Osaka Terraced Rice Fields 5 min walk
Ancient terraced paddies tended by the villagers, just five minutes from your door. Depending on the season, you may be able to join in rice planting, harvesting, or making traditional shimenawa rope.
Breathtaking mountain views by day, a sky full of stars by night
Nachi Falls and the Kumano Kodo, right on your doorstep
A guesthouse where sea and mountain nourish the soul
↓
Welcome to Madre Tierra — Mother Earth
Madre Tierra means 'Mother Earth' in Spanish. It is a place that wraps you in warmth and ease — where you can feel truly at home, deeply connected to the land. A traditional Japanese farmhouse nestled in a quiet rural village. Come to rest body and mind, drift along without a plan, try your hand at farming, play a little music, walk the Kumano Kodo, chase waterfalls — or simply do nothing at all. Whatever you choose, this corner of Kumano is here to hold you.
Things to See & Do
Step outside — and a world of wonder awaits
Nachikatsuura is famous for its tuna and hot springs — near Kii-Katsuura Station you'll find restaurants serving the freshest local catch and several bathing facilities. The sacred Nachi Falls, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a highlight of the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage trail. Madre Tierra itself sits in the Irokawa district, home to organic farmers and people who have chosen a life close to nature. Every April, the Idaten Ultra Marathon passes through.
Irokawa Tea Fields nearby
The Irokawa district is the home of Kumano's traditional tea. Beautiful tea gardens surround the guesthouse.
Kumano Kodo 'Oumotoroe' trailhead 7 min by car
The trailhead at Nachi Kogen Park is a 7-minute drive — from there, a one-hour walk leads into the ancient pilgrimage route.
Nachi Falls & Nachi Taisha 25 min by car
Japan's tallest waterfall, the sacred Nachi no Taki, along with Seiganto-ji Temple and Kumano Nachi Taisha shrine. About 25 minutes by car, or 1.5 hours on foot along part of the Kumano Kodo.
Amidaji Temple 12 min by car
A serene mountain temple on sacred Myohozan (open to all, including men). Moss-covered paths, sweeping ocean views, a peaceful garden blooming with seasonal wildflowers.
Nigiwai Ichiba Market nearby
A lively local market where you can savour Katsuura's famous tuna and other fresh seasonal ingredients straight from the region.
Living in Harmony with Nature
At Madre Tierra we embrace an eco-conscious, circular way of living — one small, intentional step at a time.
Organic garden Getting our hands in the soil and growing our own food. Depending on the season, we may be able to share fresh vegetables with our guests.
Compost toilet Human waste is composted into fertiliser. The urine-diverting design keeps odours minimal.
Kitchen compost Kitchen scraps are returned to the earth as compost.
Solar water heater On sunny days, almost all of our hot water is heated by the sun.
Additive-free soaps & shampoos The shampoos, soaps, and condiments we provide for guests are all additive-free.
Rooms & Facilities
Two peaceful rooms cradled by the mountains
Hinata (Sunny)
- Ground floor
- Sun-drenched engawa veranda
- Futon bedding provided
Tenku (Sky)
- Second floor
- Corridor with table overlooking the mountains and garden
- Futon bedding provided
In the garden and greenhouse you can eat, relax, and sway in the hammock to your heart's content.
The shared bathroom has a shower and, on request, a full bathtub. There is a washbasin in the changing room.
A compost toilet with a urine-diverting design — much less odour than you might expect. Everyone sits (yes, men too!). Guests who were nervous beforehand are usually pleasantly surprised.
What's included
- Bedroom — towels, futon bedding, spare futons, zabuton cushions, hangers, lamp, table, fan, kerosene heater
- Bathroom — additive-free shampoo, conditioner, soap, hair dryer
- Kitchen — refrigerator, gas stove, toaster, instant water heater, basic seasonings & spices, oil, pots, frying pan, kettle, cutlery, dishes (children's sets available)
- Other — Wi-Fi, washing machine, drying rack, hammock, free parking (multiple spaces)
Pricing
Weekday Weekends & Holidays
Per person
1名 ¥6,000 ¥7,000
2nd guest onwards (per person) ¥5,000 ¥6,000
Children
Under 3 (no futon or meals) Free
Age 3 to school age ¥1,000
Age 6 & up Same as adult
In winter, kerosene heater rental: ¥500/day per group.
Reservations accepted up to 3 days before your stay.
Meals
Meals can be arranged — please let us know in advance. You're also welcome to bring your own ingredients and use the kitchen. Do let us know about any dietary requirements.
- Light breakfast — ¥700
- Full breakfast — ¥1,000
- Lunch — ¥1,200
- Dinner — ¥2,000
Discounts
We offer reduced rates for the following — just get in touch to discuss.
- 01Those considering moving to the Irokawa area and coming to look for a home
- 02Guests who would like to help with farm work, DIY, or other tasks for 3–4 hours a day
- 03Long-stay guests
Event Space
Our large traditional Japanese room is available as an event venue. Past events have included puppet shows, concerts, and music rehearsals — the space can accommodate up to 50 people. It is also ideal for yoga classes, workshops, and seminars. Please enquire about hire rates.
Access
2276 Osaka, Nachikatsuura-cho, Higashimuro-gun, Wakayama 649-5452
Reservations & Enquiries
We'd love to hear from you
Reach us by phone, email, or Instagram. Reservations accepted up to 3 days before your arrival.