Masutomi, Hokuto City, Yamanashi, Japan
Nestled quietly in the mountains at an altitude of 1,000 meters stands 0site house, a 90-year-old traditional farmhouse — just an 8-minute walk from the 0site campsite.
Here, long-term residents, volunteers learning about rural living, remote workers, and short-term guests all come and go, sharing time and everyday life together.
Living and working with nature — this is a place for experimenting with new lifestyles that exist between the city and the countryside.
Our aim is to become a warm bridge connecting those who wish to move here with the local community.
Some people stay for months, others just for a few days.
Because people come and go, there is always a gentle rhythm — a quiet life enriched by small encounters and shared moments.
Currently, 0site house is available as a private accommodation (one group per night).
Born in 1998, from Iwaki City, Fukushima Prefecture.
Since high school, he has traveled as a backpacker throughout Southeast Asia and South America, drawn to ways of life that cannot be experienced in Japan.
He spent a year living in various intentional communities and ecovillages across Israel, Denmark, and the United Kingdom, learning and practicing hands-on skills in farming and sustainable living.
In 2021, he founded “0site” in the mountain village of Hokuto City, Yamanashi Prefecture.
At the foot of Mount Mizugaki—one of Japan’s 100 famous mountains—he renovated an abandoned elementary school into a private campsite and rental space available for one group per day.
He also organizes seasonal workshops that explore the relationship between nature and creativity, such as farming experiences and crafts using natural materials.
He is now a father, living with his family and two goats in the mountains.
Together with his wife, under the name “Sora Semi” (空◯蝉), they pursue a lifestyle where work and daily life are deeply intertwined—roasting and selling their own coffee beans and offering natural dyeing services using plants gathered from the local satoyama landscape.
— Sightseeing & Local Spots —
• Mizugaki Mountain Nature Park – A scenic park at the base of Mt. Mizugaki, known for its stunning rock formations and hiking trails.
• Seisenryo – A beloved highland lodge and farm famous for its soft ice cream and sweeping views of the Yatsugatake mountains.
• Ootaki Spring Water (Ootaki Yusui) – One of Hokuto’s pure natural water sources, flowing directly from the mountains.
• GASBON METABOLISM – An experimental art and architecture space in the forest.
• Heidi’s Village (Heidi no Mura) – A flower-filled theme park inspired by the world of Heidi, Girl of the Alps.
• Meisui Park “Verga” (Shirakawa–Ojiro Forest) – A natural park and onsen area known for its pure spring water and family-friendly outdoor spaces.
• gallery trax – A contemporary art gallery nestled in the woods of Hokuto.
• Flowers for Lena – A poetic flower studio and shop surrounded by nature.
• wajiajia – A cozy handmade craft and lifestyle shop in the local hills.
• Muudani Valley (Yumeutanidani / 夢宇谷) – A peaceful art valley dotted with galleries and cafés.
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— Restaurants & Cafés —
• Muku Tsugane – Seasonal Japanese cuisine crafted with local ingredients.
• Sanoya – A long-loved soba and set-meal restaurant in Masutomi.
• Asia Yatai Gohan GoGoKichi Shokudo – Asian street food with a warm, homestyle flavor.
• Muramatsu Bussanten – A nostalgic local shop serving simple, delicious meals.
• Mizugaki Shokujidokoro – A family-run restaurant near Mizugaki Mountain, popular with hikers.
• Manchinpo (万珍包) – Handmade steamed buns and dumplings with unique flavor.
• Mountain*Mountain / cafe flat – A creative café blending mountain lifestyle and design.
• sun.days.food – A local-favorite deli and café with a relaxed atmosphere.
• GEB – A vibrant café and eatery often collaborating with artists and local events.
Languages spoken: English,Japanese