chef’s choice, meaning there is no set menu—each dish is carefully selected by the chef using the best ingredients available that day. The focus is on simplicity, allowing the natural flavors of the ingredients to shine, ensuring a memorable culinary experience with each plate.
The breakfast menu also offers a variety of dishes that allow you to experience the flavors of Shizuoka. One of the highlights is the famous tororo from Mariko, made by grating natural yams and mixing them with a dashi broth and miso. This is then poured over barley rice, creating a comforting and nutritious meal. The Mariko area, where the inn is located, has unique geological features, such as “alkaline basalt,” which create an ideal environment for cultivating high-quality natural yams. It is said that these yams have been growing in this region for centuries. (Quoted from official website)
Additionally, you can enjoy Shizuoka oden, a local specialty. In this version, all ingredients are skewered and simmered in a dark broth, then topped with aonori (green seaweed) and fish powder. This style of oden is distinct to Shizuoka, and it provides a warm and hearty meal that will nourish both your body and soul, making for a truly Shizuoka-style breakfast.
Location and Official Website
Name: Izumigaya Kōgei no Yado Waraku {泉ヶ谷 工芸ノ宿 和楽}
Address: 3375-1 Mariko, Suruga-ku, Shizuoka City, Shizuoka Prefecture
Contact: 050-5530-4338 (Reception Hours: 10:00am – 6:00pm)
Official Website: Link
Note: Information is accurate at the time of publication. Please check the official website for updates on hours or closures before visiting.
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