NIPPONIA: Experience Life In A Japanese Village

Experiencing Life in a Japanese Village

Picture courtesy of NIPPONIA Kosuge Genryu-no-Mura. ©Kazuhiko Hakamada

Tucked away in the mountains of Yamanashi, surrounded by untouched primeval forests, is the small village of Kosuge. While it only takes two hours to reach Kosuge by car from Tokyo, traveling to this mountain getaway feels like stepping into another world.

This article will introduce NIPPONIA, Kosuge's unique travel resort, as well as a way for you to support the village residents.

NIPPONIA Project Details

Turning a Village of 700 into a Hotel

Picture courtesy of NIPPONIA Kosuge Genryu-no-Mura. ©Kazuhiko Hakamada

NIPPONIA Kosuge Genryu-no-Mura is a unique accommodation and travel experience whose concept is "turning a village into a hotel." The resort's staff are all residents of the 700-person village. The guest rooms are converted private residences with more than a century of history.

Even the meals are prepared from local ingredients, taking advantage of Kosuge's extensive fishing and agriculture. NIPPONIA also offers a number of activities to help guests enjoy the unspoiled nature and rustic charm of Kosuge.

Staying in a 150-Year-Old Mansion

Picture courtesy of NIPPONIA Kosuge Genryu-no-Mura. ©Kazuhiko Hakamada

NIPPONIA's accommodations consist of four twin rooms and two cottages. The twin rooms are converted from the village's 150-year-old "Ohya" mansion. Once owned by a family that made their fortune producing silk, walking the halls of this historical residence will transport you to a land of beautiful architecture and striking nature.

The first of the mansion's rooms is the Creator's Twin; once a study, this room has a large window that opens to a stunning mountain vista. The Bamboo View Twin includes a veranda that looks out on a bamboo grove.

If you want to really stretch out and unwind after a day in nature, the Hanare Dozo Twin, converted from a traditional warehouse, boasts a spacious traditional bath and hallway complete with art. Finally, the Garden View Suite features a Japanese garden, veranda, and parlor.

Picture courtesy of NIPPONIA Kosuge Genryu-no-Mura. ©Kazuhiko Hakamada

If the Ohya mansion isn't your style, NIPPONIA recently opened the Cliffside Villa, two cottages renovated from 100-year-old houses. Built at the crest of a steep hill, these houses offer unmatched views of the surrounding mountains.

While the resort preserves the historical architecture of Kosuge village, you won't be going without modern comforts; the renovations to each guest room include modern air conditioning and amenities, as well as queen size beds.

Enjoying Local Cuisine

Picture courtesy of NIPPONIA Kosuge Genryu-no-Mura. ©Kazuhiko Hakamada
Kosuge sits at the source of Tama River, which carries freshwater across the Kanto region. This river is an incredible boon for the village's fishing and agriculture, and helps them produce some of the most delicious regional food in all of Japan.

The meals served at NIPPONIA are made almost entirely from local ingredients, so you can enjoy the bounty of nature the same way the villagers have for hundreds of years.

Meals are prepared at 24sekki, a restaurant converted from the Ohya mansion's servant's house, and served in-room.

Hanging Out with the Locals

Picture courtesy of NIPPONIA Kosuge Genryu-no-Mura. ©Kazuhiko Hakamada

Since all of the staff are residents of Kosuge, it's easy for NIPPONIA to help guests enjoy everything that the village has to offer.

The resort offers a number of activities, including nature walks, hiking to a nearby waterfall, and electric bicycle rental. You can even join in harvesting regional specialties like wasabi!

A Unique Travel Opportunity

Picture courtesy of NIPPONIA Kosuge Genryu-no-Mura. ©Kazuhiko Hakamada
Staying at NIPPONIA Kosuge Genryu-no-Mura is a unique way to truly experience life in a Japanese village. If you want to fully immerse yourself in the history and culture of Japan, consider visiting Kosuge!

If you want to learn more about Kosuge and NIPPONIA, or you're interested in planning a trip, consider visiting their crowdfunding page. It's a great way to support the residents, and buy tickets for a stay at the village.

NIPPONIA Project Details

In cooperation with NIPPONIA Kosuge Genryu-no-Mura
Main image courtesy of NIPPONIA Kosuge Genryu-no-Mura. Picture by Kazuhiko Hakamada