Hanno, Saitama, Japan｜Guesthouse Agano-juku & Cafe Restaurant

This hostel has it all, from traditional Japanese culture to nature! The over 150 years old hostel allows visitors experience what true Japanese house feels like to live in. Not only that, the location is in dead centre of the mountains. The place is a great access point for hiking or to have relaxing walks. It's not so often that you get to stay in historic buildings, and when the opportunity comes you should take it! Great host, great location!

Highly recommend this place! If you want to experience a traditional Japanese lifestyle far from the bustling area, consider living at this place! It was built around 150 years ago during the Edo period so you get to experience the Edo environment and its culture. Also, our host “Ookawara-san” was very genuine in explaining the histories and cultures, and his curry rice with deer meat is no doubt top of the class! Definitely returning to this place again when I want to take a short break from Tokyo.

You can dine in a building with a history of 150 years. We visited in the midsummer under the scorching sun, but the inside of the building was cool even without an air conditioner! It is said that the old building was designed with ventilation in mind, so a cool breeze blows through. The lunch “venison game curry” is a delicious curry with lots of venison and mushrooms. The owner was very knowledgeable about the history of Agano-juku and taught me many things, so I was able to spend a very enjoyable and delicious time (^_^)