A day in the life of Machiya Village

Venture into a hidden village, virtually unknown to both Japanese and international travelers. This experience is made extraordinary by the exclusive insider access provided by Ikeda-san, a respected community leader. Her café-restaurant and community space have become a catalyst for local revitalization.

With Ikeda-san as your guide, explore the village, engage with locals, pick wildflowers for ikebana, enjoy farm-to-table vegetarian cuisine, and sample sake and wine brewed by her charismatic neighbor. This is a day to explore at your leisure or take a hike into the surrounding mountains to enjoy spectacular views of this charming rural community enclave.

Machiya Village

A 30-minute drive from your accommodation in Hitachi Ota brings you to the charming rural village of Machiya. Once a thriving hub due to its strategic position along an Ibaraki trading route, Machiya played a key role in Hitachi’s early industrialization. It was among the first places in Japan to establish a hydroelectric plant. Today, like many rural areas, it faces challenges such as population decline and limited employment opportunities. However, thanks to the unwavering efforts of village matriarch Ikeda-san, Machiya is undergoing a revival through pioneering initiatives aimed at revitalization.

Building on her family’s independent convenience store business, Ikeda-san recently launched "Machiya Laboratory," a delightful café and community hub. This space serves as a focal point for local events and showcases regional arts, crafts, and produce. As part of this tour, she personally welcomes international visitors, offering an exclusive insider’s tour and meaningful introductions to community members.

Hiyama Winery & Sake Brewery

After enjoying a freshly brewed coffee or herbal tea at Machiya Laboratory and learning about Ikeda-san’s life in the village, your tour continues just a short walk away at the rustic and endearing "Hiyama Wine & Sake Brewery." Here, you’ll be greeted by the charismatic owner, Hiyama-san, who single-handedly manages the operation with occasional support from locals and his nonagenarian mother, who still keeps the accounts with her trusted abacus.

Hiyama-san’s "tour" is as authentic as it gets—informal, engaging, and full of personal anecdotes. You’ll gain insight into his fascinating way of life and, more importantly, have the opportunity to sample and purchase his handcrafted Hitachi Wine, made from locally grown grapes, as well as his rich and flavorful sake.

Village Walk & Flower Picking

Ikeda-san’s tour leads you through scenic paddy fields, open meadows, and along a pristine river, where passing locals may wave or stop for a friendly chat. As you stroll, the deep respect the community holds for Ikeda-san becomes evident. This is particularly apparent when you visit Hiroko-san, who welcomes you into her beautifully cultivated garden. During the pandemic, she used grant funding to transform the space into a flourishing flower haven for the community. Here, you will have the opportunity to select from an array of flowers to create your own ikebana arrangement. After a light 2 km walk around the village, you’ll return to Machiya Lab for activities and lunch.

Ikebana & Lunch Buffet

Back at Machiya Lab, Ikeda-san’s staff will have prepared fresh ingredients for your lunch. Before dining, you’ll pick a vase and arrange your flowers to decorate the communal dining area. The experience is all about savoring the simple joys of life—connecting with people, immersing in the present moment, and appreciating the tranquil surroundings. Lunch is a feast of locally sourced vegetarian dishes, and you’ll also have the chance to craft your own rice balls under Ikeda-san’s expert guidance. After a hearty meal, enjoy a cup of coffee before heading back out to explore the village.

Local Trails

For those who wish to further immerse themselves in the village, a hand-illustrated map provides the perfect guide for independent exploration. Alternatively, your guide can lead you to some of her favorite hidden spots. One popular hike is the ascent of Kuroiso Bakke, the soul mountain of the Machiya area and a cherished local landmark. The name "Bakke" refers to a cliff, while "Kuro" denotes darkness or black. This short but rewarding trek, approximately 3 km in length with a 200-meter ascent, offers breathtaking panoramic views of the town below.

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Accommodation options

Below we have selected accommodation near the Fukuroda falls area, which is the location for the day 3 hiking trail. For clients wishing to explore the hotel environs, we recommend Daigo Town as a lively base to connect with rural town culture.

Omoide-Romankan (pictured right)

Omoide-Romankan, established in 1936, is located in Fukuroda Onsen, making it an ideal base for two nights. With 75 rooms, extensive onsite facilities, excellent onsen, and stunning natural scenery throughout the seasons, it is well-suited for groups. Meals are crafted from locally sourced ingredients. This four-star accommodation starts at 20,000 yen per person. For more information, visit: https://www.roman-kan.jp/

Daigo Sauna

A traditional kominka (Japanese house) featuring an Ōya stone sauna, Daigo Sauna is conveniently located just a 10-minute walk from Hitachi-Daigo Station and near a retro shopping street. The property has three spacious rooms, each accommodating two people. A fully equipped kitchen allows for self-prepared meals, though the vibrant Daigo Café and other dining options in town offer plenty of choices. Guests can also enjoy relaxed BBQ gatherings in the ample outdoor space. For more details, visit: https://daigo-sauna.jp/

The Village Journey in Machiya can be a standalone experience or part of a 2 or 3 day hike along the Hitachi-Kuni Long Trail. For more information on the experience please access our Product Library, which includes tour information as well as imagery that can be used for client itineraries and marketing collateral.