NIPPONIA Kosuge Village features two beautiful properties that guests would love to get to know personally. The first is Ohya, a kominka in the village proper that is around 150 years old. It was said to have been the home of the Hosokawa family, who made their living via sericulture or growing silkworms for their silk. Their estate, especially in its modern form, would be the envy of many merchant families, with its gorgeous well-tended greenery, stylish stone walkways, and charming stream. Both the house and the storehouse have been transformed into beautiful accommodations, featuring four guestrooms. Also found at Ohya is Genryu Kaiseki 24sekki, the NIPPONIA's signature restaurant for Kosuge.

Now for the other property, NIPPONIA Kosuge Village transformed a pair of 100-year-old cliffside cottages into classy mountain cabins and collectively named them Konagata. These are found in Kosuge's residential area, sitting along the cliffside and overlooking the ridge. Quaint yet classy, these homes boast panoramic views from the wide glass panels. The cabins also come equipped with their own kitchens and even NIPPONIA encourages guests to mingle with the locals, picking and purchasing ingredients for dinner.

Design and Architecture

For Ohya, the classical kominka architecture is its biggest draw. The beautiful aged wood of the beams and pillars tells plenty of stories. For certain areas of the home that needed renovating, much of the original aesthetic was preserved. Darkened floorboards older than the guests will gleam in daylight, while the simple yet eye-catching tatami flooring creates an air of familiarity and homeyness. The furnishings are a mix of traditional and contemporary styles, inviting guests to relax and immerse themselves in the historic ambiance without being restricted by old conventions.

Compared to Ohya, the decor and design for the Konagata cabins emphasize modern comfort and functionality. The dining area and living spaces are certainly of a contemporary bent, but the pillars and ceiling make clear that guests are truly staying in a historic home. Understandably more compact than accommodations found in Ohya, the Konagata cabins do have certain advantages such as having a well-equipped kitchen and proximity to some of the local activities.

The finest of Kosuge's fresh ingredients and seasonal fare will be prepared with fabulous gourmet twists at Genryu Kaiseki 24sekki, the signature restaurant of NIPPONIA Kosuge Village. Platters of delicacies and nationwide favorites will impress your senses while imparting the importance of preserving the village's industries and traditions.

Whether it's for welcoming a new life together or rekindling and renewing your vows, NIPPONIA Kosuge Village offers special destination wedding packages with special cultural significance. Called Goshugi by the locals, the wedding traditions of Kosuge involve unique folk customs such as the groom personally welcoming the bride amidst a throng of witnesses. Featured as an ethical wedding , the couple will be staying for three days and two nights, during which they'll be staying together and helping the villagers prepare the ceremony and celebration. On the day of the wedding itself, the ceremony will be held in nature's embrace, amidst the towering verdant trees of Yamanashi's forests, and overseen by village representatives.

Other notable traditions of the Goshugi include lighting commemorative lanterns , eating a special wedding meal called oshiki , and partying by opening barrels of sake for the newlyweds. The couple will also be presented with a commemorative wooden plaque, registering them as special residents of Kosuge.

Cultural and Outdoor Experiences

As a village surrounded by lush mountains forests and life-giving rivers, the cultural experiences in Kosuge are very much tied together with the environment. Visitors can learn about farming first-hand from locals, helping them pick crops and plant new ones. The many trails and roads are perfect for bicycle trips , exploring what's over at the next village or discovering hidden-away shrines from centuries ago. Those who'd like to stay within the town's vicinity can visit the Plants and People Ecomuseum which offers a more academic approach to learning about agriculture and environmental concepts such as protecting biodiversity. As for vacationers who just want to kick back and relax, they can spend a lazy day catching some trout at Kosuge Fishing Village while sipping local brews made by Far Yeast Brewing Company.

Other Celebrations

For guests looking to celebrate their birthdays or anniversaries with a unique twist, it would be worth asking the management of NIPPONIA Kosuge Village if they can provide some personalized service. There's a good chance they can recommend an activity or even a local venue as a way to also help promote the village and its people.