#SlowTravelJapan

ONSEN

Stay at a Renovated School in the Mountains: Katakuri-no-Yado, a Hidden Hot Spring in Akiyamago

Stay at a Renovated School in the Mountains: Katakuri-no-Yado, a Hidden Hot Spring in Akiyamago Trip date: June 2022 (Wrapped in the fresh, rainy scent of the mountains...) Tucked along the border of Niigata and Nagano prefectures lies Akiyamago—a remote village where time seems to move a little slower. We stayed in the peaceful hamlet of Ketto, at a very special place called Katakuri-no-Yado. This cozy hot spring inn was once a wooden school building—now lovingly renovated into a nostalgic retreat. A warm wooden welcome. Wait, is this really an inn? At the entrance, we’re greeted by two signs—one for ...

Art

Discovering the Art House Project in Naoshima: Where Everyday Life Meets Contemporary Art

Tucked away in the quiet village of Honmura on Naoshima Island, the Art House Project is a unique, immersive art experience that turns abandoned traditional homes into living pieces of contemporary art. It’s where the island’s historic architecture, local culture, and cutting-edge creativity beautifully collide. If you’re planning a trip to Japan’s Seto Inland Sea, this is a must-visit for any art lover or curious traveler. 🏡 What Is the Art House Project? Launched in 1998 by Benesse Art Site Naoshima, the Art House Project began with the renovation of one old house, Kadoya. Since then, six more sites have ...

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