Exquisite thatched-roof country lodge stay Nature and culture - an experience deep in the heart of rural Japan

EXPERIENCE / TOUR EXTENSION 3 days

Highlights

• Profound and wonderful cultural experiences • Beautiful rural surroundings • Stunning panoramic sunrise views • Complimentary bicycle use • Two nights at a traditional thatched-roof Japanese • Peaceful atmosphere and lovely architecture villa

In the north-east of Nara prefecture, Fukano was designated as “One of the Japan’s best 100 mountain villages”. With just 36 households, the village community is promoting the conservation of unspoilt landscape in the Japanese countryside. The traditional thatched-roof villa forms part of the traditional landscape of agricultural villages and farmhouses.

The villa’s owner is also a ascetic monk. After many years of city life, Matsubayashi-san decided to return to his childhood surroundings in the Japanese countryside. He bought an old house and decided to restore it with meticulous detail. He now welcomes guests and takes pride in the beauty of his villa’s traditional architecture as well as the wonderful natural surroundings. Matsubayashi-san wants his villa and his village to preserve both physical beauty and cultural traditions. With this in mind, he offers his guests the opportunity to experience various aspects of traditional culture. Depending on availability, your host may choose to offer complimentary lessons on the bamboo flute, the Horagai shell or the Japanese drum; there may also be sessions of yoga and Zen meditation. Energetic guests can explore the lovely area around the villa by bicycle or on foot. The well-known Akame Forty-Eight Waterfalls, where warriors used to train, are all a short drive away.

1 ITINERARY

DAY 1 ➤ Travel to Fukano Travel by train to Akame. The Villa’s owner will collect you at Akame station and drive you to the village of Fukano, where the inn is located. Spend your first day exploring the area or relaxing and enjoying the peaceful atmosphere of the villa. Accommodation: Gassho-zukuri thached-roof house

DAY 2 ➤ Experiencing the lifestyle Today, you can borrow bicycles to explore the area. Choose from the available cultural experiences - lessons on the bamboo flute, Horagai (conch shell trumpet) lesson or Japanese drum, or perhaps try a yoga or Zen meditation session. Visit the nearby Akame Forty-Eight Waterfalls and catch the echos of Ninja warriors who trained here in the past. Accommodation: Gassho-zukuri thached-roof house

DAY 3 ➤ Depart from Fukano Today, you can admire the light of another sunrise on the surrounding mountains. After breakfast, you head onwards by train to your next destination.

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