This beautifully restored Bukeyashiki-style residence was originally a “Nagaya-mon” (gate-house) for a larger Samurai estate dating back to the Edo period. Here, immerse in a distinctive Japanese experience surrounded by subtle remnants of the home's rich history in the feudal castle town of Obi.
Given its origins as a “Nagaya-mon,” this elongated one-story residence directly faces the street, hiding a spacious private backyard featuring a well. Upon entering the home, guests are welcomed by a high-ceiling room with a traditional sunken hearth set on an elevated wooden floor, which is surrounded by a “Doma”(traditional earthen floor) fitted with a modern kitchen built on top of a pre-existing “okudo-san”(traditional stove). The spacious living area, as well as the tatami-rooms, all open up towards the backyard, which was once where the estate’s main building stood.
The residence is located along a lovely street where koi fish swim alongside passersby, and is moments away from Obi Castle. If traveling by car, guests may park at Ito-tei, the restaurant found across the street.
A Local Breakfast Experience Like No Other
Enjoy a local breakfast at Gallery Kodama, a merchant mansion built over 130 years ago, reborn as a popular local eatery.
Take a short morning stroll through the sleepy streets of Obi to Gallery Kodama and enjoy a Japanese-style breakfast prepared with various seasonal, local delicacies. While dining, guests will be able to enjoy the historic ambiance of a merchant mansion, which retains much its appearance from when it was first built at the beginning of the Meiji Era (1868-1912), featuring a “Kura,” or traditional storage house as well as furniture from ages past.
As breakfast at Gallery Kodama is specially prepared for guests before Gallery Kodama’s official opening hours, please note the following: we request that guests who have booked a breakfast arrive at Gallery Kodama between 8:00AM-9:00AM (9:00 AM last-order/ 10:00AM close) local time.
Explore Japan's Hidden Gem: The Castle Town of Obi
The town of Obi lies in the southern part of Nichinan City, Miyazaki Prefecture. For roughly three centuries from the Azuchi-Momoyama period (1568-1600) to the beginning of the Meiji period (1868-1912), this area prospered as the 51,000 “koku” (rice yield) castle town of the Ito clan of the Obi domain. With Obi Castle at its center, the beautifully preserved neighborhood is lined with traditional samurai residences, elegant gates, and walls made of Obi stone, offering a glimpse into the lifestyle of samurais and merchants during the Edo period. In 1977, Obi was designated as the first Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings in the Kyushu region of Japan.
Revitalizing Obi: Travel with an Impact
This one-of-a-kind haven experience is part of an initiative appointed by Nichinan City to coordinate the revitalization of Obi through the renovation and utilization of historic buildings. This samurai-style residence was originally a “Nagaya-mon” (gatehouse) for a larger, higher-class samurai estate dating back to the Edo period. The original beauty of the home has been retained wherever possible, including in the structure, beams, ornamentations and more. However, the home has also been retrofitted with luxuries such as a large wooden “koyamaki” bathtub as well as a full kitchen, providing guests the opportunity to explore and experience this wonderful feudal town like a local.
Through your patronage, guests of the villa play a key role in supporting the revitalization of historic Obi in cooperation with the city and local residents. We look forward to inviting you to experience this incredible hidden gem of Japan.
Check-In & Check-Out Details
Check in 3:00PM - 9:00PM / Check out by 11:00AM
Please make sure to contact us in advance if you plan on checking in after 9:00PM. As a guest, you may enter the property anytime after 3:00PM.
The easiest way to get to Obi is by car. If you are coming from Miyazaki airport, it is roughly a 60 minute drive, and if you take the JR Nichinan Line from Miyazaki airport to Obi Station, it is roughly a 70 minute train ride.
The check-in reception for this private villa is located in Nazuna Obi Onsen Resort - Kogakura, which is approximately a 15 minute walk or 3 minute drive from Obi Station. Parking for the check-in location is available at the Parking Lot in Nazuna Obi Onsen Resort-Kogakura. Parking for 2 cars is also available at the villa.
Things to Know
- Room Cleaning: If you are staying more than one night, please note that Room Cleaning (Including Towel/Linen/Amenities change) will be done starting from the 3rd night of your stay, and every 2 nights thereafter.
- Dining: Please note that food is not served at this villa; however, guests can enjoy a local breakfast at the historic Gallery Kodama.
- Non-Smoking: Please note that this is a non-smoking historic home.
- Pets: Please note that pets are not allowed in this historic home.
