The Senshu area is famous for its textile industry, and the town of Kumatori has been producing towels since 1893. The production process is divided among several specialist factories, from weaving to sewing edges. In its heyday there were around 500 factories cooperating to produce Senshu towels—high-quality towels that use a production method unique to the region—some of which were located in Kumatori.

The Kumatori Community Center Rengakan (“red-brick building”) is a short 15-minute walk from Kumatori Station (served by the JR Hanwa Line). During its peak of operation, two buildings were located on site, but now only one remains. The buildings were originally built for the purpose of producing fabrics and textiles from cotton. The remaining building was built in 1928 and ceased operation in 1992. Since the closure, it has been designated an Important Cultural Property of Kumatori. The building is preserved, and acts as a local community center, hosting exhibitions from local artists and events to promote various artistic and cultural activities in the community. Here, visitors can see a large float called a danjiri, used in the Danjiri Festival. These floats are believed to transport the spirit of deities from Shinto shrines. There is also a gallery about the history of the former cotton factory.

Next door to the Rengakan lies the Naka Family Residence, an Important Cultural Property that is free to enter and explore. It is believed to have been built in the Heian period (794-1185), though the existing house was built around 400 years ago during the Edo period (1603-1868), and served as a location for collecting rice as tax from the local residents.

The building was designated an Important Cultural Property in 1964. It is complete with a traditional thatched roof with the family emblem on the front. Upon entering, visitors are presented with a large dirt floor with raised rooms in the distance, typical of residents of high-ranking individuals and Buddhist temples. The dirt floor was used by visitors and local residents, and raised floors were used by family members and workers, reflecting their social status.

The grounds also contain a large gate, a well, a storehouse, and a Shinto shrine. It is also believed that there was once a large dormitory for workers, as well as a moat that surrounded the complex.

Nagaike Oasis started life in 1999, with the renovation of an old reservoir which is still functional today. The area consists of two sections of the reservoir and it is famous for its abundance of lotus flowers. A 1.5 kilometer walking path completes a full circuit around the area, and is a mixture of paved walkways, boardwalks, and nature trails.

The area is currently managed and maintained by the Nagaike Oasis Maintenance Committee (NOMC) headed by Hideko Nakashima. The group consists of volunteers from the local community, and also teaches school children about local wildlife and impacts on the environment. A small plot for farming is also on site, and can be rented out to local residents for ¥6,000 per year. The allotments are managed by local volunteers, and a wide range of vegetables are grown here.

It is home to 300 different types of flowers and aquatic plants, and a range of wildlife such as egrets and kingfishers frequent the oasis. Several events also occur throughout the year, with the Lotus Flower Festival in July being one of the most popular ones. Visitors can sample dishes featuring lotus, as well as lotus tea, or try drinking Japanese sake from a lotus leaf through its stem, which adds a unique flavor to the alcohol.

The owners of Café & Dining Tsurogi built this space due to the beautiful views of the lake and the sunset. The name is derived from the Japanese word kutsurogi which means “unwinding relaxation.”

Guests can enjoy the rustic atmosphere of the restaurant interior while dining. The menu offers courses ranging from ¥3,000 and ¥5,000, which feature Japanese fusion-style dishes using high quality ingredients. Menus vary, but guests can typically choose from a main course of Japanese-style hamburg, lotus dishes, and tempura.

Lunch courses are available from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m., and café service is available from 2 p.m. until 6 p.m. Dinner is also available between 6 p.m. and 10 p.m. (last orders at 8 p.m.), and advanced reservations are required. The restaurant is open daily except for Tuesdays and some irregular holidays.

Be sure to visit the gallery opposite the restaurant to view ceramics and artwork from 80 artists around Japan.