Though somewhat quaint and quirky, Kominka Yado Kuratani also doesn't hold back on its charms and provides a comfy home away from home while visiting Shikoku. Built from a century-old local brewery, the owner of the guest house has preserved many classical features including its woodwork walls and ceilings. The kominka's bathroom and kitchen are completely modern, however, which makes sense in the context of comfort, convenience, and safety. While small, the property also features a garden with an engawa where guests can relax and take a breather next to some well-tended greenery.

The owner, Shigemitsu Kunigane, aims to provide his guests with an authentic experience of what daily life is like in Miyoshi. Part of that experience involves the stay at Kuratani, and he hopes to foster a cooperative spirit and friendship between guests and the region's communities.

Design and Architecture

Aside from the electric fixtures and modernized rooms, much of Kominka Yado Kuratani retains its old features, or at the very least, restored to preserve its look. The main rooms still bear wooden shoji screens and ranma wood carvings. The pillars and timbers that support the building are neat and undamaged. Calligraphy scrolls with poetic words of wisdom add an earnest yet heartfelt air to the room, reminding guests that they truly are in a traditional Japanese home.

Although the engawa is equipped with glass panels, it's more for the comfort and safety of guests. Likewise, the modernized kitchen and bathroom provides better safety and sanitation. The garden, though quaint, also has traditional features including a stone step walkway.

Although a stay at Kominka Yado Kuratani doesn't immediately include meals, guests can request a catering service for a kaiseki cuisine dinner. Inquire with the host if you can tie in some cultural experiences along with your dinner, such as local performances for evening entertainment. The kominka also comes with its own kitchen, and with so many producers and providers in the area, it's recommended that visitors should take the chance at crafting their meals made with fresh local ingredients.

Cultural and Outdoor Experiences

Guests might think Kuratani is just a simple kominka guest house, but the many adventures found in the region and offered by the local community are definitely going to turn into worthwhile memories. Yearly festivals are a favorite here, and the Shikoku Sake Festival is one of the island's biggest celebrations, held every February and commemorates the various regional specialties and breweries.

The hills that surround the Yoshino River's valleys are dotted with temples and shrines, many of which are located on scenic vistas and are centuries old. Hashikura-ji, for example, sits atop the hill that overlooks Ikedacho and can be accessed via a ropeway gondola. The neighborhoods that make up Miyoshi offer a variety of activities that represent the local industries, such as tea leaf picking and soba-making. There's also the Kazurabashi Vine Bridge over at the southern areas of Miyoshi, considered a sacred Shinto site and a popular "love test" for romantic couples.

Miyoshi is also a major hotspot for outdoor adventurers, owing to the incredible number of mountains, valleys, and rivers in the region. Those who prefer a relaxed pace can savor a leisurely river cruise, admiring the Yoshino River's green waters and the high peaks that surround it. Hikers looking for a challenge can instead explore the trails of Mt. Ryugatake and Mt. Nokanoike.

Other Celebrations

With so many options offered for immersive and unforgettable cultural experiences, it would be a good idea to tie in your birthday or anniversary with a special activity. Check with the host if they can recommend and refer any activities that would fit well with your celebration. One example could be having local musicians commemorate your birthday with a dinner performance. More outgoing celebrants can instead enjoy a mountaintop picnic with their loved ones and use the breathtaking valley scenery as a backdrop.