Things to do
Enjoy the activities available in the Japanese countryside!
Outdoor Activities
Hida Satoyama Cycling
Enjoy a casual bike ride through the Japanese countryside. Engage your senses with the beautiful landscape of the Hida region and interaction with the locals. An English speaking guide will navigate travelers through town and farmlands for a unique travel experience. Families with small children are welcome. For more information and reservation, click here. (Note: This link will take you to an external website)
See trip advisor for reviews of this service.
Volunteer with the Hida Minaka Otasuke-tai Project
Interested in an opportunity to help out in the Japanese countryside and learn how to maintain the traditional Japanese houses using all natural methods? For a very rare opportunity to take an up close and personal look at traditional Japanese architecture, we highly recommend this activity.
Overview
Volunteer dates and details:
April 8, 2012 (Sunday)
Travel the Japanese Countryside
Rural Japan Explorer
For those that want a customized trip through the Japanese countryside and more, Rural Japan Explorer is the travel agency that can assist and produce a once in a lifetime travel experience for you. English speaking agents will assist you with identifying your travel needs and will provide you with any travel advice. For more information, click here. (Note: This link will take you to an external website)
Rent a “Minka” (Old Folk House) in the Japanese Countryside
“Minka” is a private home, often built over 100 years ago. They are often large (several bedrooms) and suited for families and groups. Below are the available houses for rent. If you are interested in staying in one of these furnished homes while exploring the countryside, please contact us.
Takayama Itakura House
"Irori" or traditional fireplace overlooking the creek and forest available for use on the property
Above: View of the house from outside. Right: View from the living space overlooking the creek running through the property.
This creekside location in Takayama used to be a wooden storage house remodeled into a residence. The original building is over 100 years old. Itakura buildings are rare these days, as most have been taken down due to modernization of Japan. Only a 10 minute drive from Takayama City, this site is quiet and great for those that want to spend time away from the tourist activities and yet enjoy the beauty of the Japanese countryside.
The building itself is 2 stories, and the interior is designed similar to a studio with a loft. Each floor is approximately 3.5m x 4.5 m. The first floor is one open space which includes a full kitchen, dining bar, and living space. Adjacent to the open space is a western style bathroom. The second floor is also one open space designed as a sleeping area with Japanese futon mats. This cozy setup on a picturesque property is ideal for people that wish to enjoy nature and peace and quiet it can offer.
The building itself is 2 stories, and the interior is designed similar to a studio with a loft. Each floor is approximately 3.5m x 4.5 m. The first floor is one open space which includes a full kitchen, dining bar, and living space. Adjacent to the open space is a western style bathroom. The second floor is also one open space designed as a sleeping area with Japanese futon mats. This cozy setup on a picturesque property is ideal for people that wish to enjoy nature and peace and quiet it can offer.
| Minimum Stay | 2 days |
|---|---|
| Rate | 30,000 yen/day or 50,000 yen/week + 700 yen/day for utilities |
| Capacity | Can house up to 3 adults or 1 family |
| Facilities | Futon mats Fully furnished kitchen Western style toilet Bath house |
| Internet | Free internet available |
| Other information | 10 minutes to Takayama station by car or taxi. 5 minute walk to nearest onsen (hot spring) facility and restaurant (Hotel Associa Takayama Resort) 2 mountain bikes available on site for use free of charge |
For more photographs of this site, please see our Facebook page album
For more information and availability, please contact us.
For more information and availability, please contact us.
"Matsutaro"
Located in the “Sugou” area of the Hida City, this large renovated 90 year old house is often rented out to families in the cities as summer residences to avoid the summer heat in the cities. Summers are cool and winters can be quite cold, but ski slopes are nearby. The area has great spring water, and so local soba (buckwheat noodles) which require good water, are excellent here.
| Minimum stay | 3 days |
|---|---|
| Rate | 15,000 yen/day + 700 yen/day for utilities |
| Capacity | Can house up to 5 persons |
| Internet | Free high speed internet available (wired connection) |
| Facilities | Futon mats Fully furnished kitchen Western style toilet |
| Other information | Need a car to reach this area Available mid-September 2011 |
For more information and availability, please contact us.
