[Short Stay] An Exclusive Stay in a Traditional Japanese Residence and a Serene Exploration of the Shirakawa-go World Heritage Site

At the Foot of Mount Kurai, Seasons Unfold over Rolling Hills and Rice Paddies

Founded during the Edo period (1603-1868), Hida Takayama is a historic castle town and merchant stronghold. A mere 20-minute drive from the old city center, amidst a rich old-fashioned townscape, sits Villa Mitoreya. The villa is also a stone’s throw from Hida Ichinomiya Minashi Shrine, which has been a focal point of spiritual life in Hida since the beginning – along with its sacred Mount Kurai, one of the most famous peaks in Japan, from whose foot spreads a majestic landscape where tradition and nature are deeply intertwined.

The tranquil Hida Ichimoniya Mizunashi Shrine, representing the faith of Hida’s people

The changing of the seasons here is palpable, beautiful, and evocative, taking the forms of the most quintessential landscapes of Japan: weeping cherry blossoms along the river in spring, rice stalks swaying in the breeze of summer, brilliant bursts of red foliage in autumn, and an all-encompassing blanket of white in the winter.

Villa Mitoreya’s veranda view

The Sukiya-style Architecture of Hida, a Tapestry of Artisanal Skill

The structure of Villa Mitoreya was originally the vacation home of the current owner’s parents. 95% of the wood used in its construction was harvested from the local mountains, with every detail of the design carefully pored over for five years of planning. Since then, the house has been very little used – which is something the current owner wanted to change, hoping to bring more people into contact with the craftsmanship of Hida’s artisans and the pace of its mountain village life. In 2018, the property was reborn as a rental villa.

An overlapping double-roof design gives the structure an august majesty

“This is about cherishing another way of life,” says the owner. In keeping with the original spirit of the structure as a residence, exclusive use by a single group per stay is a core concept. Some guests use the structure as a place to privately relax, while others use it as a launch pad for an exploration of the broader Hida region. Villa Mitoreya aims to cater to each different approach to travel, fostering unique, unforgettable experiences.

An elegant hanging lantern marks the entrance

A Place of Gentle Breezes and Union with Nature

Slide open Villa Mitoreya’s wooden entryway doors and step into a living room filled with the warmth of natural wood construction. Beyond, the dining room windows open a sprawling view of a pristine expanse of Hida countryside. The construction of this house takes advantage of natural ventilation to generate its own breeze, making it comfortable even in summer without electric fans or air conditioners.

Skillful artisanal construction is on full display, in seamless harmony with the nature of Hida

A variety of both subtle and eye-catching details are on display in the house, showcasing the impressive craft traditions of Hida. Of particular note are the gassho-style triangular wood-beam ceiling of the living room, and the umbrella-rib ceiling design of the tatami room – as well as the local craft furnishings like the furniture and ema Shinto votive plaques.

A single train crosses the landscape as a gentle breeze picks up in this luxurious view of the slow life of Hida

To get the most out of the natural surroundings during your stay, try relaxing under the eaves of the traditional engawa veranda, taking in gentle birdsong and the occasional clitter-clatter of a train passing in the distance. The glimpses you catch of these passenger trains crossing this lush landscape are sure to stick with you as nostalgic memories of your time in Japan.

Surviving Exemplar of the Traditional Gassho-style Folk Residence: Shirakawa-go

Another highlight of this stay plan is the included, Wabunka-exclusive tour of the Shirakawa-go World Heritage Site – a rare remnant of the ancient village landscapes of Japan. This is a sleepy gassho-style village nestled deep in the Hida mountains, containing over one hundred historical buildings of various sizes. The view from the observation deck here is a gorgeous landscape painting unto itself, and a stroll through the village is apt to stop the sensation of time passing altogether. But the true beauty is more than visual – it’s in the lifestyle of the village, the harmony with nature, and the resilience of the people in cherishing and preserving these historic family homes to the present day.

The traditional, rustic Gassho-style houses for which Shirakawa-go is famous

Your tour departs from and returns to Mitoreya directly, stopping first at the Shirakawa-go observation deck before continuing down for a stroll about the village itself. Enjoy an interior tour of one of the gassho structures, visiting a temple and sampling local delicacies like Hida beef or goheimochi sweet grilled rice cake skewers. The tour is completely private and customized to your interests, offering guidance off the beaten path of the usual tourist spots at your own pace.

Discover the Real Hida through Optional Tours

For those hoping to dive deeper into what Hida has to offer, Wabunka offers a lineup of exclusive tour experience options (additional fees apply). In addition to the included stay at Villa Mitoreya and the tour of Shirakawa-go, choose from four private, bespoke experience packages. These are recommended for anyone hoping to experience Hida’s nature and culture on a deeper level.
*We recommend an extended two-night, three-day stay to make the most of these options. If you wish to extend your stay, please notify us by making a note in the “questions” section when making your reservation.

1. Takayama Town Walk

With streets that still powerfully evoke their Edo-period origins, Takayama is a veritable step back in time to the romantic yesteryear of Japan. Highlights of this old townscape include the former government office, Takayama Shrine, and the morning market.

Lattice-door buildings line the streets in the city’s old townscape

2. Sake Brewery Experience

A sake brewery visit including tasting of sake brewed with meltwater from the Northern Japan Alps. The large cedar ball traditionally marking the entrance to sake breweries marks your gateway to a full tour and tasting experience.

Refreshing, mellow-flavored sake

3. Zazen Meditation

Experience monk-guided zazen meditation at a temple alongside the Higashiyama Walking Course. After a quiet meditation on the spirit of Zen, enjoy a leisurely stroll along the cobblestone streets.

Silent meditation naturally brings the mind to gentle focus

4. Hiking (includes lunch)

Enjoy a hike in the Hida mountains, including the Northern Alps, Norikura, and Mount Kurai. Depending on the season, you can also try snow hiking or sawanobori shower climbing.

Feel the power of nature in the mountains of Hida at this waterfall

Villa Mitoreya is Your Home Base for a Genuine Experience of Hida

Hida Takayama is a popular domestic and international tourist draw in Japan, but this trip is about much more than simply seeing the sights and ticking boxes. It’s a chance to plumb the historic culture of Japan through deep immersion in everyday life, with Villa Mitoreya as your home base. Here you can unplug from the digital world, leaving TV and Wi-Fi far behind. Get hands on with Hida’s nature, artisanal culture, and ancient traditions.

A special opportunity to luxuriate in the everyday life of Hida Takayama

Many guests choose to stay multiple nights to make the most of this opportunity, returning from active sightseeing, tours, and cultural experiences in Hida Takayama and Shirakawa-go before taking some quieter time in the afterglow to enjoy the day-to-day of Hida at Villa Mitoreya. With no other guests on the premises, it is an environment where you can really enjoy your time here in your own way and at your own pace. The memories you take home with you won’t just be memories of Hida; they’ll be memories of your Hida.