I am New Zealander who has lived in Japan for over 30 years. Japan, its cuisine, and people were so wonderful that one day, maybe after 10 years, I realized I was actually living here, and had no real wish to leave. Every morning I wake up early, exercise and then walk, with two Border Collies, up the river and into the slopes of Mt. Koshosan (where the “Hidden Fortress” at the root of the Star Wars fantasy can be found). After selling my Japan business I decided to invest in destination infrastructure in Akizuki. I hope to revive the local economy, bring new families and life back to the village where the average age of its residents is around 70 years. I also hope to be able to show to visitors, inbound and domestic, the joy of life in this very special, beautiful rural environment. A place just 45 minutes from a major international airport but a million miles away in ambiance.

Large renovated 4 bedroom house with riverside lawn and garden. Four private bedrooms and two modern bathrooms and toilets. Bedrooms and living areas feature Japanese and international art works. Large curated collection of antique Japanese pottery and lacquer-ware. Main living space incorporates dining (10 chairs) and living areas with an open fully equipped kitchen: 50" TV with cable tv as well as local stations and WiFi. Just 20m from famous Sakura Street. Up to 4 cars private parking. - The space Perched at the top of Akizuki, right by the scenic Notori River, this house enjoys a prime location next to the iconic Sakura Street—home to historic monuments, charming museums, and the famed Akizuki Castle Ruins. Spacious and welcoming, it's the perfect retreat for larger groups looking to fully experience the beauty and culture of the town. - Guest access Private entrance and back garden. Private parking available on-site for up to 4 family cars. This house is part of our Akizuki Project, led by Kerry Greer along with his daughter Hana and her partner Héctor (both architects and founders of aki(architects), based in Akizuki). The project aims to attract new families to the area and increase enrollment at the local public school. By staying in this house, you are supporting our community efforts to revitalize Akizuki through initiatives such as the annual Filmfest Akizuki, local urban and architecture workshops, and exciting future projects like the Akizuki Brewery, which will provide jobs for new families; a public sento (traditional bathhouse) where travelers and locals can meet; a bike rental shop to help you explore the town with ease — and much more to come! If you'd like to learn more about our projects, feel free to send a message to Hana and Héctor. Thank you for staying with us!

The house is next to the main Akizuki street, and only two minutes to the wonderful sakura tree street by the Akizuki Castle Ruins and the Akizuki Museum. Once here you can easily walk to everywhere in the village. Guides to Akizuki are included. The house is alongside a hotaru (firefly) viewing river - season is late May through June. From dusk until about 9pm it can be a wonderland. Interestingly, Akizuki has no reticulated water supply (there is a black-water drainage system though) as it sits on one of Japans top mineral water aquifers. The house has its own mineral water bore. Enjoy water from the tap and have a mineral water shower.