In July 2024, the traditional house accommodation "Kurashiki no Yado Retreat KOBAYASHI" (Retreat Kobayashi) opened in Mizushima, Kurashiki City.
You wouldn't guess from the exterior, but it is a spacious whole-house rental with a floor area of 520㎡.
Nestled quietly in a residential area, once you step inside, a world that feels completely different unfolds before you.
“I enjoy talking to people I wouldn’t meet if I weren’t doing this job,” says the owner, Kobayashi Hideo, with a smile.
The hospitality that values each encounter with guests has spread through word of mouth, attracting visitors from all over the world.
Let’s take a closer look at the details of "Kurashiki no Yado Retreat KOBAYASHI," the background of its opening, and Kobayashi's new challenges.
The charm of a whole-house rental with extraordinary size
"Kurashiki no Yado Retreat KOBAYASHI" is a type of accommodation that can be rented out entirely for self-catering.
The location is in a calm residential area of Fukudacho Koshinden, Kurashiki City.
It is away from tourist spots like the Bikan Historical Area, making it an attractive environment for a quiet stay.
Originally, the house was owned by a relative of the owner, Kobayashi. When plans arose to sell and demolish it, Kobayashi decided to take it over.
In July 2024, it was reborn as an accommodation.
The building has a floor area of 520㎡, 11LLDDK, and can accommodate up to 10 guests.
Kobayashi himself laughs, saying, “It’s an unreasonable size, isn’t it? People often tell me not to do it because repairs will cost a lot,” but it is precisely this extraordinary scale that creates a sense of openness and a unique stay experience that cannot be found in other accommodations.
First of all, there are a total of six staircases, giving you the thrill of exploring like a maze.
Moreover, even large groups can enjoy a relaxed stay while maintaining their privacy. It seems suitable for various scenes such as trips with multi-generational families, trips with friends' families, training sessions, and retreats.
Since it is a whole-house rental, it is also attractive for families with small children, allowing them to relax at their own pace without worrying about the surroundings.
Explore "Kurashiki no Yado Retreat KOBAYASHI"!
Let’s introduce the interior of "Kurashiki no Yado Retreat KOBAYASHI."
Japanese-style room 1
As you pass through the entrance, there is a spacious Japanese-style living room at the back of the entrance.
As you step in, a striking painting of a powerful dragon depicted on the sliding doors catches your eye.
An orange glass ball was placed there (somehow it seems familiar).
It is part of a playful mechanism where you have to find seven hidden glass balls somewhere in the building.
There is a legend in the accommodation that “there is a huge painting of a divine dragon on four sliding doors, and seven dragon balls reside in its eyes.”
If you challenge this with friends or family, your stay will become an even more enjoyable memory.
Japanese-style room 2
Beyond that, there is another Japanese-style room featuring impressive ukiyo-e artworks.
Vivid ukiyo-e paintings of kabuki actors and parts of Katsushika Hokusai's famous series of ukiyo-e "Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji" are depicted on the sliding doors.
The old sliding doors have been repaired and painted by Kobayashi and his team.
There are kimono, koto, and tea ceremony tools, allowing you to experience the charm of Japanese traditional culture.
Walking down the historical corridor, you will find nostalgic lighting fixtures. It feels as if you have time-traveled.
Japanese-style room 3 (bedroom)
In the adjacent bedroom, there is a shoji screen featuring the same ukiyo-e of Mount Fuji. It is "Under the Wave off Kanagawa" from the "Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji."
There is also a place adorned in bengara color reminiscent of Fukiya's red.
The traditional beauty of Japan is felt throughout the space.
Japanese Room 4 (Sub Dining Room)
This is the Japanese room that was introduced as the sub dining room.
"Does 'sub' mean that there is also a main dining room?" I was surprised by its spaciousness.
The sliding doors here are also decorated with bengara.
Relaxation Room with Projector
Next door is a relaxation room equipped with a projector.
The raised tatami space has a spacious sofa, making it comfortable for a large number of people to relax.
On the wall, there is a world map indicating the countries of guests who have visited and cheerful photos, conveying the warm personality of the owner, Mr. Kobayashi, and the enjoyable interactions.
It is clear that guests from all over the world have visited.
From there, a small staircase leads to the attic.
The exposed walls reveal newspapers from wartime, telling the long history of the building.
Kitchen Dining (Main Dining)
In a separate building that was added in the past, there is a comfortable main dining space with air conditioning and a spacious kitchen.
Equipped with IH stove, microwave, rice cooker, cooking utensils, and tableware, you can bring your own ingredients and enjoy cooking.
It is an environment where those with dietary restrictions for religious reasons can stay comfortably.
Bedrooms 1 and 2 on the Second Floor
Upstairs in the separate building, there are two bedrooms with different atmospheres.
Deciding where to sleep and where to spend time is part of the fun of being in a group.
Inside the building, traditional Japanese games such as Hyakunin Isshu, Hanafuda, and Kendama are also available.
Not only the building itself but also the furnishings and miscellaneous goods convey a sense of history, keeping visitors engaged.
How was "Kurashiki's Inn Retreat KOBAYASHI" completed? What are the new prospects for the future?
We spoke with the owner, Kobayashi Hideo.
Data on Kurashiki's Inn Retreat KOBAYASHI
| Name | Kurashiki's Inn Retreat KOBAYASHI |
|---|---|
| Location | 1075 Koshinden, Fukuda-cho, Kurashiki City |
| Contact | 090-6404-9271 |
| Check-in | 4:00 PM - 9:00 PM |
| Check-out | By 10:00 AM |
| Payment Method |
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| Facility Information | No smoking inside Independent toilet with washlet Bathroom available Room only (no meals) Tatami mat rooms No pets allowed |
| Bath | Bathroom available |
| Wi-Fi | None |
| Parking | Available 3 spaces next door |
| Website | Reservation web page (Booking.com) |
