Chiba Prefecture in Japan is east of the Tokyo metropolis and a perfect destination for those looking to experience the peak of Japanese outdoor offerings – thickets of lush bamboo, wooded hills of cedar pines and ferns, wild poppies, irises, and daisies along the roadsides, vast open rice fields, as well as miles of sandy beaches.
Along the pacific coast of Chiba Prefecture, there are many little towns that most foreigns visitors to Japan would never think to go and see. Isumi is one of those towns—small, remote, green, mostly inhabited by farmers (farming cucumbers, tomatoes, and rice) and fisherman (fishing sardines, lobsters, amberjack, and clams).
But Isumi is special—it has something special that sets it apart from all the other towns in Chiba Prefecture. It is home to Nakadaki Art Village, an amazing forest village that I have spent the past month living in.
Nakadaki is a place where people can escape the confines and bustle of Japanese cities and spend a few days relaxing in a beautiful forest atmosphere. It consists of 14 gorgeous accommodations spread over Nakadaki Heights, a heavily forested hill surrounded by rice fields, only a 15 minutes drive from the beach. Hiking paths and wooded areas connect the cabins to each other, and there is a large outdoor tennis court and even two cafes on the grounds as well.
I was totally baffled by the contrast between the wild forest outdoors and the interiors of these luxurious cabins. Each house is built of wood, giving them a very “summer cottage” feeling, and complete with nice furniture, wood stoves, outdoor porches with barbecues, and some even have large projectors and full bars. It’s kind of a beautiful concept—the atmosphere of camping, but with comfortable accommodations. You can completely relax, hang out with friends and family, meet new people, go for hikes and find inspiration out in nature.
All the cabins are different; you can visit the website for yourself to choose which one you would like to stay in. It also depends on how many people are in your party. But if you want to bring a big group, don’t worry—some of the larger cabins can sleep more than 20 people comfortably.
I have had work here in the village as an artist, designing the interiors of different accommodations. Based on my experience, I can heartily recommend vacationing here. It’s perfect for families or groups of friends interested in spending time around a fire together in the evenings and going to the beach or hiking during the day. In my opinion, you will be able to take advantage of the area best if you have access to a car. But if you don’t, don’t worry, its still possible! Nakadaki Art Village’s owner, Yoji Fujimoto, is a very generous man, and he is willing to pick you and your party up from Chojamachi Station on the JR Sotobo Line and bring you to the village.
Nakadaki Art Village is really popular among Japanese vacationers—people trying to escape the city and experience the tranquility of nature in comfort. Especially during Golden Week in early May, it was filled with excited families and friends—more than 300 people came, but even with full reservations and the mouthwatering smell of multiple yakiniku barbecues, the village remained serene and beautiful.
Nakadaki Art Village also works as a host site for outdoor events or private parties such as festivals, concerts and weddings. It is possible to work with the village staff to organize a variety of ways to reserve and utilize the 20,000 square meter site.
If you are interested in making a reservation for your nature retreat at Nakadaki Art Village, or have any questions about the accommodations please do not hesitate to call the village at +81.090.5390.8492 or use the inquiry form on their website.
I loved spending time in the village, and I’m sure you will too! Please visit Nakadaki Art Village, because it is an experience you absolutely will not regret! Do yourself some good and enjoy time in the fresh air and greenery; maybe you’ll have the chance to check out some of my artwork as well!
