In late November in 2014, I visited Kakyo Park in Echizen city, Fukui prefecture, to enjoy the autumn foliage. When I arrived at the park and started to walk up the long stone steps, I spotted a pretty thatched roof surrounded by beautiful maple leaves on my right. Intrigued, I went closer, and found out it was called, 'Furusato-no Ie', a place where people get together and enjoy themselves talking and eating. There is a traditional irori fireplace inside the house, and when I peeped in, some local people were chatting in small groups on a tatami-mat floor. The rooms can be rented at a very low price for various occasions. It's a nice place to chill out in an idyllic setting!
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