Traditional Country Living Near Mt. Fuji

At the base of Mt. Fuji, less than 2 hours from Tokyo, is one of the best kept secrets for families wishing to get away from busy city life and enjoy a bit of rural lifestyle. Since 2006 eco-architect Jacob Reiner and the Eden Homes team have been restoring classical Japanese antique homes in the quaint Shojiko Traditional Village. These Minka-style farm houses, constructed with massive hand-hewn beams, have stood for more than 150 years in this ancient silk trading community on the shore of Lake Shojiko. While retaining the charm and serenity of Japanese architecture, the homes are updated with contemporary comforts and convenience, including in-floor heating, sunrooms, open plan kitchens, cedar lined bathrooms, double glazed windows and more.

The most recently completed home, the High Village House, overlooks a Japanese garden and pond with a view of the lake. Adjoining the modern kitchen is an irori room with a traditional charcoal fireplace built into the wide plank floor. Four private tatami rooms and an expansive second-floor loft make the home ideal for families or entertaining guests. The house was recently featured on the NHK television program Eco-Life. Eden Homes, part of the Earth Embassy group of environmental companies, is dedicated to creating homes that provide safety and security for future generations. “The real beauty of these homes is their sustainability,” says Reiner. “All of the beams and original woodwork was harvested from ancient forests in the same valley where they stand now. We are simply rejuvenating the houses so they will last another 150 years.”

For more information contact [email protected]. To arrange a viewing call Jacob at 090-9346-3774.