Sasayuri-Ann Zao

Sasayuri-Ann Zao is a beautifully restored 200 year old Japanese-style farmhouse in the Nara countryside, boasting views of rice fields, Mt Muro and Mt Takami. Accommodating up to 10 people, it is located in a mountain village and is a great example of traditional kominka architecture, with a beautiful thatched roof. The lovely wooden villa offers a well-equipped modern kitchen with an electric cooking stove, with appliances like a dishwasher, a coffee machine and a rice cooker and other kitchenware also provided. Additionally, the main house has an irori – an open hearth fireplace – which can be also used for cooking when staff are in attendance.

Sasayuri-Ann Zao offers a variety of catered dining options, including a Japanese dinner served by a Michelin chef, Sushi, French cuisine or even vegan and vegetarian options.

There is a terrace and free WiFi and a sound system equipped with omnidirectional (dodecahedron) speakers for guests to enjoy their favourite music at its best. Bicycles are provided for guests to use freely.

Guests sleep in traditional futon bedding on the tatami (woven-straw) floor of the loft. Facilities include a wooden bathtub and a washing machine.

Sasayuri-ann also curates a range of activities for guests to do, including hiking and trekking, waterfall trails, canoeing and cycling, as well as workshops in traditional activities such as zen meditation, taiko drumming, bamboo flute and conch shell trumpets, as well as pottery. Farming and rice planting or harvesting experiences are also possible at certain times of year.