Japan is an incredibly mountainous island country, which has contributed towards a variety of unique lifestyles. Due to the abundance of mountainous areas, many Japanese people have set up life on the foothills of mountains. These areas are called satoyama.

The Senshu region of Japan is unique because it is abundant in mountains but also very close to the sea. Within this region, lifestyles of both those living by the sea and living in satoyama can be witnessed. Highly sustainable lifestyles were developed to help preserve the abundant ecosystems of satoyama. Fields of rice—one of Japan’s staple foods—are easy to set up and manage, and high quality crops are frequently produced in these areas. Rice straw is also a versatile material, which could be used to produce items of clothing such as sandals, and also provide shelter as part of thatched roofs.

Japan’s ageing population has led to the disappearance of satoyama, as younger generations head toward larger cities to search for career prospects. However, recent years have seen a movement to encourage younger generations to revitalize satoyama, including various projects aimed to support the viability of these unique communities.

The name of this village derived from the words kisen, a name for the region, wai-wai which is an onomatopoeic word representing excitement, and mura which means “village.” Around 100 years ago, this area of Senshu was home to private residents living the satoyama lifestyle. The aim for Kisen Wai-Wai-Mura is to replicate that experience today.

Opened in 2002, there are several traditional kayabuki style houses, characterized by thatched roofs built from rice straw and reeds, built in the foothills. This style can often be seen on some older Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples, but it was also common for private residences in satoyama areas. Each of the accommodations are fitted with a hot-pot style bath, which requires guests to light a fire underneath to heat the water for bathing. One of the accommodations is also barrier free.

Guests staying at Kisen Wai-Wai-Mura may be surprised to find that there is a lack of typical conveniences one might find in a hotel, such as access to Wi-Fi, TV, and air conditioning. This is vital to the immersive experience of the satoyama lifestyle for the duration of the stay, though fans are available for hot summer months.

Guests are expected to make their own dinner, and ingredients from the on-site farm they manage can be provided, though what vegetables are available depends on the season. Plates and cutlery are available on-site, but visitors are encouraged to bring their own. Many Japanese families who stay here like to replicate the traditional roles expected from families who used to live the satoyama lifestyle. The older generation would prepare dinner for the family while children would prepare the bath, collecting wood and building a fire to heat the water.

For those who would prefer to socialize with other groups, outdoor cooking options are also available in the BBQ area, which can also be used by guests who aren’t staying the night. Japanese curry, udon (thick noodles made using flour), and pizzas are common fare in the BBQ area.

The accommodations on offer do not provide amenities and conveniences expected of a hotel. There is no access to electronics or Wi-Fi, and phone signal is limited. However, it is ideal for visitors who want to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life and reconnect with nature. Each house is large enough to accommodate families and small groups. Beds are not available in any of the accommodation, and guests are expected to sleep on traditional futon on tatami mat flooring.

Access by public transport is limited, so it is recommended that guests use a rental vehicle or taxi. A large parking site is available on-site which is free for guests.

For Senshu tourist information inquiries, please contact the Senshu Japan Concierge Team.