SEN
A 100-plus-year old farmhouse located on a river terrace with
an on-site sauna affording spectacular views of the forest below.
Enjoy a barbecue in the spacious yard in the summer.
Welcome to Sen, a hideaway overlooking the Shinano River, the largest river in Japan, and the three tallest mountains of the Echigo region.
Sen is located in the Kawanishi district of Tokamachi, about 30 minutes by car from Satoyama Jujo. Tokamachi City is well-known as the site where kaengatadoki (flame-rimmed) pottery from the ancient Jomon period were excavated (and are now designated as national treasures). More recently, it has garnered attention as the home of the Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennial, an art festival that started in 2000. The city also boasts a Thousand-armed Kannon (Goddess of Mercy) statue, which dates back to around 1,200 years ago, and James Turrell's House of Light, the main installation of the Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennale, is located near Sen. On clear mornings, you can witness a spectacular view of river mist and the Echigo Sanzan, the three highest mountains of the Echigo region. Up to four guests can stay at Sen for the same rate, making it ideal for group travel.
Enjoy two private saunas to the fullest—one inside the old farmhouse and one outside.
There are two private saunas that are only open to guests of Sen. The outdoor sauna overlooks a forest on a river terrace and affords a view of a giant old maple tree that is over 500 years old. The temperature of this Finnish style sauna is set at 100 degrees Celsius, and you can regulate the temperature of the steam by splashing water on the hot stones, or what the Finns call löyly. The ceiling is thoroughly insulated and paneled with cypress boards, and the walls are covered with Towada stone, which is highly effective at storing heat. There are two comfortable chairs and a bench in the relaxation space.
The other sauna located inside the building can hold up to two persons, and also allows you to regulate the temperature with löyly. It is equipped with a rustic cold water bath made from hollowed out rocks. Enjoy the two saunas how you see fit. Try one in the morning and the other in the evening, have the men use one and the women use the other, or if you are traveling with another family, you can each have your own private sauna.
Sen is surrounded by a forest full of wild birds.
The lacquered pillars and beams have withstood harsh winters for over 100 years.
Tatami-mat bed room.
A special recipe hot pot plan is also available in winter.