Table of Contents
Profile of Writer
Yuki Hayase
Originally from Moka City, Tochigi Prefecture, with experience living in the U.S. and Taiwan, she is the owner of the bake shop and cafe Midnight Breakfast. Known for being the earliest to open and close in the area, the cafe serves a unique blend of American-style cookies made with locally sourced Tochigi ingredients and authentic Taiwanese milk tea. Beyond food and drinks, the cafe embodies “Local × Upcycling × Breakfast,” building community—a creative hub connecting people and ideas.
From Healthcare, to Chiropractic: A New Beginning
Thank you for taking the time to chat with us. To start, what were you doing before coming to Mashiko?
We’re originally from Tokyo. Both of us worked in the medical field, but we wanted to try something new. We became interested in chiropractic therapy and decided to go to school to learn it. As we improved, friends encouraged us to open our own practice. So, we started a chiropractic clinic, and it became so popular that we had a steady flow of clients. Even though we were balancing teaching and running the clinic, it was a fulfilling job that we truly loved.
Finding Home in Mashiko
Why did you choose Mashiko after being successful in Tokyo?
Both of us are originally from Tokyo, so we didn’t have a place we could truly call home. Whenever we had time off, we would travel to various beautiful spots in Japan, recommended by friends. One day, we heard about a lovely pension in Mashiko and decided to visit. That pension is the one we now manage. Through meeting a local pottery artist, we became captivated by Mashiko and its charm. For about 10 years, we traveled to Mashiko every month from Tokyo, and after ten years, we decided to make the move and settle here.
How long has it been since you took over the pension?
It has been 24 years since we took over the pension from the previous owner. Now, we manage it as a guesthouse, offering accommodation for just one group per day.
24 years is quite a long history. It’s surrounded by many trees, and the scenery is beautiful.
Thank you. We really love the view here. The building itself even won a special architectural award in Tochigi Prefecture. We want our guests to step away from their everyday lives and relax while enjoying the beautiful scenery through the large windows. It’s a place to unwind and enjoy the surroundings.
We also take pride in the homemade meals we serve, offering dishes that we personally enjoy. While guests take in the changing views of the seasons from the windows, we hope they enjoy our homemade cooking as well.
There’s also a pottery studio below the guesthouse. If you let us know in advance, and if it’s a quieter day, we can even make pottery together. Just let us know if you’re interested!
After the Interview
About a 10-minute drive from downtown Mashiko, you’ll find Shiinoki, nestled in a beautiful natural setting. The light pouring through the large windows creates a peaceful atmosphere, and you can relax by the fireplace while enjoying the stunning view. It’s not only a great place to stay, but also perfect for a leisurely lunch at the cafe.
What really makes it special are the hosts. Take some time to unwind, enjoy the scenic views of Mashiko, and experience the charm of Shiinoki.
Details of Terrace Shiinoki
-
Official Site: View Website
-
SNS: Instagram
- Address: 2482-6 Kami-Oba, Mashiko Town, Haga District, Tochigi Prefecture.
