Breathing within the essence of life at whole-house rental in tranquil satoyama

Imagine looking at neatly arranged rice stalks swaying gently in the wind in endless Japanese rural scenery. And if you listen closely, you can hear the chirping of birds and the sounds of insects. Just taking a deep breath in such an environment seems to reveal one’s inner thoughts.

Fujimi Town in Nagano Prefecture is a small village nestled near the border of Nagano and Yamanashi Prefectures. This place, steeped in numerous small legends, offers a dynamic environment with views of the Southern Alps, Mt. Yatsugatake and even Mt. Fuji in the distance.

Beneath the earth’s surface lies a massive block of lava formed during the collapse (major eruption) of the Yatsugatake mountain range about 200,000 years ago. The lush little forest visible nearby and the continuing valleys beyond it bear witness to the passage of time, accumulating a sense of deep history.

During the Jomon period, many activities were held here. Over time, up to the present day, this rural mountain village known as “satoyama” has been protected by its people. The area serves as a precious sacred field (shinden) for Suwa Grand Shrine due to its abundant water and mild climate.

As you proceed deeper into the small village, surrounded by endless rice fields, you come across a building that seems to have come straight out of a fairy tale.

Japan’s first whole-house rental accommodation designed by renowned architect Terunobu Fujimori

In Fujimi Town, Kodomari Fuji opened its doors in August 2023. It is a whole-house rental accommodation designed for the purpose of experiencing a slow and fulfilling stay in the scenic rural landscape woven by people and nature. The concept is to “breathe within the essence of life.”

While the building is a single-story structure with an elongated layout, it features a tunnel-like design carved along the road. Additionally, in homage to the 300-year-old weeping cherry tree, a symbol of the region, a cherry tree is planted on the copper-roofed top. These surely make it a distinctive structure with its exterior covered in burnt cedar boards.

The mastermind behind this project is the world-renowned architect, Terunobu Fujimori. Hailing from Chino City, Nagano Prefecture, Fujimori’s central architectural theme revolves around harmony with nature. His buildings, designed on the foundation of his knowledge as an architectural historian, are described as nostalgic yet not fitting into any country or era’s architectural norms. His approach to incorporating plants into buildings and his unique use of materials and sensibilities have earned him high acclaim worldwide.

Kodomari Fuji features collaborative design

Enchanted by Fujimori’s architecture and drawn to his unique atmosphere, the owner of the accommodation commissioned him to design the lodging. With the collaboration of Fujimori and many others, construction began after 13 years of planning. In August 2023, Kodomari Fuji opened its doors in an ideal setting.

Surrounded by rice fields and situated on a hill with a 4,000-square-meter property offering stunning mountain views, the small accommodation features rooms with an area of 63 square meters, limited to one group per day (up to 5 people). Since facility staff do not remain on-site after check-in, guests can fully immerse themselves in the world of Fujimori’s architecture in complete privacy.

One of Fujimori’s distinctive architectural features is the design of attaching charcoal to the plaster ceilings. As a part of the accommodation’s commemorative experience, guests are invited to affix small pieces of charcoal to the bedroom ceiling.

Over approximately one year, these pieces are gradually completed. It seems to embody Fujimori’s words when he says, “Architecture is interesting because it can involve everyone.” Furthermore, the plan is to further integrate the building into its surroundings. The accommodation intends to revive the rice fields on the property, plant trees and slowly aim for completion.

An experience of rural life woven by people and nature

Indoors, there is a cozy living room with an open deck and a tranquil bedroom where you can rest peacefully. In the summer, you can relax on the deck, and in the winter, you can enjoy a leisurely evening by the fireplace. In this serene location, you can savor the unhurried passage of time. Amenities are kept to a minimum, and there is a fully equipped mini-kitchen. Staying at the accommodation and cooking with locally sourced ingredients is also a delightful option unique to this area.

Adjacent to the accommodation, there is also a pantry store exclusively for guests (functioning like a shop) where you can purchase local food and beverages, ensuring a complete and fulfilling stay.

In the midst of the expansive rural landscape, stands the solitary lodging of Kodomari Fuji. Here, there is a sense of pride in having thrived as a sacred field and the unique scenery and air that can be savored in every season.

Surrender yourself to the satoyama landscape woven by people and nature, and let your heart leisurely unwind. Experience a stay where such tranquility effortlessly emerges.

Originally published on Livhub.