Step back in time to a unique historic property deep in the mountains. Kawasemi Cottage supports rural livelihoods & celebrates retro style in a stunning natural setting. As the only guests, simply relax in the private cottage & bathhouse and enjoy the tranquility of the classic landscape garden & shrine. Or let us be your personal concierge to connect to curated outdoor & cultural activities. Discount for >2 nights. Lunch/dinner catering available. Teahouse opens Sat 10-4. Access by train/bus.
The space
We are proud to offer you private use of Kawasemi Cottage, a charming and cozy 75-year-old guesthouse located on a large estate formerly belonging to one of the area's wealthiest families. The estate is set above the village of Awabara, looking down at the Sasama River, which you can hear as you relax on the cottage's veranda or drift off to sleep. Your booking also includes private use of "Awa-yu", a retro-inspired bathhouse with handmade ceramic tubs, art deco furnishings and a hidden deck for stargazing. Our teahouse "Chaya Hotaru" operates on Saturdays from 10:00 to 16:00 offering local teas, espresso and other select coffees, cream soda and baked goods to locals and visitors. As of late November 2025, our vintage gallery--"Kaisoukan"--will be open during teahouse operating hours and on request (free admission). There you can view old photos of local village life as well as a collection of antiques from the Showa and Taisho eras that were found on the property.
We have aimed to restore the estate to its former grandeur while finding the optimal balance of tradition and comfort. If you're a fan of traditional Japanese style (particularly from the SHOWA period) you'll surely appreciate our:
- TATAMI mat rooms (2 rooms, 8 mats each) with ZABUTON (traditional cushions)
- ENGAWA (veranda with sliding glass doors) at the front and back of the cottage
- SHOJI screens (made of translucent paper) that allow in light while offering privacy
- RANMA transoms (a traditional type of window above entrances)
- a HORI-KOTATSU (table with heater sunk into the floor)
- artwork reflecting Japanese craftsmanship, e.g. oiled-paper umbrellas
- vintage dishware from the estate
But to ensure your comfort we also provide:
- wooden lounge chairs for those who prefer not to sit on the floor, as well as a kitchen table which can be used as a work desk
- four individual futons with extra padding, MUJI linens and buckwheat pillows
- winterized glass doors surrounding the bedroom and sitting room that can be shut to retain heat or air conditioning
- wall mounted heating/air conditioning unit (we don't use kerosene stoves)
- high speed (fiber optic) wireless internet
- modernized washlet toilet, washstand and shower
- full-size kitchen with refrigerator, induction cooktop, rice cooker, water boiler, and microwave
- complimentary coffee and local green tea
While the village affords visitors an authentic taste of rural life it is tiny and does not have restaurants or shops. If you arrive by car, we'll introduce you to the nearest restaurants and/or shops for buying groceries. Alternatively, we can arrange to have lunch and/or dinner delivered from one of the local caters offering graded menus for various prices. (Please note that it is very important to request meal deliveries well in advance. The providers are local women making individual bentos/dinner sets and not take-out establishments.)
We can arrange for you, or put you in touch with operators, to participate in a variety of local, curated outdoor and cultural activities (additional fees may apply). If you like being outside but still feeling relaxed we recommend hiking (several courses described and mapped in the cottage guidebook), river walking and dipping (when conditions are favorable), or an awesome forest bathing site. For the more adventurous there is world class paragliding, kayaking, grass skiing and horseback riding nearby (in some cases operators will come to pick you up). To fully savor being in Japan we recommend a cooking class and/or tea farm experience in the village, or a kimono dressing experience or learning about koto music right here on the estate. Even if you're not necessarily a trainspotter, this area is famous for its historical trains (both steam and rack-and-pinion) with fabulous scenery especially in cherry blossom and fall foliage seasons. Or check out the nearby old Tokaido road sites nearby as immortalized in UKIYO-E woodblock prints.
Guest access
Kawasemi Cottage is a self-contained unit with a separate entrance. Guests will be given keys and can come and go as they please. Guests can also explore the grounds of the estate. Host will be present on site throughout your stay if needed but after check-in your complete privacy is also assured.
Other things to note
Guests should be aware that encounters with insects and other small animals are likely and part of the package of staying in an area surrounded by nature.
The village does not have a restaurant or convenience store. Please see "the space" section above for information on alternatives. If you plan to order catering, please contact us well in advance--it is possible that catering will not be available for all lunches and dinners, especially during long stays.
Flagstones and other rocks on the estate can be slippery when wet--please watch your step.
We comply fully with Japan's strict MINPAKU regulations for smoke detectors, fire alarms, fire extinguishers and emergency flashlight. (Smoking is not permitted in the cottage or anywhere else on the estate. No BBQing or open flame cooking is allowed anywhere on the estate. )
Please be prepared to provide your identification documents (passport, Japanese residency card or other) for copying in accordance with Japan's MINPAKU regulations. Your understanding is appreciated.
Registration Details
M220022175
