Experience Japanese village life nested amidst the fog of Takeda Castle
Location
Asago town, northern part of Hyogo prefecture.
Access
3 hours by train from Osaka
2 hours by train from Kyoto
2 hours by train from Kobe
Get off in Takeda Station or Wadayama station
The host is happy to pick you up by car from the above stations
Guest House with a Home Stay opportunity
Welcome to this Guest House with an opportunity to meet the Japanese family who lives in
the house as well.
The house is run by a young and energetic 29-year old host, Taka-san.
The host lives in the house as well as his 93- year-old grandfather. The host`s parents live in
an adjacent house. They run a European style café during the weekend. The café is in the
adjacent house.
The host speaks Japanese and English. The hosts himself lived in Australia and likes
welcoming foreign guests to his house. This is a perfect opportunity for anyone no matter
their background to experience a stay with a Japanese family, learn about Japanese culture,
speak Japanese and eat delicious Japanese food. Taka-san is a social person, likes meeting
new people and telling you about Japan. He is keen on learning more about your culture
and language too. The family consists of the host (man), his parents (mother and father),
and his grandfather, ojisan. There is also a dog who is the security guard of the property.
Don`t worry – he is a well-behaved dog. Previous guests` nationalities were: Poland,
Denmark, Japan, France, America, Russia.
House and its Amenities
When you arrive to Takasan`s house, you will see the Takeda Ruins on the mountain.
This location is often referred as Japanese “Machu Picchu”. Look up into the sky and you will
see the castle ruins bathing in a cotton-like fog. What is amazing about this house is that
from its backyard, you can see the castle hill and admire the castle`s daily bath in the
magnificent cotton-like fog. This atmospheric phenomenon is absolutely breathe-taking.
And imagine, this view can be seen on daily basis from the garden of the house.
The view from the room is pretty amazing too. Imagine you wake up, open the
window and you see a small hill with pine trees and fog over the hill. In the background,
naturally there are traditional Japanese houses. Simply amazing!
Takeda Castle Ruins are located within a 7-minute car drive from the house.
The host
can take you to various sightseeing spots to admire the castle ruins and the fog. One of
them includes a 20-minute basic hike up to a mountain from which you can admire the
panoramic view of the castle. Usually, it is recommended to leave early in the morning as
seeing the Castle Hill bathing in the fog is a must-see experience. Another hiking trail takes
you directly to the castle. You can walk from the house up to the castle hill with the host.
You can do it while there is a fog and when there is none. However, if there is a fog the
experience is unique. The host takes pleasure of showing his guests around the village and
knows the best sightseeing spots to see the castle in its entirely marvellous foggy majestic
tranquillity.
The house will manifest all what there is about a traditional Japanese house.
It is 90 years old – kominka style. You will enter through a genkan, which is an entrance hall with a
raised flooring. This is where you have to take your shoes off and put kawaii house shoes on.
There are multiple sliding doors in the house and some with partitions made of washi
(Japanese paper).
All rooms are open by these sliding doors. Two guest rooms are tatami
rooms.
One room has a bed.
The room occupied by the grandfather has a kotatsu (a
wooden table covered by a futon and heated from below). There is a living room (tatami
style) that you can use.
There is a beautiful garden surrounding the house with benches on which you can sit and
admire the Castle Hill. At night the Castle Hill gets illuminated.
Some of the guests` most favourite part of the house is a spacious kitchen. This is
also the hang out place.
The walls are covered by thin bamboo sticks canvas. You can cook
yourself in the kitchen.
Utensils, dishes and pots are provided. The host has a culinary
training and can also cook for you.
There is an Onni Pizza oven outside, so if you are into
pizza, this can be also arranged for you.
There is a washing station: washer and tumbler as
well as drying area for your clothes. The washing station is free of charge (no to coin laundry
machines!). Free Wifi is available around the house.
Neighbourhood
Within a walking distance, there is a convenience
store (Lawson), and a small shrine (jinja),
a path to the river, train station (15-minute walk),
and city centre of Takeda (15-minute walk). The host can pick you up from the train station
and drive you to cafes, restaurants, and super markets that are within an 8-minute drive.
There are several hot baths, onsen, around. The host is happy to drive you to them. Yofudo
onsen is a nice close by (driving-distance) onsen with internal and external hot baths.
The
rotenburo (outside hot bath) is especially nice.
Meals
While you are staying in this house, you have an option to opt-in for two meals (breakfast
and dinner). The host will prepare a yummy meal for you. There is also an opportunity for a
Japanese barbeque. There is a nice barbeque area and the hosts invites people to join for a
lovely conversation, food and beer.
Trips
There are beautiful places to see around. The host can take you to various spots like
Kinosaki (Onsen Town), drive around the coastline (area: Amanohashidate), Ine Village (old
Japanese sea village). Also camping and hiking is possible. The host can take you there if the
host has time. No charge for gas, but you have to pay for your own meals.
During summer time there are local festivals (hanabitaika – fireworks festival) that you can
enjoy. During spring, by the river and in the mountains, you can see cherry blossom.
Gardening and DYI work
If you want to enjoy some exercise in free nature, you can participate in some work-related
activities such as gardening or a small vegetable farming. For example, you can cut trees in a
Japanese style, you can weed the garden or plant some vegetables. Also, you can participate
in minor DYI house projects like painting, cutting wood, decorating the house. Tell the host
your skill and some project can be arranged for you. In this case, you might receive a
discount on the stay. Just ask!
PRICES:
No meals
3,500 JPY per night
18,000 JPY per week + safety deposit 5,000 JPY
55,000 JPY per month + safety deposit 15,000 JPY
Breakfast + Dinner (2 meals)
4,000 JPY per night
25,000 JPY per week + safety deposit 5,000 JPY
65,000 JPY per month + safety deposit 15,000 JPY