Introducing ‘Setouchi Cominca Stays’
Unique high-end accommodation options in the heart of Setouchi
Revitalizing the Region
The Setouchi Cominca Stays Project is an ambitious social enterprise that aims to restore and repurpose vacant traditional Japanese homes (kominka translates as 'old house') in the Seto Inland Sea region. The project's goal is to turn culturally significant properties into high-end lodgings so that travelers can experience a new side of the region while supporting local revitalization efforts.
This is an opportunity to discover off the beaten path destinations in style, while also connecting more deeply with smaller Japanese communities.
Uchiko in Ehime Prefecture
Shobara in Hiroshima Prefecture
Two Destinations to Choose From
Uchiko
Once a prosperous center for producing wax, Uchiko is a well-preserved, historic merchant town in Ehime Prefecture. It is home to a 600-meter long street lined with 90 merchant homes from the 18th century.
Shobara
Located in Hiroshima Prefecture, Shobara is a rural village said to be the burial place of Goddess Izanami. This small, friendly farming community is the chance to experience the true Japanese countryside
Uchiko Cominca Stays
From visiting the town’s famous kabuki theater to trying your hand at making washi paper, Uchiko is the ideal destination to experience traditional Japanese culture. There is also plenty of stunning nature in the area, including terraced rice paddies and hidden shrines deep in the woods. Uchiko’s two Cominca Stays are former merchant houses located in the heart of the historical district.
Ori
Maximum Occupancy: 6 Guests
Located in the center of Uchiko’s historical district, Ori is a former miso factory and wood merchant residence in the machiya architectural style.
Property Highlights
Located in the middle of the Yokaichi-Gokoku Historical District
Private garden with connecting bath
Mezzanine study area
Large tatami room and restful foyer.
Property Features
2 bedrooms
1 tatami room
1 full bathroom with stone bathtub
1 full bathroom
2 toilets
1 living room
1 full-scale dining room kitchen
1 study
1 private garden
Hisa
Maximum Occupancy: 6 Guests
‘Hisa’ is the former residence of a wax merchant in the kura storehouse architectural style. It is also located in the heart of Uchiko’s historical district.
Property Highlights
Located in the middle of the Yokaichi-Gokoku Historical District
Hinoki cedar wood bathtub
Traditional Japanese sunken hearth
Kotatsu heated table in winter
Property Features
1 bedroom
2 tatami rooms
1 full bathroom with hinoki bath tab
2 toilets
1 living room
1 full scale kitchen
1 private garden
How to Get to Uchiko
Uchiko is located in Ehime Prefecture on Shikoku Island.
Uchiko can be accessed by train or private car from Matsuyama, the capital of Ehime. Matsuyama is easily accessible from Tokyo by direct flight. It can also be accessed from Hiroshima and Naoshima.
To Matsuyama
From Tokyo: 90 minutes by direct flight
From Naoshima: 30 minutes by ferry + 150 minutes by train
From Hiroshima: 70 minutes by ferry
To Uchiko (from Matsuyama)
From Matsuyama (option 1) : 50 minutes by car
From Matsuyama (option 2) : 25 minutes by train
Shobara Cominca Stays
Tucked away among mountains and rice paddies, Shobara is a land of abundance and the perfect rural getaway to experience a quieter side of Japan. Conveniently located between the historical sites of Hiroshima and the rich kagura culture of Shimane, staying in Shobara is a chance to go back to a simpler time and reconnect with nature. Shobara’s three cominca properties are beautifully renovated old farmhouses dating back between 100 and 250 years.
Chojaya
Maximum Occupancy: 6 Guests
Chojaya is a 250-year-old thatched roof farmhouse located in one of the most beautiful hamlets in Japan.
Property Highlights
The property houses a museum that pays tribute to its long legacy.
Located in an active farming community.
Traditional architecture with modern amenities.
Newly installed kitchen and large bath
Property Features
1 bedroom
2 tatami rooms
1 living dining room
1 full-scale kitchen
1 bathroom
2 toilets
1 in-house historic museum room
Furosen
Maximum Occupancy: 6 Guests
‘Furosen’ is a 100-year-old farmhouse nestled in a valley. Includes wood burning outdoor bath.
Property Highlights
Total privacy in secluded valley with large outdoor space
Telescope to observe the starry night sky in the pitch black valley
Views of beautiful terraced fields
Wood burning outdoor bath
Property Features
1 bedroom
2 tatami rooms
1 full-scale kitchen
1 dining room
1 bathroom
2 toilets
1 terrace
Kozako-Mori
Maximum Occupancy: 8 Guests
Located near a peaceful mountain stream, ‘Kozako-Mori’ is a 150-year-old thatched roof farmhouse with a contemporary interior.
Property Highlights
Living space can be fully opened to the outside
Decorative fire pit
Movie projector to watch movies on a large screen
Special sofa set and hanging chair
Property Features
2 bedrooms
1 tatami room
1 lounge with “fire place”
1 kitchen
1 bathroom
2 toilets
How to Get to Shobara
Shobara is located in Hiroshima Prefecture on Japan’s main Honshu Island.
Shobara can be easily accessed by private car from Hiroshima, Okayama, Shimane, and Onomichi. We can assist you in renting your own car or can arrange a private driver.
From Hiroshima: 90 minutes by car
From Okayama: 110 minutes by car
From Izumo (Shimane): 80 minutes by car
From Onomichi: 70 minutes by car
Use the form below to request an itinerary and personalized quote for a Setouchi Cominca Stay.