Japan Nature Stays
Chiiori
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Chiiori

Iya Valley, Tokushima, Japan | eco lodge

A 300-year-old thatched-roof farmhouse in one of Japan's three great secluded valleys, restored by author Alex Kerr.

About this stay

Chiiori — the 'House of the Flute' — is a 300-year-old thatched-roof farmhouse perched high above the Iya Valley, one of Japan's three most secluded regions. Discovered and restored by writer Alex Kerr in 1973, it became the inspiration for his seminal book 'Lost Japan.' Now operated by the Chiiori Trust NPO, staying here means sleeping in a piece of living cultural heritage: two irori sunken hearths for cooking, a hinoki cypress bath, and nothing between you and the mountain valley but centuries of silence.


What this place offers

300-year-old thatched roof
Alex Kerr restored
Two irori hearths
Hinoki cypress bath
Whole-house rental (up to 10)
NPO operated for cultural preservation

Best for

Cultural heritage seekersGroups & familiesWriters & artistsOff-the-beaten-path

Getting here

Osaka 3.5h

Train to Oboke Station + taxi 50min


Where you'll be

Prefecture Tokushima
Area Iya Valley
Country Japan
Coordinates 33.93, 133.98

Guest Reviews

Jessica H 11 months ago

The photos don't do it justice. Highly recommend staying here. Wish we booked more nights. :) The drive to Chiiori is not for the faint of heart but adds to the experience. I have strict dietary requirements due to chronic illness and the owner accommodated them perfectly.

Josian Gattermeier a year ago

If you want to experience an authentic farm house, but a luxurious experience at it, this is perfect. Natural water from the mountain, quiet, warm, beautiful, elegant. It is like staying at a museum. Chiiori is a landmark, the second oldest house in Iya. Unforgettable memories will be made during your stay.

Victor Vorski 9 years ago

Fifteen years ago I came here when driving through Shikoku on a motorbike, I came unexpectedly and was welcomed by tea and invited to dinner which we cooked together with the volunteers i was allowed to stay for a reasonable price, the house was in its old condition. Today came by wanting to just show the place famous from the book to my wife. I was coldly told by some staffer that without a reservation we weren't even allowed inside the house. I see he outside has been replaced with modern glass housing and gas heating put inside. The price to stay is also doubled. It's become a gentrified expensive hotel. I guess everyone has to make living, but the soul of the place feels lost. Fortunately the old house on down the hill is now a cafe and you can experience an authentic interior (plus TV, it this is Japan...)

Alexandre Brochu 6 years ago

Nice and cozy place to stay. The food is great and the view is magnificent.

Vincent BOUCHIAT 9 years ago

Luxury guesthouse in a Traditional farm house

Reviews sourced from Google

$150 / night

Up to $300/night depending on season

eco lodge · Iya Valley

Not affiliated with this property. Prices may vary.