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Tokushima > Naruto, Tokushima City > Fureai no Sato Sakamoto

Fureai no Sato Sakamoto

A Rural Guesthouse in a Former Japanese Elementary School

Fureai no Sato Sakamoto is a rural accommodation and cultural experience facility in Katsuuracho, Tokushima Prefecture. Housed in a renovated former elementary school, it offers visitors the chance to enjoy a peaceful countryside stay while experiencing the atmosphere of a traditional Japanese rural community.

The building was originally Katsuuracho Municipal Sakamoto Elementary School, which closed in 1999. Rather than being demolished, the historic school was renovated and given a new purpose as a guesthouse. The facility officially opened on March 3, 2002, coinciding with Hinamatsuri, Japan’s traditional Girls’ Day celebration.

Located approximately 7.5 kilometers from Roadside Station Hinanosato Katsuura, Fureai no Sato Sakamoto is surrounded by nature and provides a relaxing base for exploring the local area. Its former-school setting gives the property a nostalgic character, making it especially appealing to travelers seeking an experience beyond conventional hotels.

Accommodation and Facilities

Japanese-Style Guest Rooms

The guesthouse offers Japanese-style rooms in a range of sizes to accommodate different groups and travel needs. All rooms are non-smoking and feature tatami flooring, creating a calm and comfortable atmosphere with the distinctive scent of traditional woven rush mats.

Room entrances retain reminders of the building’s former life as a school, including signs displaying the original classroom names. This detail adds to the nostalgic atmosphere and allows guests to experience a small part of Japan’s educational heritage. Each room is also equipped with a washbasin for added convenience.

Dining Room and Local Cuisine

Guests can enjoy meals in the facility’s dining room, where dishes are prepared using local ingredients. The welcoming, home-style atmosphere makes dining here a pleasant part of the rural guesthouse experience.

For visitors who want to discover the flavors of Tokushima and enjoy a relaxed meal after a day of sightseeing, the dining room offers a comfortable place to unwind.

Public Baths

Fureai no Sato Sakamoto has two bathing facilities: a large bath and a smaller bath. The baths are allocated to men and women on a rotating basis according to the facility’s operating arrangements, so guests should check the current schedule before bathing.

Both baths overlook an inner courtyard, providing a peaceful setting for relaxation. Day-use bathing is also available, allowing visitors who are not staying overnight to stop by for a bath, subject to the facility’s current rules and opening arrangements.

The Large Bath

The larger bath features spacious washing areas and a clean changing room. It provides a comfortable place for guests to refresh themselves after outdoor activities or a day exploring the surrounding countryside.

The Small Bath

The smaller bath offers a more intimate setting for a quiet bathing experience. Its compact atmosphere may appeal to visitors who prefer a calmer environment or are traveling in a small group.

Laundry Facilities

A dedicated laundry area is equipped with washing machines and dryers, making the guesthouse convenient for families and travelers planning a longer stay. The facility also has a vending machine selling alcoholic beverages and a designated smoking area.

Banquet and Group Space

The guesthouse has a spacious banquet room measuring 36 tatami mats, with capacity for up to 40 people. Karaoke equipment is available, making the room suitable for group gatherings, meals, and recreational activities.

The space can also provide an opportunity for groups to socialize and enjoy time together in a relaxed rural setting.

Sports, Cooking, and Outdoor Activities

Gymnasium and Cooking Room

The former school’s facilities include a gymnasium that can be used for sports and group events. A cooking room is also available for self-catering and activities such as cooking classes, offering additional ways for guests to spend time together.

These facilities make Fureai no Sato Sakamoto suitable not only for individual travelers and families but also for groups looking for a shared countryside experience.

Outdoor Barbecue Area

An outdoor barbecue site allows visitors to enjoy a meal surrounded by nature. The area can accommodate groups of up to 100 people, making it suitable for family gatherings, trips with friends, and organized group activities.

Advance reservations may allow guests to arrange food supplies and equipment rentals. Using fresh local ingredients for a barbecue is a popular way to enjoy the region’s rural atmosphere. Contact the facility in advance to confirm availability, rental arrangements, and any applicable fees.

Access to Fureai no Sato Sakamoto

Location

Fureai no Sato Sakamoto is located at 1-5 Miyahira, Sakamoto, Katsuuracho, Katsuura District, Tokushima Prefecture, along Tokushima Prefectural Route 16.

By Car

The guesthouse is approximately 7.5 kilometers by road from Roadside Station Hinanosato Katsuura. The drive from JR Tokushima Station takes around 40 minutes, depending on traffic and road conditions.

By Public Transportation

Visitors traveling without a car may find it convenient to combine bus and taxi services. Because public transportation in this rural area may be limited, check local bus schedules and arrange onward transportation in advance.

Nearby Attractions

Roadside Station Hinanosato Katsuura

Approximately a 10-minute drive from Fureai no Sato Sakamoto, Roadside Station Hinanosato Katsuura is a popular stop for local specialties, agricultural products, and tourist information.

The roadside station also connects with the area’s hina doll culture, making it a useful stop for visitors interested in the traditions celebrated during the Big Hina Matsuri. It is an ideal place to browse regional products and learn more about the attractions of Katsuuracho.

Sakamoto Hachiman Shrine

Located near the guesthouse, Sakamoto Hachiman Shrine offers a glimpse into the area’s religious traditions and local history. Visitors can enjoy the quiet atmosphere, pay their respects, and take a leisurely walk around the shrine grounds.

Doll Culture Exchange Center

The Doll Culture Exchange Center showcases Japan’s traditional hina dolls and plays an important role in the annual Big Hina Matsuri, one of Katsuuracho’s best-known events.

During the spring festival, visitors can see impressive displays of hina dolls and learn about the cultural traditions associated with Hinamatsuri. Staying at Fureai no Sato Sakamoto provides a convenient opportunity to combine a countryside getaway with a visit to this distinctive cultural attraction.

Enjoy a Nostalgic Countryside Stay in Tokushima

Fureai no Sato Sakamoto offers a distinctive alternative to conventional accommodation by bringing new life to a former elementary school. Its Japanese-style rooms, communal baths, dining facilities, and outdoor barbecue area create a welcoming environment for families, friends, and groups.

Beyond its accommodation, the facility provides an opportunity to appreciate the slower pace of rural life in Katsuuracho. Guests can relax in the surrounding natural environment, enjoy meals made with local ingredients, and explore nearby shrines and cultural attractions.

For travelers looking to experience a different side of Tokushima, Fureai no Sato Sakamoto combines nostalgia, rural hospitality, and local culture in a memorable former-school setting.

Information

Name
Fureai no Sato Sakamoto

Naruto, Tokushima City

Tokushima