“A serene Japanese oasis nestled among lush rice paddies on the Tonami plain. The decor, a harmonious blend of folk art, antiques, and contemporary style, exudes a unique, craft-inspired ambience. Three distinct guest rooms, each themed around natural elements and a locally-sourced Italian eatery.”
“A serene Japanese oasis nestled among lush rice paddies on the Tonami plain. The decor, a harmonious blend of folk art, antiques, and contemporary style, exudes a unique, craft-inspired ambience. Three distinct guest rooms, each themed around natural elements and a locally-sourced Italian eatery.”
Hotel Review
Nestled amidst the verdant rice paddies of Tonami, Rakudo-An emerges as a beacon of tranquility and artistic refinement. This 120-year-old farmhouse, meticulously rejuvenated, offers a unique blend of traditional Japanese architecture and contemporary art, making it a serene escape for the discerning traveller.
Each of the three guest rooms - Paper, Silk, and Soil - is a testament to Rakudo-An's commitment to cultural authenticity and ecological mindfulness. The Paper Room, enveloped in handmade washi paper, offers a minimalist yet deeply calming atmosphere. The Silk Room, bathed in the soft glow of shike ginu fabric, exudes elegance and tranquility. The Soil Room, with its earthen walls and ceilings, not only showcases the tactile beauty of natural materials but also features the striking, earth-inspired artworks of Yuko Hayashi. All rooms offer splendid views of the surrounding paddy fields and the majestic Ushidake mountains, each with its own wooden deck to fully immerse in the idyllic landscape.
The culinary experience at Rakudo-An is a journey in itself. The on-site restaurant, Il Clima, helmed by Chef Yudai Ito, crafts Italian-inspired dishes with a strong local accent. Utilising the freshest ingredients sourced directly from Toyama Bay and nearby farms, each meal is a celebration of the region's rich culinary heritage. The sake-rice risotto is a standout dish, embodying the unique flavours of Toyama, and best paired with local sake for a truly authentic experience.
Recommended For
- Local exploring
- Immerse yourself in Toyama's rich culture, from art-infused rooms to local cuisine, in a traditional Azuma-dachi setting
- Sights nearby
- Stroll amidst Takaoka Kojo Park's cherry blossoms, where nature and history blend in a serene setting
- Great walks
- Explore the tranquil beauty of Kaiwomaru Park, with its majestic sailing ship and lush picnic spots
- Eco break
- Engage in eco-conscious activities, from meditation among paddies to Suzugami workshops
- Other Activities
- Discover local heritage with a village walking tour, tea ceremony, and traditional drumming lessons
- Learning
- Experience tranquility in Azuma-dachi, blending traditional architecture and spiritual connection
- Artworks
- Immerse in Rakudo-An's art: Mingei crafts, antiques, and contemporary pieces, amidst green rice fields
- Restaurant
- The restaurant serves Italian-inspired dishes with a strong local accent
- Restrictions on children
- Children over the age of 13 are welcome
- Rooms with balcony/terrace
- All the guest rooms have terraces
- Country House
- Quiet
- Eco
- Views
- Farmhouse
Facilities
- Restaurant
- The restaurant serves Italian-inspired dishes with a strong local accent
- Restrictions on children
- Children over the age of 13 are welcome
- Rooms with balcony/terrace
- All the guest rooms have terraces
- Library
- Bar
- Views
- Sitting Room
- Garden
Activities
- Sights nearby
- Stroll amidst Takaoka Kojo Park's cherry blossoms, where nature and history blend in a serene setting
- Great walks
- Explore the tranquil beauty of Kaiwomaru Park, with its majestic sailing ship and lush picnic spots
- Other Activities
- Discover local heritage with a village walking tour, tea ceremony, and traditional drumming lessons
- Learning
- Experience tranquility in Azuma-dachi, blending traditional architecture and spiritual connection
Map & Location
What's Nearby
Other Reviews
10 of the best new hotels in Japan
Among the rice paddies of under-the-radar Toyama prefecture, on the northwest coast of central Japan, this 120-year-old azumadachi (east-facing) farmhouse has been restored by local artisans, including silk weavers and makers of washi paper.
Originally published by National Geographic (view article)
Exploring Toyama, the hidden slice of rural Japan
Originally published by The Telegraph (view article)
