Chiiori

Chiiori Lodge is a minka (traditional Japanese farmhouse) located in the Iya Valley. Built around 1720, it is believed to be more than 300 years old. The property was purchased in 1973 by Alex Kerr, an American writer and Japanologist, and was featured in his book Lost Japan. The house is said to be the second oldest in Iya, and necessary repairs were made to a livable state through the help of friendly neighbors.

The name Chiiori would be coined later in 1988, when poet Minami Shokichi, Kerr, and a group of children got together to come up with a name for the property. They came up with Chiiori (篪庵), which meant “House of the Flute,” and was the inspiration for a poem written by Shokichi. 

Design and Architecture

The minka has been restored to preserve its charm of being a minka, featuring a thatched roof, smoke and soot-stained wooden floors, and black pillars and beams. Despite the all-black design, the lamps give it a soft and warm light similar to fireflies illuminating the night sky. Large doors open to sweeping views of Iya Valley, making it the perfect setting for reflections and quiet time over a cup of tea.

Chiiori Lodge is a spacious property with a traditional hearth, a living room, and a sleeping room that fits around 3 tatami mats. Underfloor heating provides warmth for the colder months in Miyoshi. Aside from the well-preserved interiors, antiques collected by Kerr from different parts of Asia decorate the minka. These antiques, combined with the all-black interiors, create a museum-like atmosphere that you can exclusively enjoy.

Another highlight of the property is the white-wood bathroom with a hinoki cypress bathtub, perfect for relaxing after spending the day hiking in the outdoors or exploring Iya Valley.

Chiiori Lodge has a kitchen equipped with basic appliances, such as a microwave, oven, kettle, rice cooker, and coffee maker. Should you choose to cook your meals in the kitchen, the property already has pots, pans, plates, bowls, cups, and cutlery. All you need is to purchase the necessary ingredients for a hearty homemade meal.
Chiiori Lodge offers a special dinner service showcasing Iya Valley’s local ingredients. The menu is subject to change, but some of the meals that may be served include soba rice porridge, Iwa tofu, grilled fish with salt, and wild plants like butterbur, bracken, or Japanese knotweed. 
Guests can dine at the main dining area or the private tatami rooms for an intimate ambiance. 

With its location nestled among lush greenery and mountains, Chiiori Lodge is the perfect location to explore Miyoshi’s forests, rivers, and other natural wonders. For outdoor enthusiasts, take a hike through Iya Valley, filled with picturesque gorges, vine bridges, and mountain views straight from a painting. Yoshino River is another famous spot in the area, popular among rafting enthusiasts for its wild waters and scenery. If you’re in the mood for relaxation, visit Iya Valley Hot Springs Hotel Hikyō-no-yu and take a dip in its healing waters while admiring the mountain views.
Aside from its breathtaking scenery, Miyoshi is also a culturally-rich region. From Chiiori Lodge, visit Ochiai Village, a nationally designated Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings that gives you a glimpse into the simplicity of old Japan. Around the area, you can also find workshops for indigo dyeing and learn how to create unique fabric using traditional techniques.