Cultural Originals / Boutique
Kyoto by the Sea
Kyoto by the Sea offers boutique accommodations that are cultural treasures. Stay in restored historical buildings like 130-year-old merchant houses and ancient temples. These unique lodgings emphasize local materials, sustainability, and intimate experiences, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the region's rich heritage and contemporary comforts.
Kyoto by the Sea
Hishiya
Hishiya - Fukuchiyama Located in the centre of the castle town, Hishiya is locally owned and operated and was opened with sustainability at the forefront. The design elements, architecture, materials, and artwork, are all local. From locally sourced slabs of Tamba Sasayama stone for the dining room, to washi paper artwork and wallpaper, aizome dye mixed into the earthen walls, locally produced glass features, local cedar-bark doors for the rooms, and even the soaps and shampoos made from only natural ingredients. The entire concept of this hotel was to feature locals and support locals. The breakfast is also locally sourced, and they don’t offer dinner because they want people to experience the restaurants in the beautiful castle town of Fukuchiyama.​
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Shorekiji Temple
Monk Tamagawa was born and raised at Shorekiji, a temple with over a 1,000-year history only an hour outside Kyoto City. After high school, he attended a Buddhist university at sacred Mt. Koya, where he studied, graduated, and continued to train for a total of eight years. He has a big heart, and is also a skilled artist and chef. This is a unique chance to stay in temple only an hour outside of Kyoto City. Nachisan Shorekiji temple offers zen meditation in both a bamboo grove and fall foliage setting, “nezen” sleeping meditation under a 600-year-old temple tree, calligraphy, nature hikes, river kayaking, cold water bathing, and cooking. The local, multi-course meals will fuel you through a day of mindfulness and activity.​
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Saika-an
Located in central Nishi-Maizuru, a historic harbor city, this 130 year old merchant’s house has been beautifully renovated for visitors looking for a contemporary stay in a historic house. The main building has two floors and with bedrooms on each floor, and has been renovated using locally sourced materials. There is a second accommodation on site in the adjoining building that also has two bedrooms. The optional breakfast features fish caught by the manager and other local ingredients.​
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Akita
Akita's boutique accommodations provide authentic experiences steeped in history and charm. From perfectly restored samurai residences in Kakunodate to a lakeside inn owned by a jazz musician, these stays offer intimate luxury and personalised hospitality. Guests can enjoy traditional breakfasts and are within walking distance of local attractions and dining spots.
Wanoi
Wanoi is an upscale concept “hotel” compromising three perfectly restored old buildings scattered around Kakunodate town. Wanoi - an antiquated term used to refer to the “Japanese way of life” is designed to transport guests to a bygone era through preserving and showcasing the original purposes of the buildings: a fabric shop, a pickle storehouse, and a former samurai residence. The experience offered by each is truly original, intimate and modestly luxurious. The buildings range from accommodating 4 to 6 guests and include a traditional Japanese bento breakfast. Each is located in the heart of Kakunodate town and within walking distance of the main attractions and dining spots.​
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That Sounds Good Inn
Quirky, charming, only in Japan. This delightful family-run Inn on the shores of Lake Tazawa is a local favourite - the breakfast, prepared with great care by the owner’s wife “Yuri-san” is considered in itself to be a key attraction of the area. Jazz musician owner, Tatsuya-san has realised his dream with this wonderful, characterful property. His guesthouse Café is also his occasional stage (together with other local muso’s) as is it equipped with an array of musical instruments. Both he and Yuri-san speak good, the rooms are immaculately clean, functional and spacious. Some of them also have lake views and can accommodate families. That sound good?​
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