Yamaura Stay

Two Houses Nestled in a Hidden Hamlet

Tucked into the mountains of Yatsugatake, in a quiet hamlet where time seems to stand still, two traditional farmhouses sit side by side. In this land once known as a “hidden village,” the wisdom of those who drew water from Mishaka Pond and Sasahara Reservoir to cultivate rice at the very limits of altitude still lives on today. Irrigation channels (“ikesu”) linking the homes, storehouses adorned with plaster relief art, and houses built atop stone walls—here, the landscape itself tells a cultural story. It is easy to see why Alex Kerr, a scholar of Asian culture captivated by this setting, called it “a place where beauty is concentrated.” The two remaining kominka—Shimizu and Hanausagi—each preserve the charm of earlier times while offering modern comfort, bringing guests a deeply restful stay.

Shimizu | A Residence to Enjoy Spaciousness and the Seasons

Kiyomizu is a stately traditional Japanese house relocated over 150 years ago from the Saku area of Nagano Prefecture. Its massive beams and one-shaku main pillar still convey the dignity of its era. The high-ceilinged space that once housed horses has now been transformed into an open-plan kitchen and dining area. Beyond the veranda, a garden with cherry blossoms and a pond unfolds—perfect for springtime flower viewing and cool summer evenings as you enjoy the changing seasons. With a spacious layout, it can accommodate up to 6 guests, making it ideal for stays with family or friends.

Hana Usagi | A Private Annex Embraced by Tranquility

“Hanausagi” is a compact, single-story Accommodation nestled right beside the main house “Shimizu,” once home to a retired family member. With excellent insulation and practical amenities, it is ideal for couples or families with children using Child Sharing Existing Bedding. From the indoor windows, you can enjoy trowel-painted artwork on a plaster storehouse and scenery unique to the village. A small, two-guest-only Accommodation where tranquility and warmth linger in your heart.

A special “everyday” experience in a hidden village that has survived like a miracle

Sunlight glints off the vivid tin roofs, casting soft shadows across the white plaster walls of storehouses adorned with decorative relief art. Red and white koi glide quietly through the pond, and from atop the slope you can spot an elderly couple in straw hats tending their fields. In the distance, the broad silhouette of Mt. Yatsugatake slowly embraces the carefully cultivated rice paddies and farmland. This, too, is everyday life in Yamaura—where the ordinary becomes an unforgettable view.

Relax and unwind in a traditional Japanese farmhouse passed down through generations.

Soot-darkened pillars from the irori hearth and thick, impressive beams—this timeworn traditional farmhouse welcomes you in quiet dignity. In a well-maintained, comfortable space, time spent with family or friends feels like starting “another life” of your own. Step away from the rush of everyday life and simply enjoy slow days at home or a stroll along the hillside paths. You can listen to the sounds of insects and frogs, have locals show you around the village, or even try making regional dishes together. Meeting the people of this place makes your journey more meaningful—and that kind of stay awaits you here.