Nakashibetsu, located in Eastern Hokkaido, is known as one of Japan's leading “dairy kingdoms.” In its central town area lies “ushiyado,” a guesthouse opened by an active dairy farmer. With a kitchen designed to look like a cowshed, guest rooms named after cattle breeds, and popular activities like the “Morning Farm Walk” for feeding experiences and butter-making workshops, it offers a chance to get a taste of a dairy farmer's life. We introduce this new hub of accommodation where you can connect with the town's culture of living alongside cattle just by staying there.

The “ushigoya” kitchen space, designed to resemble a house-shaped barn on a farm.

Located in the heart of Nakashibetsu, “ushiyado” is a guesthouse filled with many creative touches related to “ushi,” the Japanese word for cow. It is run by Kosuke Takeshita of Takeshita Farm in Nakashibetsu. Mr. Takeshita, who took over the farm's management from his father over 20 years ago, opened the facility in 2018.

The question of “Why would a dairy farmer open a guesthouse?” can be answered by looking at the environment Mr. Takeshita grew up in. His father, the previous generation, actively accepted students from his alma mater, Miyazaki University, as trainees. Watching this, Mr. Takeshita naturally developed a desire to welcome people interested in farming.

However, Mr. Takeshita initially envisioned a “farm inn,” a type of guesthouse on a farm. The change in direction came after an encounter with a certain guesthouse. At the time, his image of a guesthouse was “a cheap inn for backpackers,” but when he came across a guesthouse that was an open gathering place for people of all ages, not just guests, he felt it had “the potential to create a new era.”

“ushiyado” also attracts people with various purposes, such as tourism, business, and long-term stays.

As a dairy farmer rooted in the community, Mr. Takeshita was also interested in the development of Nakashibetsu. He wanted to “create an inn that could liven up the town,” which later became the concept for “ushiyado”—a place where guests can enjoy the town while using the guesthouse as a base. He is often asked, “Isn't it right next to the farm?” but its downtown location is a reflection of his passion for the town.

Nakashibetsu's main industry is dairy farming. “ushiyado,” filled with love for the town, features unique room names related to cows. For example, the mixed-gender and female-only dormitories, each accommodating six people, are named “Holstein” and “Brown Swiss,” respectively. They feature custom-made steel beds designed to evoke the feeling of sleeping in a barn.

The mixed-gender dormitory, “Holstein.” The space was designed to feel spacious even when sitting up.

The three private rooms are also named after cattle breeds: “Jersey,” “Montbéliarde,” and “Wagyu.” All are for two people, but each has its own character. “Jersey” is a room with futons, “Montbéliarde” has two single beds, and “Wagyu” has a steel bunk bed and a sofa.

The private room “Jersey” with futons.

The private room “Montbéliarde” with two single beds.

The work desk and chair in “Montbéliarde.” This setup is standard in all private rooms.

“Wagyu” with a steel bunk bed and a sofa.

The “Wagyu” room can accommodate up to three people by replacing the sofa with an extra bed (advance reservation required). For families with small children who might be at risk of falling from a bed, the “Jersey” room is recommended. There are options to suit different numbers of guests and various needs.

Next, the common lounge is mainly divided into two areas: the “ushigoya” kitchen space, designed to resemble a house-shaped barn, and the “Milk Parlor” dining space with two large tables. The “Milk Parlor” is a comfortable space where guests can eat, work, and spend their time as they please.

The “ushigoya” kitchen space.

The “Milk Parlor” dining space.

The lounge is also equipped with a projector that can display images on a white wall. For a fee, it can be used for workshops and events. It is sometimes used by local residents for events, serving as a meeting point for guests and the local community.

At “ushiyado,” you can feel the presence of cows not just through the facility's design and room names. The “Morning Farm Walk” allows you to experience the daily life of a dairy farmer, including feeding and interacting with the cows. This is a precious activity held only when certain conditions are met, as it requires a reservation at least one week in advance and is only available during specific seasons. If you're an early riser and can make your own way to the farm, located about 20 km by car from the town center, you should definitely give it a try.

In addition to the “Morning Farm Walk,” the “Butter-Making Workshop” is also recommended. Here, you can make butter using precious Nakashibetsu fresh cream, which is produced exclusively in the area. This also requires a reservation, so if you're interested, be sure to book at least two weeks in advance.

Mr. Takeshita says he kept the guesthouse's functions to a minimum “so that guests can enjoy the town of Nakashibetsu.” While they offer a “Relaxing Breakfast” featuring toast with freshly made butter from the workshop, Nakashibetsu milk, and potage soup from Takeshita Farm, he hopes that for other meals, guests will visit local restaurants or use supermarkets like “Tobu South Hills,” which is popular among guests for its “unique selection of items.”

According to Mr. Takeshita, his recommendation is to “visit the same restaurant two days in a row.” As of 2026, Nakashibetsu is a relatively new town, not even 80 years old since its establishment as a municipality. As a result, many people are kind to outsiders. “If you go to the same place for two consecutive days, most people at local eateries will strike up a friendly conversation with you,” says Mr. Takeshita. Nakashibetsu is also a commercially blessed town with many restaurants and day-trip hot springs, and new establishments are constantly opening.

To get a feel for the town of Nakashibetsu and its main industry, dairy farming. Whether you're interested in cows or not, why not use “ushiyado” as your base to enjoy “playing in the town”?

＜DOTO Young Discount × ushiyado＞

■ushiyado's Special Offer: 10% OFF per night (for any number of nights)
*Only for reservations made through the ushiyado website.

For more details on the “DOTO Young Discount,” please see this feature page.