About Deguchiya
The location is surrounded by the lush nature of Yamanashi Prefecture, with the majestic Mount Fuji towering in the background.
Just a two-hour drive from Tokyo, the journey feels like leaving behind the modern everyday and heading towards a special world filled with tranquility and history.
Deguchiya was founded in 1905. It was a time when the Russo-Japanese War was coming to an end and people were looking to the future with new hope. The building has continued to watch over many stories over the years.
Sitting on the tatami mats and gazing out the window at the view, you will feel as if you have traveled back in time to a world of the past. The rings on the old pillars, the soft light filtering through the shoji screens, all these things quietly tell the story of history. And you will be able to weave your own story there.
In the garden, seasonal flowers quietly breathe, creating a space where you can feel the transition of nature. Enjoy a lively BBQ with family and friends under the summer sunshine, or have a romantic moment with the vivid light of fireworks at night. In winter, a special time awaits you as the soft flames of the wood stove flicker and the stars shine in the clear night sky.
The safe stove provides warmth and comfort during the cold seasons.
Deguchi is not just a place to stay. It is a special place where you can experience the history and culture of the region.
It is the smiles of the people who gather there and the memories they share that will weave a new page for this building, and we hope that this page will be passed on to the future.
What kind of story will the time you spend here leave in your heart? It will surely be an irreplaceable moment that you can only experience here.
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To all those involved in the construction,
We would also like to express our heartfelt gratitude to everyone in the local community who provided us with so much support during our reconstruction.
Your memories will shape the journey of future!
The encounter between the owner and Deguchiya
The old house, standing in the center of the village, features a solid, dignified gate and a stately appearance, and it was clear that it once played an important role in supporting the lives of the local people. However, over time, the building has been exposed to the elements, and the years of being abandoned have left deep scars. Leaks and rotting pillars have caused the building to lose its former brilliance, and it appears to be quietly decaying.
In 2015, I was struck by the eloquent appearance of this old house and felt a strong desire to preserve it, so I took it over from the owner and decided to rebuild it. The owner also treasured the building and the time I had spent there, and sympathized with my feelings. When I first took it over, the building was in a serious condition, having sunk by up to 15cm and also being significantly out of balance. Nevertheless, we were able to raise the building by moving it and establish a new, solid foundation, correcting the horizontal and vertical alignment, and the building once again stood strong.
Utilizing his expertise as a heritage manager, he rediscovered the value of this building every time he visited and worked to restore the old house. There was a silkworm shed on the second floor, but it had been left unused for many years, and unused tools, wood, and dust had piled up. However, the inner parlor, tatami room, and veranda had not been renovated, and the original design from the time of construction had remained in beautiful form. In order to pass on this precious design to future generations, he divided the building into zones and came up with a renovation plan.
Parts of historical value were restored while preserving their original appearance as much as possible, and modern building techniques were introduced in areas that required improved safety and comfort. Materials were also selected with consideration given to ensuring earthquake resistance and sustainability. This restoration plan was a challenge in itself, to preserve the building's historical design while harmonizing it with modern life.
The facility is designed to allow visitors to experience the history and culture of the region, as well as to enjoy the Satoyama lifestyle of sitting around a fire and enjoying a bonfire. Furthermore, the initiative has contributed to local job creation and has become a strong link with the local community.