🏨 Nara Omori no Sato (Nara Omori Village)大森の郷

Omori no Sato is an accommodation facility located in the Musashi settlement of Totsukawa Village, Yoshino District, Nara Prefecture. The Musashi settlement is situated on a steep slope, about a 5-minute drive from Yusenji Onsen, and is a small village hidden in the mountains. It is quite rare for Totsukawa Village, which is 98% mountainous, to have flat land where seasonal crops grow. Scattered throughout the area are historical sites, including the grave of Sakuma Nobumori, a general under Oda Nobunaga. Every August, the "Musashi no Oomai," designated as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Asset of Japan, is held here. Omori no Sato is a lodging facility converted from an abandoned teacher's residence in the Musashi area, designed by Alex Kerr, a cultural researcher known as the foremost expert in the revival of traditional houses. The facility features only two guest rooms: a double room called "Gyosen" and a four-person room called "Shouhou." All materials used in the renovation are local timber, and the furniture, such as sofas, is also locally made in Totsukawa Village. The two rooms are simple and elegant, with the unique aroma of wood and a warm, inviting atmosphere. The management and operation of the facility are handled by local residents, and there are no permanent staff on-site. Each room is equipped with a kitchen and bathroom, making it suitable for long-term stays. However, there are no shops or restaurants in the village, so guests need to prepare enough food and daily necessities before their arrival.

Designed by Mr. Alex Cole, known as the leading figure in the revival of traditional Japanese houses (古民家, kominka). The old house, originally a teacher's residence, has undergone a complete renovation. Restoration was done using locally sourced timber, and the furniture is also original products from Totsukawa Village. It is very close to the Yusenji Onsen, with a drive to the large public bath taking less than 5 minutes. Located in the heart of Totsukawa Village, it serves as an ideal base for sightseeing.