I am New Zealander who has lived in Japan for over 30 years. Japan, its cuisine, and people were so wonderful that one day, maybe after 10 years, I realized I was actually living here, and had no real wish to leave. Every morning I wake up early, exercise and then walk, with two Border Collies, up the river and into the slopes of Mt. Koshosan (where the “Hidden Fortress” at the root of the Star Wars fantasy can be found). After selling my Japan business I decided to invest in destination infrastructure in Akizuki. I hope to revive the local economy, bring new families and life back to the village where the average age of its residents is around 70 years. I also hope to be able to show to visitors, inbound and domestic, the joy of life in this very special, beautiful rural environment. A place just 45 minutes from a major international airport but a million miles away in ambiance.

A renovated Edo period thatched roof house, formerly a “prison” for samurai-engineers who failed to build a stone bridge (the current “Meganebashi”) and were imprisoned until they completed the job. The building is protected under the historical buildings act, and the craftsment who worked on the straw-roof have worked on UNESCO registered buildings throughout the country. Full equipped with modern utilities. Adjacent to a river and surrounded by an abundance of nature, this relaxing setting is a perfect hub for remote working (..or just relaxing!) This traditional Kominka was renovated by Akizuki based aki(architects) in September 2023, who previously work for Kazuyo Sejima + Ryue Nishizawa / SANAA. It has 1 double bed bedroom with a sofa and TV, a fully equipped kitchen + dining room, a washing machine and 2 futon beds. The front of the house looks to the south and at the river side, with plenty of sunlight and a gentle breeze. The back of the house, where the bedroom is, looks at a private Japanese garden through the Engawa, from where you can access the bathroom.

The house is close to the main Akizuki street. Once here you can easily walk to everywhere in the village. Guides to Akizuki are included. The house is alongside a hotaru (firefly) viewing river - season is late May through June. From dusk until about 9pm it can be a wonderland. Interestingly, Akizuki has no reticulated water supply (there is a black-water drainage system though) as it sits on one of Japans top mineral water aquifers. The house has its own mineral water bore. Enjoy water from the tap and have a mineral water shower.