A Stay at Rakudo-An: Art & Design in the Japanese Countryside
Not far from the Sea of Japan coast lies Toyama, a region scattered with heritage villages, mountains and gorges and home to some of Japan’s most talented craftspeople. Rakudo-An draws on all this in its design and amenities, set in Tonami Plain, one of the most beautiful and remote areas of Japan. Featuring just three rooms in a beautifully restored farmhouse dating back more than 100 years, the hotel is ideal for a quiet, traditional escape that supports local farmers and artisans.
The Offer
The Azumadachi farmhouse has been lovingly redesigned using traditional Japanese materials such as clay, wood, silk and washi paper, meaning Rakudo-An appears striking yet has soft, traditional interiors which celebrate the surrounding area. There are just three rooms: Paper, Silk and Soil, which immerse visitors in the world of handmade furniture, art and crafts, whether alone or by booking all of the rooms as a group. Each room utilises minimalist design to focus on the local countryside by using the material of its moniker, such as the ‘Soil’ in which sweeping views across nearby paddy fields are complimented by earthenware walls. The hotel’s Italian restaurant, Il Cima, also overlooks tranquil rice fields and has a constantly changing menu featuring freshly caught seafood from Toyama Bay.
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The Location
The lesser-visited Toyama Prefecture in Japan’s northwest sits between dramatic coastline and the towering Japan Alps, although much of the region is covered in lush, green rice paddies. Historically home to farmers, who are struggling to continue their trade here, the Tonami Plain is home to many similar azumadachi farmhouses, picturesque villages, lakes and stretching views. Toyama is also where you can find some of Japan’s best craftsmen, from traditional potters and wood-carvers, to metal workers and silk weavers. You can explore these by visiting the various craft shops and museums around Toyama and try your hand at making them. Some of the best include carpentry at Bed & Craft, and Shimatani Syouryu Koubou, where third-generation craftsmen make Buddhist gongs and copperware.
Who is it For?
Rakudo-An’s three well-thought-out rooms are ideal for small groups or independent travellers who want to discover a deep side to Japan via architecture, art and design. The unique design elements here encourage guests to learn more about local artisans and culture, while the range of experiences on offer means that staying inside the hotel is just a small part of your stay. The location may not fall into the usual tourist route, but for a peaceful escape without the crowds, it’s unbeatable and offers something year-round, whether you visit as the leaves turn green in spring or see snow-covered fields in winter.
Related Post: In With the Old: A Stay at Maana Kiyomizu, Kyoto
Sustainability
Rakudo-An was created with sustainability in mind as part of a regeneration programme to help the surrounding area, where a once rich industry of rice farming is slowly dying out. The hotel supports local farmers, artists and craftspeople by using 2% of its profits on village conservation efforts. The onsite restaurant uses locally caught fish and a menu which changes daily, and all waste is used as compost on the chef’s farm. The small boutique sells crafts and produce from Toyama artisans and you might spot that the glassware is all recycled, made from upcycled bottles by a local artist. All of the experiences available at the hotel shine a direct light on the incredible people, landscapes and culture of Toyama: guests can experience taiko drumming, shrimp fishing and visits to metal, silk or woodwork studios to discover more about the region, and everywhere you look there’s something that celebrates the talents of people who live and work here.
Important Information
*Note that the hotel is closed every Tuesday, with the exception of national holidays.
How to get there
Car: Rakudo-An is just 30 minutes by car from Toyama Airport, which is the nearest domestic airport, or 50 minutes from Komatsu Airport.
Train: The closest station is Takagi Station, which is around 6 hours from Tokyo by Shinkansen or 4 hours from Osaka, changing trains is required but details can be found on the hotel website.
Check-in / Check-out: The earliest check-in is 3 pm, check-out at 11 am
Rooms: 3
Onsen: N/A
Pets: N/A
645 Nomurajima, Tonami City,
Toyama Prefecture, Japan 939-1334
Find out more via www.rakudoan.jp/en
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