ABOUT KOMINKA
< What's Kominka >
Kominka are old wooden traditional houses built approximately 100 years ago in a traditional Japanese architectural style using timeless building techniques and natural materials.
The method of wood joinery structure of the central pillar and the thick beams does not use nails; instead the joints are crafted to naturally fit or “join” together naturally with craftsmanship designed to withstand the passage of time for hundreds of years if it is well-maintained.
Kominka recreates various traditional lifestyles from more than 100 years ago, with such structures as farmhouses, samurai residences, merchants’ homes, and residences of wealthy families.
The method of wood joinery structure of the central pillar and the thick beams does not use nails; instead the joints are crafted to naturally fit or “join” together naturally with craftsmanship designed to withstand the passage of time for hundreds of years if it is well-maintained.
Kominka recreates various traditional lifestyles from more than 100 years ago, with such structures as farmhouses, samurai residences, merchants’ homes, and residences of wealthy families.
Until recently, many Kominka were dismantled since they were vacant dwellings and new houses were built. However, of late the increasing recognition and appreciation of Japanese historical and architectural heritage have inspired a new awareness of its rarity and an interest in preserving this unique architectural style of house that reflects Japan’s rich past.
Recently Kominka are becoming popular and attracting interest in renovating traditional architectural Kominka since they offer the opportunity to enjoy a country lifestyle like the “good old days.”
Our Kominka offer comfortable living by seamlessly integrating modern appliances in the kitchen and bathroom by home improvements while keeping the traditional structure and the scenic views. Renovation can also prolong the life of the house and enhance existing structural safety.
Recently Kominka are becoming popular and attracting interest in renovating traditional architectural Kominka since they offer the opportunity to enjoy a country lifestyle like the “good old days.”
Our Kominka offer comfortable living by seamlessly integrating modern appliances in the kitchen and bathroom by home improvements while keeping the traditional structure and the scenic views. Renovation can also prolong the life of the house and enhance existing structural safety.
Many Kominka are located in a region richly endowed with nature. You can enjoy a more relaxed lifestyle-growing vegetables for your family, admiring the magnificent views, concentrating on your hobbies, or working from home. CATV services will be available in our Kominka homes for those who wish to telecommute. (Fees to be separately charged by the provider.)
* We are happy to provide customized earthquake-resistant design for each Kominka house at the client’s request.
* We are happy to provide customized earthquake-resistant design for each Kominka house at the client’s request.
< Unique Feature >
First Unique Feature
Traditional Exterior
A Kominka is a wooden traditional architectural structure built more than 100 years ago.
Second Unique Feature
Japanese Tatami Room
The use of tatami provides a feeling of being surrounded by traditional atmosphere of Japanese culture.
Third Unique Feature
"Hari" -Wooden Beam
The ceiling of a 100-year old Kominka has a large, thick “hari” in the ceiling. They create a splendid appearance and atmosphere in Japanese architecture.
Fourth Unique Feature
Antique tools and furniture for a refined decor
Living with a decor filled with genuine furnishings and decorations from more than 100 years.
Fifth Unique Feature
Peaceful and Pastoral Landscape
Many Kominka are found in rural regions like Kameoka and Nantan that have retained the simplicity of country living. Nowadays living in natural surroundings has attracted a great deal of attention for a variety of reasons.
Sixth Unique Feature
Elegant Rooms
The elegant simplicity of rooms in a Kominka engage people's hearts and minds.
Hatano Kameoka
JPY 5,800,000
Under negotiation
Maiduru
JPY 12,800,000
Under negotiation
Asahi Kameoka
---
SOLD OUT
Chitose Kameoka 2
---
SOLD OUT
Yosano
-
SOLD OUT
Kyotanba Shoyayashiki
-
SOLD OUT
kameoka umaji
---
SOLD OUT
Shishiudo Nantan
---
SOLD OUT
Sogabe Kameoka
---
SOLD OUT
Chitose Kameoka
---
SOLD OUT
Shishiudo Nantan Kyoto
---
SOLD OUT
Asahi Kameoka
---
SOLD OUT
Honume Kamaoka
---
SOLD OUT
Chitose Kameoka
---
SOLD OUT
Aoto Yagi
---
SOLD OUT
Koushi Sonobe
---
SOLD OUT
Chitose Kameoka
---
SOLD OUT
Ikejiri Umaji Kameoka
---
SOLD OUT
Kumazaki Sonobe Nantan
---
SOLD OUT
Nantan
---
SOLD OUT
Kyotanabe Kyoto
---
SOLD OUT
Yoshikawa Kamaoka
---
SOLD OUT
Yagi Nantan
custom renovation : Available
---
SOLD OUT
2018~old
Honme Kameoka
---
SOLD OUT
Miyamae Kameoka
---
SOLD OUT
Yagi Nantan
---
SOLD OUT
Sonobe Nantan
---
SOLD OUT
Asahi Kameoka
---
SOLD OUT
Yagi Nantan
---
SOLD OUT
Yagi Nantan
---
SOLD OUT
Sonobe Nantan
---
SOLD OUT
Sonobe Nantan
---
SOLD OUT
Sogabe Kameoka
---
SOLD OUT
Hiyoshi Nantan
---
SOLD OUT
Sonobe Nantan
---
SOLD OUT
Comments of a Client Moving into a Kominka in Kameoka
A family that spent years traveling around the world came to find a peaceful lifestyle in a Kominka in the Nantan countryside near Kyoto, a city that retains the feeling of the past.
Ken Yonetani, a contemporary Japanese artist, and his Australian wife, Julia.
The family purchased a Kominka in Nantan, Kyoto Japan from the company and moved into there in 2015 after living life on the move throughout the world in Germany, France, Finland, Turkey and Singapore.
Ken Yonetani, a contemporary Japanese artist, and his Australian wife, Julia.
The family purchased a Kominka in Nantan, Kyoto Japan from the company and moved into there in 2015 after living life on the move throughout the world in Germany, France, Finland, Turkey and Singapore.
Interviewer: What was the reason you chose the permanent life in Nantan City ?
Ken：
We basically did not like the urban life but needed the convenient transportation access due to my occasional overseas business trips. When we were in Okinawa, we found Nantan City ,which is located in a rural area, but is convenient for the access to major cities and the Internet.
Julia：
Where we live know is called a rural area in Japan, however where we can get to the city in just 30 minutes. So, it really does not seem rural to me at all. When I was living in Australia, it took over 2 hours to go 140 km distance from my home to the city. In comparison with that situation, this place is absolutely not a rural area.
Interviewer: What drew you to Kominka?
Ken：
This is a historic place, about 400 years old, which you can tell from the attic that still has a thatched roof and thick wooden pillars that remain unchanged.
Julia：
It has a beautiful patio. It is just like a Mediterranean house with a place to get together.
Ken：
Our children are enjoying the country life while enjoying what the natural life by the river and without any worries about the traffic.
Julia：
Although we might have continued a nomadic life if we didn’t have children, we want our children to be able to go to just one school without changing school very often. They are completely accustomed to living here by playing with the same aged children.
Interviewer: I heard that you have taken over the farm land from a former owner and started farming yourself.
Ken：
It came as a surprise to people around here that we were going to farm this large land by ourselves with no experience.
We tried to farm by hand at first, but it took too long so we gave it up! (Laughing.) We borrowed an agrimotor and got advice from neighbors to get it going.
Their lifestyle includes enough time for creative activities, farming, and raising their children in the country.
Ken：
We basically did not like the urban life but needed the convenient transportation access due to my occasional overseas business trips. When we were in Okinawa, we found Nantan City ,which is located in a rural area, but is convenient for the access to major cities and the Internet.
Julia：
Where we live know is called a rural area in Japan, however where we can get to the city in just 30 minutes. So, it really does not seem rural to me at all. When I was living in Australia, it took over 2 hours to go 140 km distance from my home to the city. In comparison with that situation, this place is absolutely not a rural area.
Interviewer: What drew you to Kominka?
Ken：
This is a historic place, about 400 years old, which you can tell from the attic that still has a thatched roof and thick wooden pillars that remain unchanged.
Julia：
It has a beautiful patio. It is just like a Mediterranean house with a place to get together.
Ken：
Our children are enjoying the country life while enjoying what the natural life by the river and without any worries about the traffic.
Julia：
Although we might have continued a nomadic life if we didn’t have children, we want our children to be able to go to just one school without changing school very often. They are completely accustomed to living here by playing with the same aged children.
Interviewer: I heard that you have taken over the farm land from a former owner and started farming yourself.
Ken：
It came as a surprise to people around here that we were going to farm this large land by ourselves with no experience.
We tried to farm by hand at first, but it took too long so we gave it up! (Laughing.) We borrowed an agrimotor and got advice from neighbors to get it going.
Their lifestyle includes enough time for creative activities, farming, and raising their children in the country.
Both Nantan and Kameoka have become desirable locations because they are less than 20 minutes away from the amenities, culture, and all that Kyoto has to offer; yet they retain all the benefits of a rural lifestyle, including the scenic views.
Only 20 minutes to historic Kyoto
One of the world’s most highly visited historical cities with many architectural treasures-near Kinkaku-ji Temple, Kiyomizu-dera Temple, and Fushimiinari-taisha Shrine.
Only 20 minutes to historic Kyoto
One of the world’s most highly visited historical cities with many architectural treasures-near Kinkaku-ji Temple, Kiyomizu-dera Temple, and Fushimiinari-taisha Shrine.
< Must-See Attractions in Kameoka >
Sagano Scene Train (Sagano Torokko)
A delightful sightseeing train line drawn by a diesel-electric locomotive running along the Hozu river between Arashiyama and Kameoka offers fantastic views of nature and the gorge.
→WEB site
Hozu River Boat Cruise
The Hozu river, with its depths and rapids, reflects four seasons on its surface along the ravine from Kameoka to Arashiyama and gives you a thrilling two-hour trip.
→WEB site
Kameoka Festival
This festival takes place every year in October. The picture above shows "yamahoko" (decorative floats) which are the main feature of the festival. Rows of many stalls are found and floats are decorated with lanterns on the street at night. You can see the spectacular sight of floats which are towed by many people through the city streets on the last day of the festival.
→WEB site
Mitsuhide Festival
This is the memorial festival for Mitsuhide Akechi, the first lord of Kameyama Castle, of which only the ruins remain. Local participants parade through the downtown dressed in costume of Mitsuhide Akechi and don Yoroi armor and Kabuto helmets for a historical re-enactment.
→WEB site
The Kameoka Dream Cosmos Garden
It is open every fall.
< Must - see Attractions in Nantan >
Thached residence in Miyama
A lot of thatched roofed homes by the traditional building techniques exist here. It is the very famous tour spot representing Miyama town where we can meet the original scenery of Japan in year around.
→WEB site
Fireworks festival in Nantan City
"Fireworks festival in Nantan city" is held every summer. Fireworks are set off from the riverside of OOI River and it is an amazing secene where a few thousands of fireworks light up the night sky.
→WEB site
Springs Hiyoshi
Road station with the natural hot springs is located just under the Hiyoshi dam. You can enjoy hot springs, bedrock bath, heated pool, restaurant, local vegetables, souvenirs, gymnasium, golf, foot bath, and BBQ there.
→WEB site
