About a 5-minute drive from Kojima Station, a guesthouse for one group per day has been established.
DENIM HOUSE BON is the name.
It grandly opened on March 1, 2024.
DENIM HOUSE BON is the second accommodation operated by ITONAMI, Inc. (イトナミ), which also runs DENIM HOSTEL float located in Kojima.
We interviewed about the features of DENIM HOUSE BON, named “a denim shop where you can stay,” and the thoughts behind its opening.
What is DENIM HOUSE BON
DENIM HOUSE BON (hereafter, BON) is a “stayable denim shop” for one group per day.
As the name suggests, each of “DENIM,” “HOUSE,” and “BON” has its own charm, and it is designed with the importance of bringing guests together under one roof.
It is a whole house rental accommodation that can accommodate 4 to 6 people, such as families or friends.
A guesthouse in a house over 90 years old
Upon arriving at BON, a prominent gate welcomes the guests.
The noren (traditional shop curtain) made of igusa (rush grass) was created by Sunami Toru Shoten in Kurashiki. Even before entering the guesthouse, guests can experience the craftsmanship of Kurashiki.
As you pass through the gate, the building of BON comes into view.
It has a sense of heaviness, yet also a familiarity unique to Japanese houses.
The building of BON is over 90 years old.
It was previously inhabited by a person named Okano, so the staff refer to it as “Okano-tei.” Originally, it was a private residence, but after being rented for another purpose, ITONAMI decided to open it as a guesthouse.
The denim brothers, who are co-representatives of ITONAMI (older brother: Yamawaki Yohei, younger brother: Shimada Shunsuke), and the landlord of Okano-tei have been acquaintances for a long time, and they say they had heard about the feelings towards Okano-tei even before opening BON.
The landlord expressed, “It is a house that has been carefully passed down, so I would be happy if it could be used for the town.”
It is with this sentiment that DENIM HOUSE BON was created.
Most of the interior has been renovated, but the building itself is used almost as it is.
Mr. Yamawaki of ITONAMI mentioned, “Although there was dust, the condition of the wood in the house was very good. There are hardly any damaged areas. I think it is a sign of good craftsmanship.”
When they saw Okano-tei, the image of guests gathering under one roof came to mind, and they decided to make it a guesthouse limited to one group per day, just like a home (HOUSE).
“BON” is inspired by the specialness of Obon
The name “BON” is derived from “Obon.” It is inspired by the summer tradition of Obon.
Obon is a uniquely Japanese custom for mourning the deceased. The specialness of “people gathering to remember others” serves as the motif.
Additionally, the kanji for “bon” is written as “plate” divided into “parts.”
It embodies the desire for people to gather and share plates around the dining table, which was also a thought behind the creation of BON.
We introduce the space of BON where you can spend time “gathering, surrounding, and sharing.”
Earthen floor
When you open the door to BON, there is a large earthen floor on the left.
The earthen floor was created from scratch by breaking the original floor, as it was essential to have a space for “gathering, surrounding, and sharing.”
The seating area was also custom-made. It is a spacious area where you can relax while looking inside the building or enjoy the view of the garden outside.
Mr. Yamawaki stated, “When I thought about how guests would use the space of BON, I wanted to create a situation where people who are close can talk.”
You can spend a special time that feels like an extension of everyday life, where you can continue light-hearted conversations without worrying about time.
Dining
The dining area is also one of the spaces created to foster “gathering, surrounding, and sharing.” There is a round table for dining, and a kitchen is located at the back.
Originally, there was a wall between the dining table and the kitchen, but they intentionally removed the wall.
They envisioned a situation where those preparing meals and those eating could enjoy conversations without barriers, and where roles such as the cook and the server could naturally switch.
Additionally, BON offers plans that include dinner and breakfast.
Dinner can be chosen from the following four options.
The contents may change depending on the season.
- Okayama Prefecture pork sukiyaki
- Setouchi seafood hot pot
- pile classic lasagna set
- Local dish bara-zushi
Breakfast features "Kojima's specialty, tako-meshi".
Ingredients are prepared at check-in, and the final steps are performed by the guests, such as cooking or pressing the rice cooker switch. All of these menus offer a special experience, allowing guests to fully enjoy ingredients from Okayama Prefecture.
Drinks such as tea and coffee are available, but there are also wines selected by the BON staff (additional charge).
You can enjoy wines selected by the BON staff, including those from "GRAPE SHIP" located in Funao, Kurashiki City.
Interior designed with care by the Denim Brothers
As the name DENIM HOUSE BON suggests, the interior of BON features denim fabric and denim colors prominently.
Here are two rooms and a bathroom available at BON.
EN
The first room, "EN".
It is designed with the motif of the "engawa" (veranda).
Upon opening the door, there is one queen-size bed. The room can accommodate up to 2 guests.
In a small space that seems to have held hanging scrolls, there is a perfectly fitting sofa.
The fabric is, of course, denim fabric.
When you open the sliding door, there is the engawa that serves as the motif of the room.
While gazing at the garden, you can feel the flow of time every minute and second.
YO
The second room is "YO".
It is designed with the motif of the sun's "yo".
The room is divided into two spaces: a Japanese-style room in the front and a Western-style room in the back.
Sunlight streams in through the window in the back.
It is said that the most sunlight comes in during check-in time (4 PM to 6 PM).
In the room at the back with the bed, there is a sofa, which is also made of denim fabric.
In the tatami room in the front, futons can also be laid out. The room can accommodate up to 4 people with 2 in the Western-style room and 2 in the Japanese-style room.
In the corner of the Japanese-style room, there is also a space that can be used as a study.
This space was originally a storage area.
It becomes clear that traditional Japanese houses often had many small spaces for hanging scrolls and storage.
The washbasin and toilet have denim-colored interiors
The interior retains the warmth of wood while the denim-colored walls serve as an accent.
With a sense of unity, it seems likely that one can spend a calm and relaxing time here.
Some amenities are original products from ITONAMI
Some of the amenities at BON include original products from ITONAMI.
Denim sleepwear can be used as loungewear at BON.
Made from a smooth material, it will make your time at BON more comfortable.
The material is nylon thread recycled from discarded fishing nets in the ocean. While it is gradually becoming more common, it is still considered a rare initiative in the denim industry.
ITONAMI, based in a location facing the Seto Inland Sea, adopted this material with the desire to protect the beauty of the ocean.
Recycled denim haori can also be worn within the BON facility.
This is a product from ITONAMI's project called FUKKOKU. FUKKOKU is a project that collects denim, crushes it, returns it to cotton form, creates raw material for thread, and then weaves it into fabric again to make products.
Among them, the recycled denim haori is an item that fits the atmosphere of the traditional Japanese house, BON.
It is said to have been created in collaboration with the public bath "Kosugiyu" located in Koenji, Tokyo, from denim collection to product creation.
In addition, the kitchen has practical ITONAMI products such as aprons and pot holders.
As a unique experience in the denim town of Kojima, please take a look and try them out.
Gallery & Shop
Additionally, BON features a gallery and shop.
It is said that the space was renovated from an old storehouse.
On the first floor, there is a shop that offers ITONAMI products. You can try them on, and if you like them, you can purchase them.
On the second floor, there is a gallery space where you can learn about ITONAMI's journey so far.
It introduces the history and projects of ITONAMI.
Valuing encounters and connections with producers, ITONAMI operates an apparel brand and accommodation.
Understanding the feelings behind these activities will surely make each of ITONAMI's services even more endearing. BON not only offers accommodation but also has a gallery and shop aspect.
I asked Yamawaki Yohei, the co-representative of ITONAMI, about his thoughts on the opening and what has left a lasting impression during the process of creating BON.
Data of DENIM HOUSE BON
| Name | DENIM HOUSE BON |
|---|---|
| Location | 4-7-63 Ogawa, Kojima, Kurashiki City |
| Contact | 086-477-7620 |
| Check-in | 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM |
| Check-out | 10:00 AM |
| Payment Methods |
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| Facility Information | Number of Rooms: 2 (accommodates 1-6 guests) EN: Maximum 2 guests YO: Maximum 4 guests From 20,000 yen per person per night (includes dinner and breakfast) |
| Bath | Available (with bathtub) |
| Wi-Fi | Available |
| Parking | Available 2 cars |
| Website | DENIM HOUSE BON |
