Dating back over 300 years, NIPPONIA Harima Fukusaki Library Maison was originally the Miki House, home of the Miki family who had moved to Fukusaki from Himeji in 1655. The Mikis held lordship over Himeji, and thus the home became a focal point for all power and culture in the region. Its architecture reflects its status, hence its elevation as an Important Prefectural Tangible Cultural Property. It's also the spot where Kunio Yanagita, a famous author and folklorist, discovered his love for reading, and thus, the home has had far-reaching effects even into the modern era! The property has also integrated the former Tsujikawa Post Office building, constructed in 1923, into its set of accommodations.

The restaurant building (which was a brewery) is supposed to have been completed in 1861, as attested by the carpenter's ink inscription on the roof that denotes that exact year. Hanare, an accommodation option, dates back to 1770.

Design and Architecture

Each of the five accommodation options has its own unique design features. Hanare, the executive suite with three bedrooms, is the largest option and has a tea ceremony-style alcove. Unique features such as ranma (horizontal ventilation panels placed under ceilings, usually sporting intricate carvings) with carvings similar to those of Katsura Imperial Villa and kugikakushi (decorations hiding nail heads, here in the shapes of rabbit, clam, and rhombus) are found here. Engawas (interior verandahs) are found on the north and south sides of the building.

Fukuya was the room used by the head of the family as a sleeping space and study. The room is surrounded by shoji screen doors and windows, and it even has a view of the courtyard. Uchikura was used as a storehouse for important official documents, as is evident from its high ceilings propped up by thick wooden beams and pillars, and the large bookshelf. It also features 'namako' exterior walls, a method of construction where tiles were fitted to the walls and gaps were filled in, a process itself called 'meji'. This would result in a geometric black-and-white pattern. The beams and pillars were set using a traditional method of wood joinery.

Kadokura is another accommodation option that was a toolshed, though it is still spacious enough for two guests. It sports a tiled ceiling that dates back to the Edo period, and much of the wall decor has been retained from this era. Komekura was a granary used as a storehouse and inspection point for the vast quantities of rice the Miki family received as tribute and tax. The 4-meter ( 13-foot ) high ceilings are beset by equally tall bookshelves. The space is constructed entirely out of wood.

Of course, traditional furnishings such as tatami chairs and chabudai are provided, and the two guest suites are equipped with tatami mats. The courtyard also leans heavily on traditional aesthetics, especially with its ishidoro (Japanese stone lantern). The restaurant is another historic space that functioned as a brewery for making soy sauce, and its thick wooden beams, pillars, and bare walls set into a wooden lattice make evident that it was an industrial space. The kitchen is situated in the former grinding room (where barley was 'cracked', hence the name 'Cracking Room'). The Yokai Book Cafe is situated in the cyan-colored Tsujikawa Post Office building, as are some of the guestrooms, and the retro features are conserved.

Farms' Kitchen

The on-site restaurant embraces the idea of 'local production for local consumption' and is led by Chef Ryo Dose, whose deep love of homemade delicacies and expertise in French cuisine allow for unique dishes to be crafted at the restaurant. Fresh seasonal vegetables , Tanba kurodori chicken , seasonal fish from Harima Sea, rice from Fukusaki itself, eggs from the famous Tasumi Poultry Farm in Fukusaki, and Asagiri miso from Sayo town feature heavily in the dishes.

The restaurant can seat up to 32 people, and Western-style furnishings are provided.

Yokai Book Cafe

This additional eatery serves coffee, light meals, and sweets. Its highlight is the large library with over 200 books.

Lunch

Guests can choose from five-, six-, or seven-course dinners. The five-course lunch will include an appetizer, soup, main course (meat or fish), dessert, coffee or tea. The six-course lunch will have both the meat and fish dishes, while the seven-course lunch will have an additional side dish.

Serving hours : 11:30 am - 3 pm (open on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday)

Dinner is served at 6 pm. The breakfast service starts at 8 am. For lunch, reservations must be made at least two days in advance.

Wedding packages are available at the property, starting at 165,000 JPY (1,095 USD) for a Western-style wedding. The package includes a ceremony fee (original public ceremony), costume rental (wedding dress, tuxedo), accessories, bridal hair and makeup, dressing service for bride and groom, venue decor with artificial flowers, vow ceremony, and 200 photographs. To change it up with Japanese wedding attire, an additional charge of 33,000 JPY (219 USD) will be required, and weddings on weekends and public holidays will also incur an additional charge of 33,000 JPY (219 USD).

If you want to add a reception, a fee of 200,000 JPY (1,326.5 USD) will be charged for a group of six people. A fee of 14,500 JPY (96 USD) will be charged per additional guest. A six-course meal and free drinks will be available. Couples can coordinate with the chef for curating original menus for their special day.

The property invites unique wedding enquiries through 'Small Weddings', a planning company that can make all your dreams about your special day come true. You can even book a special two-day, one-night stay package through the agency and rent out the whole property for an exclusive feel. The package is priced at 750,000 JPY (4,974.5 USD), and accommodations will be provided for up to 20 guests.

Photo wedding options are also available, wherein the costume, bridal hair and makeup services, a bouquet, accommodation, and 100 photographs will be included. *Ravi Factory , a famous photography agency, will be in charge of the photoshoots. The package is priced at 231,000 JPY (1,532 USD).

Cultural Experiences

The property has partnered with multiple local facilities to provide guests with memorable experiences. In fact, guests can book a Zen meditation session at the Myotoku-san Shinjyoku-ji Temple for 1,500 JPY (10 USD). The session lasts approximately 30 minutes and starts at 6:30 am. You can also indulge in a sutra and Buddha image copying exercise at this temple for the same price. You can trace the symbols along a specially crafted piece of paper, and the activity is sure to relax you and boost your mindfulness. The session lasts for an hour.

If you're a culinary enthusiast, try out the mochimugi noodle hand-stretching experience at Mochimugi no Yakata for 1,500 JPY (10 USD). Mochi barley is a famous product of Fukusaki, and the session lets guests handstretch the noodles on a pole (called kadohoshi), after which they'll learn how to separate each strand by using chopsticks. You can even take home 500 grams of raw hand-stretched noodles that you can use for dinner!

A tea ceremony experience is available for guests staying in Hanare and Sokoya rooms, wherein the ceremony master is invited to your room and prepares matcha tea and sweets that you can savor. The hour-long session starts at 4 pm and will allow you to learn the basics of the Japanese tea ceremony and the intricacies of serving and savoring matcha tea. It can be booked for a fee of 2,000 JPY (13.3 USD).