Eco-tour with art, nature, and canine companionship in Kyoto’s satoyama

Located in Nantan City, Kyoto Prefecture, THYME is a renovated traditional Japanese inn that doubles as an art resort, dog-friendly cafe, and natural dog run. THYME promotes “art as part of daily life,” offering an alternative lifestyle model that celebrates cultural heritage, sustainable living, and animal companionship.

From 6 June 2025, THYME will host the textile exhibition “Onkochishin – Creating new by weaving the past” in collaboration with the esteemed Nishijin textile atelier, Tatsumura Art Textile. The exhibition, which runs until 31 August, will feature around 20 elaborately woven textiles that revive ancient animal and plant motifs. Entry is free for guests using the cafe or accommodation.

THYME is a place offering traditional artistry, nature, and sustainable values together. The dog-friendly lodging is set in a lovingly restored kominka (traditional house), where guests are surrounded by oil paintings and textile collages created by the owner’s late mother, herself a painter. The space offers an immersive experience, making guests feel as though they are staying in a living gallery.

In addition, THYME features a café and exhibition space that regularly hosts animal-themed exhibitions with bilingual descriptions, welcoming both domestic and international visitors. Outside, a thoughtfully designed dog run integrates seamlessly with the natural landscape, offering separate areas for small and larger breeds to enjoy free and safe movement.

THYME curates regular exhibitions focused on animal motifs and sustainability. Past exhibitions includes “Dog Observation”, featuring dogs captured from underneath in monochrome.

The facility’s third major exhibition introduces the beauty of Nishijin weaving, many of which draw on ancient designs from regions such as the Shōsōin Repository, Sassanid Persia, and Celtic Europe. Having collaborated with Christian Dior, Tatsumura Art Textile has helped transmit the philosophy of “art textiles” to international audiences. Each piece is paired with explanatory notes in Japanese and English, allowing visitors to uncover the stories embedded in the threads.