Attractions

RITA Okawa Hanzakai is an entire-house rental property located in the Kobo and Enokizu clan boundary town of Okawa City, Fukuoka Prefecture. This guest house was created by beautifully renovating a historic folk house that is approximately 100 years old.
It is said that about 170 historic buildings remain in this area. In April 2016, the NPO “Kobo and Enokizu Clan Boundary Town Preservation Society” was established to preserve these structures and the traditional townscape. The society carries out various activities, such as the “Historic Townscape Monitoring Team”, which visits owners individually to check on their properties. They also catalog these properties in a historical “Building Bank” to help find preservation-minded occupants, while maintaining close, ongoing relationships with the building owners.
This guest house was originally on the verge of becoming a vacant house, but the NPO stepped in to take over its care and management, ultimately revitalizing it into a unique place to stay.
The ultimate charm of these guest houses lies in the beautifully preserved architecture, walls, and fittings. There is a seamless blend of fresh, contemporary furniture with antique joinery from the nearby Chikugo, and repurposed Okawa kumiko woodwork, letting you experience the area's history alongside modern comfort.
The cypress bathtub, shower, and kitchen are fully modernized and user-friendly, and the rooms are adorned with wooden decor crafted by local artisans, radiating the gentle warmth of natural wood. It creates a space where you can truly immerse yourself in Okawa’s rich woodworking culture.
Let’s take a closer look at the unique features of each room.
Kanna Once home to a family of ship carpenters, this spacious 129㎡ guest house can accommodate up to six guests. The first floor features an open kitchen and dining area, creating the perfect space to relax and enjoy long conversations. With two bedrooms on the second floor and a traditional Japanese-style room facing the garden on the first floor that can also be used for sleeping, it is an ideal choice for groups of up to three couples or families traveling together.
Kobiki Once a furniture maker’s workshop and residence, this 80㎡ space can accommodate up to four guests. Preserving the traditional features of a classic Japanese home, it offers a desk right next to the second-floor bedroom where you could easily lose track of time reading. The open ceiling space on the second floor provides a calm, artistic atmosphere—perfect for those seeking a quiet, mindful stay enveloped in the past.
The following are some highlights I recommend everyone enjoys during their stay. Soaking in the private cypress bath filled with warm water allows you to unwind enveloped in the rich aroma of natural wood. For added convenience, the bathroom also features both an overhead and standard shower.