If you want to explore more local life in Japan, never miss Mariko's place.The house is located in residenti area,wit kids' exercise park and river sidewalk nearby. For basic cooking, meat shop and rice groceries are very close too.Or you want to follow 孤独のグルメ to enjoy 川栄（かわえい）』鰻とホロ, which is super convenient as well. We spent 7days at Mariko's place,and we are also lucky to have Mariko's local guidance for the history of the house and the nearby area. Also we are so lucky to cook with Mariko and had a wonderful lunch with her and her staffs. SOOOOO NICE!!!! I strongly recommend here if you have plans to head north(i.e. we visited Kusatsu onsen and travel from JR Akabane). Again we thank for Mariko's generous and warm hospitality. We were taken care so much just like home. Wish you and your staffs an early Merry X'MAS and Happy New Year!!! Looking forward to visiting you sometime very soon.