Stay at Jicca Guesthouse

Stay at Jicca Guesthouse

Jicca is set inside a two-floor kominka, or farmhouse, which was renovated by a local team which included Tomohiro’s parents, a local architect, and many around the community who also felt part of this project to share the town’s traditions with other travelers. As such, you’ll be enjoying Japanese-style accommodation with comfortable tatami mats for those staying in the private rooms, or in rustic bunk beds for those sharing the dormitory, both while being surrounded by the wood and paper panels common in these buildings which are slowly disappearing.

Stay at Jicca Guesthouse

In addition to the quaint bedrooms, Jicca is equipped with a couple of common spaces where guests have the chance for some quiet time on their own, or can socialize with the local staff and other travelers. The space on the second floor is perfect for catching up with your reading or for drafting your travel itinerary, while the lounge and dining room on the first floor is where most of the socializing, plus Jicca’s special feast, take place.

Stay at Jicca Guesthouse

One of the highlights of spending the night at Jicca is the inoshishi, or wild boar, hot pot dinner. Being in the countryside and on an active farm means that wild animals abound only a short distance from the guest house. As such, you’ll be treated to a succulent pot of soft wild boar meat, tofu, and other fresh vegetables from the fields right next to the building or not too far away. The inoshishi nabe (japanese for hotpot) is surprisingly delicious and you’ll be tempted to have the pot all to yourself. During the winter when all farmhouses get a bit chilly, you’ll want to stick around the lounge well into the night while enjoying the warmth of the kotatsu and making new friends.

Stay at Jicca Guesthouse

But the fun at Jicca does not stop at the dinner table. To offer a true countryside experience in tune with the local surroundings, Jicca offers guests the chance to partake in a variety of outdoor activities or workshops that will give you a taste of the farm lifestyle. If savoring the wild boar nabe is not enough you can also join Tomohiro and one of his hunter friends on a hunting trip to catch dinner. Alternatively, if hunting is not in your plans, you can still get a quick indoor lesson on how it is done, and get an appreciation for what it takes to put the meal on the table.

Stay at Jicca Guesthouse

Stay at Jicca Guesthouse

If you prefer something more artsy, Jicca also works with local craftspeople who love to share their art with foreign visitors. Although not on a regular basis, you can try your hand at making ceramics, or depending on the season even get a close up look at the farming practices in the area. Tomohiro-san and his crew also hold special events throughout the year so we recommend you check their website and plan your trip accordingly.

Ishioka

Ibaraki Pref

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