This site takes traditional architecture to new heights, like a Ghibli world come to life.
We’re always on the hunt for hidden gems and little-known sights in Japan, so when we heard about a teahouse that was suspended in the air, we immediately sent our reporter Natsuno Futon over to Nagano Prefecture to check it out.
Called the “Flying Mud Boat”, the unusual structure is tucked away in Chino City, on a plot of land that houses two other equally charming teahouses. The setting is so whimsical that it feels like a Ghibli world come to life, with calming hues and natural materials helping the buildings blend into the surrounding greenery.
▼ The first sight to greet you is a boat-like object that literally hangs in the air.
This is Sora Tobu Dorobune, which translates as Flying Mud Boat, and it was designed by architect Terunobu Fujimori.
Ever since his student days, Fujimori had always wanted to build something that floated in midair, and he finally got the chance to bring the idea to life when he created the Flying Mud Boat in 2010 to coincide with an exhibition.
From a distance, the architectural creation looks like it’s floating, but up close you can appreciate all the finer details, including the wire structure that holds it in place.
▼ On one side there are doors, which act as a small entrance into the structure.
The interior isn’t normally open to the public, but during special guided tours, a ladder is used so people can climb up to the boat and crawl inside.
▼ A beautiful spot for a teahouse.
As it turns out, the Flying Mud Boat isn’t the only unusual building in the area, as there are several other distinctive structures nearby, als0 designed by Fujimori.
One of these structures is a teahouse, cutely named Takasugian, which roughly translates as “Too-High Teahouse”.
▼ Nestled in amongst the treetops, this is another functioning teahouse in a dream setting.
This structure sits way above ground, perched atop two trees in such a whimsical manner that you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into the world of Studio Ghibli.
Ghibli’s animated feature movies are filled with architectural wonders that seem to defy all the rules, and this structure brings the same sort of anime wizardry to life in the real world. Despite the precarious look of it, the teahouse is structurally sound, but it’s located so high up that even looking at it from ground level is enough to make your heart skip a beat.
▼ Takasugi-an was once chosen by TIME magazine as one of the “Top 10 Most Dangerous Buildings in the World”, with the Leaning Tower of Pisa taking first place.
From a teahouse that’s too high comes one that’s too low, with the next structure being partly built underground.
Called Hikusugian , or “Too-Low Teahouse”, this is the complete opposite of Takasugian, literally sitting in its shadow.
Though none of the buildings were open when Natsuno visited, just seeing them was enough to spark a sense of awe inside of her. It also opened her eyes to what’s possible outside of traditional norms.
There’s also a community center designed by Fujimori in the vicinity, which puts his creative genius on full display.
From a teahouse that’s high up, to another down low, and then one suspended in the air – who knew teahouses could be so wonderfully unconventional? It’s a truly fascinating site that deserves to be more well-known, so next time you’re looking to enjoy some quiet time off the beaten path in Japan, be sure to put the Flying Mud Boat on your calendar.
Site information
Flying Mud Boat, Takasugian and Hikusugian / 空飛ぶ泥舟・高過庵・低過庵
Address: Nagano-ken, Chino-shi, Miyagawa 389-1
長野県茅野市宮川389-1
Website
Photos ©SoraNews24
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