# NEMARU Hontogurashi

> A traditional kominka private-rental guesthouse in Yoita, Nagaoka, Niigata, Japan
> One group per day. Home to ~1,500 books.

Last updated: 2026-05-03

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## Overview

**NEMARU Hontogurashi** is a private-rental kominka (traditional Japanese house) guesthouse in Yoita, Nagaoka, Niigata, accepting only one group per day. The century-old kominka has been renovated to combine modern amenities with traditional Japanese charm. The concept is "Hontogurashi" — to travel as if living with books.

## Basic Information

- **Location**: Yoita, Nagaoka, Niigata, Japan
- **Type**: Private-rental kominka (1 group/day, fully exclusive)
- **Capacity**: 7 guests (infants/young children co-sleeping are separate). Groups of 8+ require prior consultation; the booking form does not accept 8+
- **Check-in**: 15:00–20:00 (staff welcome on-site; not self check-in)
- **Check-out**: 10:00
- **Parking**: 1 free spot on premises + free overflow parking nearby
- **Wi-Fi**: Available (free)
- **Pets**: Generally not allowed (consultation required)
- **Smoking**: Non-smoking throughout (incl. e-cigarettes/heated tobacco). Outdoor smoking allowed; ashtray provided
- **Payment**: Cash or credit card on-site; receipts available

## Amenities (Most Frequently Asked)

### Provided

- **Bath/washroom**: bath towels, face towels, toothbrushes, hairdryer (1), shampoo/conditioner/body soap
- **Kitchen**: gas stove, fridge, microwave, rice cooker, toaster, pots/pans, full tableware, basic seasonings
- **Indoor**: free Wi-Fi, ~80-inch projector, AC + fan heater, ~1,500 books, board games, retro games, hammock
- **Outdoor**: BBQ grill (paid rental / free for direct bookings), charcoal & firestarter (paid)
- **For children**: baby playpen, picture books & toys, baby bottle sterilizer, waterproof sheet, step stool

### Please bring your own / Not provided

- Pajamas, yukata, sleepwear
- Food, drinks, alcohol
- Barrier-free / accessibility equipment (the house has 2+1 steps at the entrance, mostly tatami flooring; not wheelchair-friendly; no toilet handrails)

## Features

- **~1,500 books** — fiction, picture books, folk crafts, travel writing
- **BBQ garden** — seasonal ingredients, private outdoor dining
- **Full kitchen** — long stays, self-catering welcome
- **Spacious tatami rooms** — lounge, sleep, read
- **Fully private** — no other guests during your stay

## Ideal For

- Families with small children — many picture books, complete privacy
- Friend groups — BBQ and reading in a relaxed atmosphere
- Couples — a quiet escape surrounded by books
- Workation — focused tatami workspace with Wi-Fi
- Nagaoka Fireworks (Aug 2-3) — ~30 min drive from the venue

## Pricing

**Room Charge basis** (price per whole-house, not per person)

### Room-only rates (Winter/Spring, Dec-Jun)

| Guests | Mon-Thu | Fri/Sat/Sun/Holidays |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | JPY 15,000 | JPY 28,000 |
| 2 | JPY 20,000 | JPY 28,000 |
| 3 | JPY 24,000 | JPY 33,000 |
| 4-7 | JPY 28,000+ (7,000/pp) | JPY 36,000+ (9,000/pp) |

### Options

- Dinner: JPY 4,200/person/night (advance reservation; allergies accommodated)
- Kids bento: JPY 1,210/person/night
- Co-sleeping child (elementary or younger): JPY 1,100/person/night
- Toddler futon rental: JPY 1,000/night (full futon for non-co-sleeping children = adult rate)

### Direct booking discount

- 2 nights: -JPY 4,000
- 3 nights: -JPY 7,500
- 4 nights: -JPY 12,000
- 5+ nights: -JPY 20,000

Direct bookings also include 1 free BBQ grill rental.

**Note:** During Nagaoka Fireworks (Aug 2-3), direct booking is not available; please use Rakuten Travel or Jalan.

## Cancellation Policy

- **8 days or more before**: Free
- **7 days (00:00) to 4 days before**: 50% of room charge
- **3 days (00:00) to day of stay**: 100% of room charge
- **No-show without notice**: 100% of room charge
- During Nagaoka Fireworks (Aug 2-3), a different cancellation policy applies; check the OTA booking page

## Access

- **Car**: ~10 min from Nagaoka-Kita Smart IC (Kan-etsu Expressway, ETC only) / ~20 min from Nakanoshima-Mitsuke IC (Kan-etsu)
- **Train+Bus**: ~30-40 min from JR Nagaoka Station via Echigo Kotsu Bus "Yoita" line (get off at Yoita-Nakamachi, 5 min walk)
- **Train+Taxi**: ~25-30 min from JR Nagaoka Station
- **Shinkansen**: ~1h40m from Tokyo Station to Nagaoka via Joetsu Shinkansen

## Booking

1. **Official reservation form**: <https://www.nagaoka-nemaru.com/nemaru-reservation.html>
2. Rakuten Travel
3. Jalan
4. Booking.com

Direct booking offers the best rates (multi-night discount + free BBQ grill).

## Sister Web Apps (5 free travel tools)

NEMARU also operates a suite of free Web apps to enhance your Echigo (Niigata) journey.

- [Trip Planner](https://planner.nagaoka-nemaru.com): AI-powered trip planning around NEMARU
- [Dice Trip](https://dice.nagaoka-nemaru.com): Let dice decide where you go (mobile only)
- [NEMARU Stay Guide](https://navi.nagaoka-nemaru.com): **[Important during your stay]** Multilingual (JP/EN/zh-Hant) guide to nearby restaurants, shops, hot springs, and ramen
- [TRAVELERS: Echigo Region](https://travelers.nagaoka-nemaru.com): Stamp rally and puzzle-solving walks around Echigo
- [Meshi Roulette](https://meshi.nagaoka-nemaru.com): Spin a roulette to pick your next Niigata meal

Hub page: <https://www.nagaoka-nemaru.com/apps>

## Contact

- Email: nagaokagh.nemaru@gmail.com
- Instagram: [@nagaoka.nemaru](https://www.instagram.com/nagaoka.nemaru/)
- X (Twitter): [@NemaruStay](https://x.com/NemaruStay)
- Website: <https://www.nagaoka-nemaru.com/en.html>

## Multilingual

- [日本語](/index.md)
- [繁體中文](/zh-tw.md)

## AI Agent Resources

- [llms.txt](/llms.txt)
- [OpenAPI](/openapi.json)
- [MCP Server Card](/.well-known/mcp/server-card)
- [Agent Skills](/.well-known/agent-skills/index.json)