Most visitors to Japan would head to big cities such as Osaka, Kyoto, and Tokyo when their mission is to immerse themselves in the country's culture. It's a logical choice, as they are cultural centers boasting museums and experiences. Compared to these metropolitan destinations, Asuka has a far more rustic and idyllic atmosphere. However, present-day Asuka is also the location of the Imperial Capital during the eponymous Asuka Period which lasted from 538 until 710.

While Kominka Yasaka isn't as old as that historic period, the home's architecture and aged features create a suitable backdrop for learning more about Japan's history. The classic woodwork and antique furniture even create a motif, encouraging guests to roleplay as archaeologists and historians searching for more information about Yamato Japan, the Asuka Period, and the Fujiwara Clan.

Design and Architecture

In terms of being a historic property, Kominka Yasaka is in quite a fine and well-preserved state. The home still bears much of its wooden support and structure, while the floorboards and ceilings are at least many decades old, if not the original. The house has been updated with modern features, however, such as appliances and electric fixtures. This makes sense as careless fires could damage or destroy this heritage property. Bedrooms are more on the austere and minimalist side, which suits Yasaka's sukiya-zukuri aesthetics. Other areas of the home that focus on functionality include the kitchen and dining area, where there's a large stone table for preparing food.

Kominka Yasaka is a self-catering rental as guests can prepare their own meals using the kitchen. Due to being in a rural area, farm-fresh ingredients will be plentiful which is a nice bonus for health-conscious travelers. The hosts do also offer meal packages which can be added on to their stay. These include hearty breakfasts with ingredients sourced from neighboring farms, a barbecue set of the region's signature meats and vegetables, and the special yasakanabe that uses local delicacies and a broth based on soy milk.

Cultural and Outdoor Experiences

Vacationing out in the boonies of Japan means you'll have loads of opportunities not just to partake in the culture but to also embrace the beauty of nature. If you'd like to immerse yourself in history and culture, head over to the city of Asuka where you'll find the remnants of Japan's earlier civilizations and dynasties. The Asuka Historical Museum is filled with artifacts, dioramas, and all other sorts of information regarding the Asuka Period, which took place before the Heian Era. There's also the Asuka Historical National Park which is a large park area with burial mounds you can explore. Next to Asuka is the city of Kashihara, where you'll find the site of Fujiwara Palace Ruins, though it is now an open park filled with flowers and used as a venue for the city's events. You can learn more about Asuka-Fujiwara at the nearby Kashihara City Fujiwara Palace Materials Room, filled with archaeological discoveries from the times the Imperial Capital was in Asuka and Fujiwara-kyo.

If you'd like to do outdoor explorations, hiking and cycling trips are the ways to go. There are plenty of shrines, temples, and ruins of castles hidden in the forested slopes of Nara's mountains. You can also rent or bring your own bike and go cycling. Visit Kashihara's historic neighborhood of Imaicho or get blessings at Asuka-dera and Ohara Jinja. As for unwinding, you can also rent a sauna tent from the host to detox, or rent an aromatic distiller to make some fragrances that you can take home.

Other Celebrations

Kominka Yasaka seems to be a great place to hold a private celebration, such as for your birthday or anniversary. But before you start planning, it's best to make sure that you get permission from the host. Even if they don't totally agree, they may instead be able to recommend an alternative venue just for the party.