Romantic Village "Nijinos"

Shintotsukawa City

We always like to experience a range of accommodation. We often say "the quirkier the better." In fact when we arrived in Hokkaido there was very little to choose from that was close to the Abiko farm. We saw this one online and it looked interesting. A hippy cooperative where they had built cottages and were looking for a more sustainable lifestyle. I was a bit unsure about the 4 in a bed but Caleb and Hiromi assured us that this wasn't so unusual!

When we get there we meet Minalto. A very personable young man, who showed us into our accommodation. It had changed a little since they took the photos... our room was filled with "treasures" from around the world. Coral, masks, boomerangs etc. Hiromi took one look and decided she would stay at home with her parents. The next night Caleb made the same decision... so it was two in a very big bed!

The winters are extremely harsh in this area and it is not uncommon for buildings to collapse under the weight of the snow. And so it was at the farm. Usually though when the spring comes everyone gets in and repairs the damage. This is one of the things Caleb helped with at the Abiko farm. Not so at this farm. As things fell they were left, giving the whole place an abandoned feel.