Waraku

About Waraku

Situated in Suruga Ward, Shizuoka City, Waraku is an exclusive eight room retreat set within restored traditional kominka houses in Mariko juku, a historic post town along the famed Tokaido trail. The thoughtfully renovated buildings seamlessly merge Japanese heritage with modern comfort.

The surrounding Izumigaya district still carries the atmosphere of the Edo period, when travelers traversed the Tokaido road. Located away from urban noise, the peaceful pace of life here makes it a favorite destination for both domestic and international travelers.

Waraku is managed by Sozosha, a local development group dedicated to regional revitalization. Built around the concept of staying among traditional crafts, the property goes beyond standard lodging to offer an immersive, sensory experience of local culture.

Nearby attractions include Sunpu Takumi Shinjuku, one of Japan’s largest traditional craft workshops, alongside various centers dedicated to Shizuoka tea culture and artisan traditions. The true appeal of Waraku lies in exploring the surrounding area while immersing yourself in local life.

Whether traveling as a family, celebrating an anniversary, or taking a trip with friends, Waraku offers an ideal getaway for anyone looking to savor Japanese culture. Historic architecture, regional crafts, local cuisine, and serene natural beauty come together to create a unique stay.

Dining

Waraku offers exclusive dining experiences highlighting the rich culinary culture of Shizuoka. Guests are invited to appreciate not only the food, but also the tableware, atmosphere, and local origins of every ingredient.

Dinner

Dinner is served at Simples, a creative French restaurant recognized in the prestigious Gault and Millau guide and celebrated by food enthusiasts nationwide.

The menu highlights seasonal seafood from Suruga Bay, selected by expert fishmonger Naoki Maeda of the renowned Sasue Maeda Fish Shop. Dishes also feature local Shizuoka produce, wild game sourced directly from local hunters, and seasonal mountain ingredients. Rather than a fixed menu, the chef presents an ever changing course of around twelve dishes tailored to the day’s freshest catch and harvest.

The dining environment reflects the hotel’s artisanal core. Counter seating features handmade washi paper created by master craftspeople, while traditional Shizuoka art integrates seamlessly into the space to make dinner feel like an immersive artistic experience.

On select dates, guests may opt for a traditional tororo jiru grated yam set meal at Chojiya. This local specialty uses wild yams cultivated by local partner farms, delivering a authentic taste of Mariko juku tradition.

Breakfast

Breakfast is served at the Japanese restaurant Wakamatsu, offering a gentle, nourishing meal built around seasonal Shizuoka ingredients.

The menu incorporates organic produce grown at Shiawase Vegetable Farm in Kakegawa City. Dishes are prepared without artificial additives or seasonings, allowing the natural flavors of the ingredients to shine.

Highlights include local Mariko juku tororo jiru, Shizuoka odens, nine colorful small side dishes, and fresh seasonal fruit. It is an exceptional opportunity to savor regional specialties all in one meal.

Every dish is served on unique tableware handcrafted by artisans and instructors at Sunpu Takumi Shinjuku. The textures and tones of the ceramics turn the dining table into a gallery of local craftsmanship.

Waraku’s dining experience is designed to celebrate the story behind each dish, from the environment and tableware to the farmers and artisans involved. Starting in 2024, Wakamatsu also offers lunch service from Thursday through Sunday and on public holidays, making it a great dining option for visitors exploring the area.

Onsen

While Waraku does not feature large public baths or natural hot springs on site, guests receive complimentary access to Fukisarashi Yu, a nearby partner bathing facility located within walking distance. Guests may enjoy one free visit on their arrival day and another on the day of checkout.

Fukisarashi Yu offers an open air bathing experience surrounded by the peaceful satoyama hills of Mariko. Taking in the passing breeze, natural sunlight, and seasonal views provides a soothing end to a day of sightseeing.

Select rooms feature elevated private wellness facilities:

All detached Bettei suites (Raku, Wa, Doma, Kura, and Fuji) include a private sauna and a native hinoki cypress wood bath. Guests can enjoy tea scented loryu sauna sessions at their own pace. Following a rejuvenating sweat with a warm soak in the aromatic hinoki tub offers a deeply relaxing ritual. The natural scent of cypress makes these private baths popular among travelers seeking an authentic Japanese bathing experience.

Rooms

Waraku revitalizes historic kominka structures into modern, comfortable accommodations.

Each building possesses its own character. Detached Bettei suites such as Wa, Raku, Doma, and Kura offer distinct layout styles. The spacious Raku suite spans approximately 87.5 square meters across two levels, featuring a expansive living area, a traditional earthen doma entrance, and a large counter table, providing ample room for groups or families.

Rooms in the Front Building (Ichie, Ichiro, and Ichihime) provide convenient access to the on site OCHA SPA for ultimate relaxation.

While exposed beams and historic pillars preserve the character of the original architecture, modern updates to the bathrooms and sleeping areas ensure complete comfort. Rooms feature underfloor heating, free Wi-Fi, and humidifying air purifiers for a cozy stay in winter. High quality cosmetics and bath amenities are provided. Detached suites include digital projectors, while Front Building rooms feature televisions.

Throughout the rooms, local Shizuoka crafts, artwork, lighting, and furniture are thoughtfully placed, creating the atmosphere of staying inside a private art gallery.

Special Experience

Waraku encourages guests to experience living among Shizuoka crafts and culture. The highlight of this concept is hands-on craft making at the adjacent Sunpu Takumi Shinjuku studio.

Guests can try traditional local crafts including woodworking, bamboo work, and dyeing. Creating something by hand offers a deeper appreciation for Japanese craftsmanship, and guests can take home a unique handmade souvenir.

Art plays a central role throughout the property, featuring classic works like Katsushika Hokusai’s Thirty Six Views of Mount Fuji alongside fine Suruga bamboo craftwork.

At the main building, guests can experience the OCHA SPA, a signature wellness treatment centered on the rich aromas and warmth of locally grown Shizuoka green tea leaves.

As a dedicated craft inn, Waraku focuses on creating a quiet atmosphere for adult travelers. As a general rule, children primary school age and younger are not permitted, maintaining a peaceful environment throughout the grounds. Families traveling with children are welcomed in the separate Fuji building upon advance request.

When arriving by taxi, asking the driver for Sunpu Takumi Shinjuku ensures a smooth dropoff, where staff members will be waiting to assist you to the entrance.

Plan List

Access

3337 Mariko, Suruga Ward, Shizuoka, 421-0103

Access by car

From Tokyo

Take the Tomei Expressway to the Shizuoka Interchange. From there, take Route 1 for approximately 15 minutes.

From the Kansai Area

Connect to the Tomei Expressway via the Meishin or Shin Meishin Expressway and exit at the Shizuoka Interchange. Follow Route 1 for approximately 15 minutes.

Public transportation

From Tokyo

Take the JR Tokaido Shinkansen to Shizuoka Station. Board the Shizutetsu Justline local bus and get off at the Togetsuho Sunpu Takumishinjuku Iguchi bus stop. The property is about a 5 minute walk from the bus stop.

From the Kansai Area

Take the JR Tokaido Shinkansen to Shizuoka Station. Board the Shizutetsu Justline local bus and get off at the Togetsuho Sunpu Takumishinjuku Iguchi bus stop. The property is about a 5 minute walk from the bus stop.

Basic Information

Frequently Asked Questions