When I say Villa Azalea is the best Airbnb I’ve ever stayed at, I don’t say that lightly. I’ve stayed in some incredible places all over the world. But this one? This one sticks with you. It’s not just a stay — it’s an experience and sightseeing spot in its own right.

Located in Okaya-shi, Nagano, Villa Azalea is a surprisingly family-friendly retreat with just the right balance of comfort, history, and modern luxury. Whether you’re escaping Tokyo for the weekend with a group of friends, or planning a longer family getaway, this place is an absolute gem.

Staying in a 200-Year-Old Estate: Amenities That Impress

Villa Azalea is a lovingly restored 200-year-old estate, and it shows. An estate that’s been in the Imai family for literally decades, with the help of the local government, it has been restored and preserved for everyone to enjoy and appreciate (hopefully for another 200 years).

Every beam and floorboard tells a story, but don’t let the age fool you — the place has been modernized for a comfortable stay and is packed with luxury amenities.

Amenities:

A fully equipped kitchen with top-of-the-line appliances (I made ribs for the fam in the fancy oven and yes, they turned out amazing). I’ve never seen an oven like it, so I Googled the model and learned that it is a state-of-the-art model priced at $3000 USD…I won’t be getting one anytime soon unfortunately.

A wooden bath that overlooks a peaceful Japanese-style garden. Taking a soak here feels like stepping back in time. For Winter, they went through the trouble of installing a heated floor for added comfort.

There is a second bathroom and toilet area that is modern but more family friendly. For those with small children, the floor on this bathroom is non-slip and soft. They installed a slip-proof and softer foam-like flooring perfect for small children who don’t like sitting still during bath time (like my daughter).

A beautiful garden in the backyard, perfect for quiet morning walks with a cup of tea.

A massive projector screen preloaded with streaming services for those movie nights. My daughter, Riko, was enjoying cartoons in the morning on it.

Retro 80s/90s toys in great condition — Riko went wild for them. She wanted to take them all home. They could have just bought a few modern toys and board games and everyone would’ve been happy. But I think having these toys that are also from the 80s-90s gave the place a special touch, at least for a retro gaming fan like me.

Beds for 18, Comfort for Everyone

Whether you like a Western-style mattress or traditional futons on tatami mats, Villa Azalea has you covered. There’s enough space to comfortably sleep 10, so it’s ideal for larger families or group trips. Every bed was cozy — no complaints from anyone.

The 1st floor has a bedroom with 2 semi-double beds, plus space in living room for one semi-double futon

2nd floor has a traditional tatami room that can fit 3 semi-double futons

3rd floor bedroom has 2 semi-double beds and 2 single beds

In total, you could sleep 18 people here. But comfortably, if you don’t want to share a semi-double futon with your friends, 10-12 people would be a good number!

Part Ryokan, Part Museum

From the moment you step inside, you realize this place is more than a vacation rental. It’s part museum.

Right at the entrance, you’re greeted by a traditional Japanese wooden loom, known as a takahata (高機). Unlike modern weaving machines, the takahata is manually operated and has been used for centuries to weave intricate textiles like silk and cotton.

These looms were commonly found in rural homes during the Edo and Meiji periods, allowing families to produce their own fabrics for clothing and trade. Seeing one up close — still intact, with its massive wooden frame and threads hanging in place — is a rare treat. It’s a tangible piece of history that shows how self-sufficient households once were in rural Japan.

The takahata sits proudly in the foyer, preserved and displayed with care.

Informative signs in both Japanese and English explain its historical context and function.

And the loom isn’t the only thing bridging past and present:

You’ll also find a beautifully preserved irori (sunken hearth), the traditional centerpiece of a Japanese home used for cooking and heating.

Architecture and other artifacts are displayed throughout the building, giving you a real sense of the estate’s heritage.

Little Extras That Made a Big Difference

The kitchen is stocked. And I don’t just mean dinnerware and utensils — I mean oils, spices, even plastic wrap. They thought of everything.

My wife especially loved the complimentary tea and hot chocolate packs. The hot chocolate? Next level. We’re still hunting for where to buy it.

Parking

The onsite parking area has a roofed area and unroofed area, easily fitting 4-5 vehicles.

Things to Do With the Family Nearby

Clasuwa Cafe & Restaurant (19 min drive)

They serve seasonal mains alongside a well-curated buffet featuring quinoa-veggie mixes, roasted potatoes, soups, curry, and the real standout — freshly baked breads crafted to pair perfectly with your meal. The drink bar skips soda fountains in favor of teas, juices, and coffees. After your meal, head up to the rooftop for stunning Lake Suwa views with a warm drink in hand, or enjoy a lakeside stroll just steps from the cafe.

Family-friendly with high chairs for the little ones.

A rooftop view of Lake Suwa that pairs perfectly with a hot drink.

Located right on the lake so you can enjoy a post-meal stroll.

Kodomo No Kuni in ILF Plaza (Kids Land)

Tokyo parents — you’ll understand this one. We’re always looking for fun, spacious, places for kids to play that are actually relaxing for parents too (so not Disneyland).

In many wards in Tokyo, there are government-sponsored or government-run kids community centers where families can come play and even have lunch in the eating area. We have some great ones near are area and frequent them.

However. Kodomo No Kuni in the Nagano countryside blew us away. Hands down the biggest, best community play area we’ve ever seen:

Book corner, pretend kitchen, and cooking area.

Indoor slides, jungle gyms, and swings.

Even live turtles and fish in mini aquariums!

Even though we didn’t live in the area they let us make a membership card and go in and it only took about 5 minutes. Warning: It will be hard to do this if you don’t speak Japanese.

Ilf Douga Museum

For families with older kids or those who love art, this museum is nearby and offers a calm, enriching way to spend the afternoon.

Okaya Kohan Park

Right on the lakeside, this park has multiple play structures, open grassy areas perfect for picnics, and even a free mini-golf course if you’ve got clubs handy.

Stay or Nay?

Villa Azalea isn’t just a place to stay — it’s a destination. Whether you’re chasing a quiet escape from the city, a cozy historical experience, or a family-friendly base in Nagano, this place delivers on all fronts.

Would I go back? Absolutely.

Would I recommend it to friends? Already have.

If you’re planning a trip to Nagano, Japan and want something unique, spacious, and soaked in history — book Villa Azalea before someone else does. It’s a large historrical estate, so don’t expect business-hotel level pricing. Since it fits so many a larger group could stay affordably and comfortably!