Kurasiki Kawasemi-tei, an entire-house rental inn offering room-only stays, opened in May 2020.
Just beside the Bikan Historical Area, you can enjoy an affordable stay in an entire renovated two-story traditional house.
The property reflects the owner’s passion, expressed with a cheerful “I love renovations.”
The owners themselves applied plaster to the walls and created a comfortable space to stay in.
The soft texture of the plaster walls and the warmth of the wood left a strong impression, and I found the place relaxing.
Here are some of the features of Kurasiki Kawasemi-tei, where you can stay as if you were living there.
The information presented here was accurate when this article was published in September 2022. Please note that it may differ from current information.
An entire-house rental inn near the Bikan Historical Area
Kurasiki Kawasemi-tei is an entire-house rental inn offering room-only stays.
It opened in May 2020 after a traditional house was renovated.
It is about a 15-minute walk from JR Kurashiki Station and about a five-minute walk from the Bikan Historical Area.
Although conveniently located for sightseeing, it is set a little way back from the main road, so you can enjoy a relatively quiet stay.
The two-story house has two Japanese-style rooms, one Western-style room, and a kitchen. Its appeal lies in being able to rent the spacious property in its entirety.
As well as being a whole-house rental, it has tatami rooms, so it should be comfortable for families with children.
Inside the house: a comfortable space that deliberately preserves old features
Kurasiki Kawasemi-tei is a renovated traditional house.
I felt that the balance of old and new made it a comfortable, relaxing home.
All the plumbing and bathroom facilities have been renovated with brand-new fixtures, while charming features such as the old pillars and wooden doors have deliberately been preserved.
Having spent my childhood in Showa-era buildings, I felt nostalgic.
Let’s take a look inside.
The living room is a Japanese-style room with a tokonoma alcove and tsukeshoin built-in desk, featuring exposed solid-wood pillars.
The interior also incorporates vintage items, such as a hanging scroll handmade from an obi sash and a vase bought at an antique shop.
The patterned glass, made in the Showa era and now rare, creates a retro atmosphere.
The kitchen is free to use and features stylish tiles.
The tiles are called “Korabel” and are made by Nagoya Mosaic-Tile Co., Ltd. The owner is said to be fond of them.
They have a retro feel with a touch of the exotic.
The induction cooktop has two burners.
A microwave, toaster, electric kettle, refrigerator, frying pan, tableware for six, salt, cooking oil, and more are provided.
The house is equipped for self-catering, so long-term stays are possible.
Upstairs, a six-tatami-mat Japanese-style room connects to a five-tatami-mat Western-style room, making the space feel large.
In the photo, the fusuma between the Japanese- and Western-style rooms have been removed, but they can be used to divide the rooms.
Bedding consists of one double bed and four futon sets.
For example, a group of six can use the living room downstairs and sleep two to a room, or lay out the futons close together and all sleep upstairs, we were told.
The bathroom, washbasin, and toilet are as convenient to use as those in a newly built home, making them very comfortable.
The washing machine is also available for use.
There are Korabel tiles in the toilet, too.
Works by contemporary textile artist Chisa Matsushima were also on display.
The works feature checkerboard patterns symbolizing prosperity, spiders said to bring good fortune, and twin leaves representing the bonds between couples and families. They were surely created with wishes in mind.
The house lets you experience Japanese culture throughout, and I thought international visitors would enjoy it too.
The guest information is provided in Japanese, English, Chinese, and Korean.
A commitment to natural materials
Kurasiki Kawasemi-tei’s building uses many natural materials.
Most of the walls are finished with plaster.
Compared with vinyl wallpaper, plaster requires more work during construction, but its warm, appealing texture is a real draw.
The first-floor ceiling has apparently been coated with natural persimmon tannin.
The entrance hall is clad in genuine oak.
Making use of Kurashiki products
The interior also incorporates items made in Kurashiki.
The entrance lampshade is blown glass by “Gurasuta TOMO.”
Its fresh, beautiful colors evoke the green willows and blue river of the Bikan Historical Area.
Soft shadows spread across the wall.
Kurashiki flower-woven mats are used as suitcase stands and for other purposes.
The table is made by TEORI, based in Mabi.
I thought its simple design beautifully showcases the grain of bamboo, an eco-friendly material.
Next, we spoke with the owner of Kurashiki Kawasemi-tei, Kyono Tagami.
Kurashiki Kawasemi-tei Information
| Name | Kurashiki Kawasemi-tei |
|---|---|
| Address | 2-13-13 Chuo, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Contact | 050-7119-8547 |
| Check-in | 3:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m. |
| Check-out | By 10:00 a.m. |
| Payment methods |
Advance payment through the official website is by bank transfer only |
| Facility information | From ¥11,000 per person per night (available for 2 to 6 guests) *Prices vary depending on the day of the week, season, etc. *Free for children under 3 who do not need bedding, etc. No smoking indoors Private toilet with bidet Room only (no meals) Room with tatami mats No pets allowed |
| Bath | Private bathroom Bathtub available |
| Wi-Fi | Available |
| Parking | Available 1 space 1-minute walk from Kurashiki Kawasemi-tei *Parking is prohibited in the lot next to the building |
| Website | Kurashiki Kawasemi-tei |
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