Takayama City, located in Gifu Prefecture, is surrounded by the towering peaks of Mt. Norikura to the east, Mt. Ontake to the south, Mt. Hakusan to the west, and Mt. Tateyama to the north. Once a small mountain village, Takayama blossomed into a bustling castle town by the 17th century, with a strong focus on commerce and economy. The city's Traditional Buildings Preservation District was modeled after Kyoto and still maintains its historical charm, offering a glimpse of Hida Takayama’s storied past.

This townscape reflects the wisdom and aesthetics of those who live in harmony with the mountains. Local crafts like Hida’s intricate wooden architecture and Shibukusayaki ceramics are still passed down and part of everyday life.

TANIYA offers an immersive experience of Hida Takayama’s culture and aesthetic, making you feel as though you are living within it. Set in the Traditional Buildings Preservation District, this one-group-per-day villa was once part of the Kusakabe Folk Crafts Museum, an Important Cultural Property. Renovated with care, it brings together Hida’s traditions and modern design in a quiet, thoughtful space.

At TANIYA, hostess Nobuko Kusakabe will greet you with tea and share the stories behind each piece of sculptural furniture, offering a warm, personal experience as if you were visiting an old friend.

“The people of Hida Takayama have maintained a simple yet beautiful way of life, supporting one another in the face of nature’s challenges. I’d like our guests to experience a part of that spirit. Through their stay at TANIYA, I hope to offer moments that enrich their daily lives and provide fresh insights. That’s the heart of what I wish to share with every guest,” says Nobuko.

TANIYA, a townhouse built during the Meiji period (1868-1912), is more than a century old. It has been thoughtfully renovated to preserve the charm of traditional townhouse architecture while incorporating the refined sensibilities of contemporary craftsmen and furniture makers.

The first floor exudes the warm aroma of Hida wood, with spaces like a tea room, an open-ceiling doma dining room, and a cypress bath, all centered around a courtyard bathed in natural light. The second floor features two bedrooms with distinct styles, complemented by works from contemporary artists, including original furniture by Takayama’s SUNGTAE. Every room combines traditional and modern beauty, offering the feeling of staying in an art gallery.

In the evening, you can relax in the adjacent Kusakabe Folk Crafts Museum, an Important Cultural Property, as your private lounge. In this intimate setting, enjoy a chat over drinks with Masaru Kusakabe, the 13th head of the Kusakabe family. It’s a rare opportunity to hear firsthand the history of Hida, a place deeply connected to its mountains, and the spirit of the Hida people, who have long respected nature.

On the second day, you’ll explore the art of painting Shibukusayaki, a traditional craft that defines Hida Takayama. Nobuko, your innkeeper, will guide you to Houkokusha, a pottery studio with a long and distinguished history. Shibukusayaki traces its origins to 1841, when a local administrative official sought to create a new pottery industry using the region’s high-quality clay. Over the years, Houkokusha has earned acclaim, including awards at the 1900 Paris World’s Fair and the 1910 Japan-British Exhibition.

Shibukusayaki is known for its intricate and vibrant overglaze paintings on pale porcelain, with unique glazes and paints created from a mixture of gosu (a cobalt-based mineral). The techniques behind these pieces were refined through the study of famed Japanese ceramics from Kutani, Seto, Mino, Arita, and Kyoto.

During the experience, you’ll receive direct guidance from painting craftsman Kojiro Matsuyama. He’ll introduce you to overglaze painting with gosu-akae (gosu red painting). According to Matsuyama, the key to painting is “freedom of expression.” Rather than striving for perfection, he encourages you to let your instincts guide the brush, allowing your vision to flow naturally. You’ll be amazed by the craftsmanship as you put this philosophy into practice.

During your stay, you’ll have the opportunity to visit the Kusakabe Folk Crafts Museum, a special place where the essence of Hida Takayama’s culture comes to life. Masaru Kusakabe, the 13th head of the Kusakabe family and the museum’s director, will personally guide you through the museum. He’ll provide detailed insights into the townhouse architecture, designated as an Important Cultural Property, and the historical significance of its artifacts. Take your time to immerse yourself in the history and legacy of the Kusakabe family, which traces back to the Edo period (1603-1867), and explore the deep-rooted culture and spirituality of this land.

One of the most striking features of the museum is the earthen floor space, which extends up to the third floor. The dynamic structure, supported by heavy beams and tsukabashira (pillars), was carefully reconstructed by master carpenter Jisuke Kawajiri as “show architecture,” preserving the original design after the building was destroyed in the Takayama fire of 1875. This technique, which uses minimal nails, is also seen in the gassho-style houses of Shirakawa-go, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and exemplifies the essence of Hida’s architectural tradition.

More than 300 items are on display at any given time, including Shibukusayaki pottery, ceramics, lacquerware, and household items used during the 1800s and early 1900s. "While these objects may seem modest or inconvenient by today’s standards, each one reflects a life lived within its means,” says Masaru and Nobuko. “We aim to preserve and convey the spirit of that time.”

This exclusive three-day experience offers a deep connection to the culture and traditions of Hida Takayama, a region shaped by the Kusakabe family’s influence over the past 300 years. Enjoy the opportunity to stay in a historic townhouse and explore the art of Shibukusayaki pottery through the guidance of a local artisan. As you learn about the deep respect the people of Hida have for their craft and heritage, the warmth and hospitality of TANIYA will provide a moment of reflection on the simple yet profound richness of life.