Organic tourism in Ogawa Town, Saitama: A hub for sustainable living

Ogawa Town in Saitama Prefecture is located just over an hour from Ikebukuro Station via the Tobu Tojo Line. Nestled in a basin surrounded by the mountains of Outer Chichibu, it is sometimes referred to as “Little Kyoto of Musashi.” The town’s famous Ogawa Washi (Japanese paper), which has been produced for over 1,300 years, is a National Important Cultural Property and was registered as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2014.

Recently, there has been an increase in people wanting to move to Ogawa Town. The number of relocation consultations is the highest in Saitama Prefecture, nearly double that of Chichibu City, which ranks second (*1). The town’s popularity is attributed to its rich natural environment combined with convenient access to the city. The town’s support for newcomers, including subsidies for purchasing reserved seat tickets on the “TJ Liner” express train, is also well-received.

However, the town’s appeal goes beyond its location. Since the 1970s, Ogawa Town has been engaged in organic farming, making it a hub for those interested in food safety and sustainability. Organic farmers make up about 10% of the total, and in 2023, the town declared itself an “Organic Village” (*2). The town also features various restaurants where you can enjoy organic vegetables.

(*1) Survey Results on Relocation Consultations for Fiscal Year 2022｜Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications
(*1) Record High for “Relocation Consultations” to Saitama｜Saitama Shimbun
(*2) Efforts of Ogawa Town, Saitama Prefecture｜Ministry of the Environment

A tour of organic experiences, including vegetable harvesting was previously offered

In the winter of 2021, Ogawa Town hosted an organic tourism initiative as part of a pilot program by the Japan Tourism Agency, which was well received. The day trip focused on harvesting vegetables at organic farms, enjoying a lunch and mochi-making session with the freshly picked produce, and touring a sake brewery established in the Edo period. For those interested in dining in town, an “Organic Vegetable Tour Map” was also distributed.

Additionally, an optional online cooking class was offered afterward. Participants could cook with organic vegetables from Ogawa Town delivered to their homes while interacting with local farmers.

Although the tour is no longer available, the Organic Vegetable Tour Map created at the time can still be viewed on the official website of Tobu Top Tours, which organized the tour.

Explore Ogawa Town with the “Organic Vegetable Tour Map” in hand!

Let’s take a look at two spots from the Organic Vegetable Tour Map where you can experience organic produce in Ogawa Town.

1. Experience local organic vegetables at “Organic Vegetable Café Warashibe”

Opened in 2004, Organic Vegetable Café Warashibe is run by a husband-and-wife team, with the husband making pasta and the wife baking bread and homemade yeast sweets. All the vegetables they serve are locally sourced and organic. The pasta is also organic, and the bread is made from carefully selected domestic wheat.

In addition to their daily pasta specials, their omelets made with local free-range eggs are also popular. They offer a variety of dishes, including pita bread sandwiches packed with ingredients, doria and vegetarian/vegan options. The café also has a great selection of desserts, which pair perfectly with organic coffee or herbal tea.

Organic Vegetable Café Warashibe moved to its current location, Gyokuseisha, in 2018. Gyokuseisha was originally built in the Meiji era as a sericulture training center and has received high architectural praise, including the top prize at Saitama Prefecture’s “Zero Vacancy Renovation Competition.” The café now operates in this historic building, which has been renovated to create a spacious, yet nostalgic atmosphere. Why not spend a relaxing moment in this beautifully restored kominka?

2. Savor pesticide-free, additive-free wine at the “Musashi Winery Gyokuseisha Direct Sales Store”

On the second floor of the same Gyokuseisha building as Organic Vegetable Café Warashibe, you’ll find the Musashi Winery Gyokuseisha Direct Sales Store. This shop offers wine tasting at a standing bar and features a selection of eight different wines. You can enjoy a glass starting at just 200 yen, making it an affordable way to savor their offerings. For those who are not fond of alcohol, the juice made from Ogawa Town’s representative grape variety, “Shoko-shi,” is also recommended.

Musashi Winery’s wines are made from grapes grown using completely pesticide-free natural cultivation. They use no fertilizers and leave weeds as they are. The wines are free from additives like preservatives, and no additional sugar or acid is used. This approach ensures a taste that is kind to both the body and the environment, full of the blessings of nature.

At the Musashi Winery Gyokuseisha Direct Sales Store, you can enjoy snacks such as bread, cheese, and cured ham. Every Saturday, they also offer “Hassun,” a selection of appetizers similar to those served in kaiseki cuisine. On sunny days, you might enjoy pairing these offerings with wine on the terrace.

Stay overnight at “Machiyado” for a relaxing visit

Although it’s convenient to consider a day trip since it’s close to the metropolitan area, staying overnight and enjoying a leisurely stay is highly recommended. Here’s a recommended accommodation by the Livhub editorial team.

“Ogawa Machiyado Tsuki” – A whole house rental for a homely stay

“Ogawa Machiyado” is an initiative that treats the entire town of Ogawa as one big accommodation, intentionally offering only a room-only plan. Among these, “Tsuki,” a renovated kominka, is a whole house rental facing the main road. From the rooms and lounge, you can enjoy a panoramic view of Tsukigawa River and the Chichibu mountains, as well as moon viewing while soaking in the bath.

Dining options include exploring local restaurants or purchasing fresh, locally-grown vegetables to cook in the accommodation’s island kitchen. The kitchen is equipped with pots, dishes, cutlery and even seasonings.

Tsuki is conveniently located near Ogawa Town Station, yet a short walk will immediately lead you to fields and farmland. In this place where urban access and nature coexist, you can enjoy a stay in the town as if you were living there. Tsuki also serves as a trial experience for those considering relocating to the popular town of Ogawa.

Fully immerse yourself in the unique charm of organic village Ogawa Town

In Ogawa Town, some farms offer individual harvest experiences. Since the timing and season can vary, try searching for “Ogawa Town harvest experience” or “小川町・収穫体験” if you’re interested. There are also sake breweries and distilleries that allow personal visits. Afterward, you might want to visit local restaurants or purchase freshly harvested organic vegetables. Be sure to fully experience the charm of Organic Village Ogawa Town!

Originally published on Livhub.