by Kominka (古民家) means like old folk house, which is more than 50 years old. Most travellers live or work in city that’s why they are going out to different places and enjoy sort of unusual experiences. Recently this kind of accommodation are getting much popular for international travellers. In Chichibu, there are also such Kominka houses but still unknown well. It means, it should be great chance for you to be able to relax and experience new things.
1. What is Kominka?
If the word “Kominka” is directly translated, the meaning is like “Ko” means “Old” and “Minka” means “residential house”.
But, there is no specific rule for what house is defined as Kominka. In Japan, if the house is more than 50 years old, it can be called Kominka. However, what I have heard all of the more than 50-year-old houses are not recognized as Kominka.
Because of home security and earthquake protection, a lot of such old houses have been renovated so it is now really hard to find Kominka style houses.
photos from Meloncito Journey (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3K9S9gSk8B0)
2. Features to Stay at Kominka
One of the main features is the unique appearance, especially the roof. A lot of Kominka has the roof made from thatch. The thatch roof is one of the traditional Japanese house built techniques.
Inside the house, you can see wider room plans and of course Tamami mats are used for the floors.
There are more rooms but the Fusuma (sliding doors used in such a Japanese style home) can be taken out easily so we can make much bigger room spaces. Depending on how many people visit, we can adjust the room plan.
Also, Komika is a “normal Japanese house” which is very old style. Unlike hotels or gorgeous Ryokan hotels, You should be able to feel like “coming home”. That makes you relaxing during your stay and you can experience how Japanese people lived in the past.
Although there are a lot of inconveniences, these days more international travellers are seeking such accommodations for their travels. They enjoy new or difference experiences.
Kominka are located in remoted area, including Chichibu. So there are no entertainment places, restaurants, bars, and shopping centre nearby. Even WiFi is out of service. When I was an university student, what we had at that time was only ADSL internet and there was no wireless internet like WiFi even though other cities were installing such WiFi system.
However, this kind of inconvenience stay is getting popular now. Some of them said they are working in the city and keep typing computer and checking emails by both laptop and phone so they said they don’t have to worry about caring their phones because of no WiFi and the inconvenience brings them new experiences so that is very fun for them.
3. Kominka in Chichibu
Suginoko(すぎのこ)
Photos from Meloncito Journey (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3K9S9gSk8B0)
Suginoko is only one old guest house style accommodation with thatch roof house in Saitama Pref. You should be able to feel the long history in the thatch roof folk house which is continuing for 300 – 400 years. The inside house makes you feel atmosphere like several decades ago.
If you experience any different, Suginoko should be one of your options in Japan trip. Suginoko availability is very limited whole season. Plan earlier and book with us!
Nishiki (錦)
Nishiki is located in much deeper Chichibu nature resident area and your journey must be memorable adventure. You can feel old Japan house life culture with Chichibu deep nature surrounded by the Chichibu mountains.
The inconvenience should make you feel new experience and completely different journey in your travels so far. If you would like to feel like hidden nature stay, your next accommodation will be here.
Kominka Nagatoro
This house has been renovated but still keep some old style facilities like Doma (Earthen Floor), Kamado (Old Japanese Style Kitchen Stove), Water Well Pump, Goemon-Bath (like a large, metal kettle-shaped bathtub) and so on.
