The owners of this historical hotel being the Yoda family (a descendant is my mother-in-laws school friend) originated from Nagano and dealt in charcoal, but due to feuding clans many centuries ago the family moved to the Shizuoka area. Moving with the times and with the recent doors of Japan opening up to the western world, they changed their business to silk. They grew silk worms which was a very financially viable business to be in at the time with their main business as international merchants. Hence the impressive hotel was firstly built as a family home more than 300 years ago and then an onsen hotel for 55 years before deciding to close its doors in 2014.
As you can see time has weathered this beauty but with both the support from the local towns people and a group of history professors (from a well known university in Tokyo), they have come together to maintain its future in the town of Matsuzaki, which is a real credit to them.
While I can't be completely sure, this pathway maybe made of roof tiles that have been cut down, which I love! It's all in the detail!
Walking inside the entrance you are welcomed by these impressive beams which command your attention.
The art show was in full swing! Much to see and appreciate as we enjoyed the ambience.
A view of the ceiling. Real craftsmanship with wood panelling is present everywhere you look.
The hotel is made up of different buildings with a centre Japanese garden connecting them. But just imagine for a moment a small pond with crystal clear water flowing over precisely placed rocks and the bamboo shishi-odoshi (water fountain used to scare away deer) filling up with water and then breaking the quietness of the tranquil garden when it hits a rock. I could so imagine myself walking by this garden wearing my kimono or sitting along the terrance enjoying a class of omeshu (plum wine). The atmosphere of this place really does emit a bygone era.
Walking outside you can see the effect of weathering on this fence line that was treated with the yakisugi technique. And below an example of using bamboo for a fence. This whole hotel gave us ideas for Obachan's humble farmhouse. Presently, the hotel is used for history students with study camps, which I think would be a wonderful experience as a student.
It is a true example of community spirit and the desire to retain ones valuable history. We hope they will hold more events that we can support in our own small way.
