The Beauty of Kumamoto’s Countryside – A Secluded Japanese Wooden Cottage Inn

Text and Photos / Joel Fukuzawa

Farmhouse Inn uQf?/p>

Mr. and Mrs. Sato are a couple who at first glance appear simple and honest. When they first came to uQfΦ, they still seemed a bit shy and reserved. In reality, they have a deep love for their homeland, and while they initially lived in the mountains, they had two daughters. Life was tough due to illness, and they almost gave up hope. But later, as if led by fate, they gradually transformed some farmland and old farmhouses on the mountain slope into an inn, turning it into a means of livelihood. They also slowly shifted their focus and goals in life.

Later, under the guidance of Mr. Kawazu, they slowly converted some farmland and old farmhouses on the mountainside into an inn, using it as a way to make a living. Only then were they gradually able to shift their focus and goals in life.

I asked Mrs. Sato why it’s called “uQfΑ.” She said, “We live in the countryside, and we love nature. We also enjoy the changing seasons throughout the year, so we wanted to remind ourselves not to rush through life too quickly. That’s why we chose such a peaceful name!” Near Mr. Kawazu’s place, there’s a gently sloping piece of land that was turned into a small campground. There are three or four small cottages here, and also some log cabins. One log cabin costs 1,000 yen per night, while the wooden cottage costs 3,000 yen.

Such prices are quite a bargain for people like us who usually live in urban areas. Because it became very popular, the Sato couple renovated their own home and a small cottage about 500 meters away into two rooms, offering outsiders who want to experience farm life a chance to truly immerse themselves.

When you enter uQfΦ, you can deeply feel the simple beauty of the countryside, or perhaps the nostalgic charm of Taiwan in the past. There are no neon lights, just the pure sounds of nature. The farmland on the mountain slope is where they grew up and worked when they were young. In the room of the farmhouse inn, one side is covered with local famous artworks, giving the entire space an elegant and warm atmosphere. Especially at night, the sounds of summer insects and the starry sky make you realize that late at night is not completely silent, but rather more beautiful as the night deepens.

The second floor of the farmhouse is a loft about the size of a tennis court, which is usually not used for accommodation. However, if guests really wish to sleep on the loft, they can rest here for a while. This loft is now mostly used as a practice space for the village’s “Kagura” performances. You might wonder, what is “Kagura”? Kagura is a type of dance performed in front of the shrine after the autumn harvest. It’s not only a way for villagers to give thanks to the gods of heaven and earth but also a celebration among each other for helping out during the busy farming season.

This time, I was arranged to stay in a wooden cottage about 500 meters from the main house. For one night including meals (one night with two meals), it only cost 5,000–6,000 yen, which is very reasonable. The cottage bathroom has two large bathtubs—one is a traditional wood-burning Goemon-buro tub, and the other is an oil-fired stone tub. Inside the house, the one-room living area has walls adorned with works by local renowned artists, creating an elegant and cozy atmosphere. Especially at night, with the chirping of summer insects and the star-filled sky, you realize that midnight isn’t completely silent—it’s actually more beautiful as the night gets deeper.

The Sato couple also raises three small horses at the foot of the mountain. I asked them, “Can these be ridden?” They said, “These are for children and ladies to ride around for leisure.” “How much does it cost to ride once?” Mr. Sato seemed a bit at a loss, stammering before he said, “We never thought about that. We just wanted everyone to enjoy a different rural experience.” At that moment, I realized how disrespectful it was of me to impose urban values on this simple couple.

When saying goodbye to the Sato couple, Mr. Sato even drove me to a vast grassland in Sainomoto. The grassland is expansive, and driving along the small path, the pasture and mountains speed by with the car’s movement. I thought about living on such a beautiful grassland—no wonder the Sato couple are so free of desire. It also allows visitors to deeply feel the natural beauty they exude.

 
Farmhouse Inn uQf?/strong>
Kumamoto, Kumamoto Prefecture, Minamikokubuncho, Asogun, 113