rural
Dilapidated outbuilding at the SoraHouse contains some surprise items that could tell a story or two.
We bought the SoraHouse for US$9,100 and now it’s time to see if we’re sitting on a goldmine.
A surprising number of young adults are considering trading the hustle and bustle of Tokyo and other cities for a slow-paced rural lifestyle.
Family and nature both feature prominently in this stirring glimpse of a day spent far away from the bright lights of Tokyo.
When European writer, Lafcadio Hearn, wrote about Shimane prefecture in 1894, he described a land steeped in tradition and nature. Since then, all of Japan seems to have ignored this sleepy area of the Chugoku region whose most recent claim to fame is having the country’s largest population of the elderly. But if Shimane prefecture is stuck in the olden days, the Oki Islands are lost in time. Lazily floating out at sea in what is technically Shimane, but is actually an entire world of its own, Oki is a forgotten gem tucked in a dusty corner of Japan. Rambling down the overgrown back roads, you’re sure to come across a wrinkled face and a hearty “konnichiwa,” a small experience that seems to have become a rarity in the always busy metropolises of this country.
It is in this uncommon place that we had the privilege of staying in a home that has stood for over a century. Join us as we share our experience staying at the Japanese guesthouse called Tsukudaya.
MOST POPULAR
Now
Downloads of 39-year-old Guns N’ Roses song increase 12,166 percent thanks to Gundam
Japan’s first all-matcha ramen restaurant is now open in Kyoto【Photos】
A robot joins the team at a fast-food restaurant, but in an unlikely city in northern Japan
Three beautiful places to see Japan’s plum blossoms after starting your day in downtown Tokyo
Here comes a new katsudon: ice cream katsudon?!?
Japanese bag maker to sell bag specifically for carrying around a watermelon
Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting the lines at a popular Tokyo gyukatsu restaurant?
Act of Japanese kindness touches one man’s heart, provides hope for elevator etiquette
Take a trip to Japan’s Dododo Land, the most irritating place on Earth
Travel off the beaten path in Japan, to the point where three prefectures meet
Weekly
- Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting the lines at a popular Tokyo gyukatsu restaurant?
- Three beautiful places to see Japan’s plum blossoms after starting your day in downtown Tokyo
Cherry blossom forecasts map shows Japan’s OTHER sakura season is starting right now
Yokai are descending upon Tokyo this spring in the latest immersive art experience
New Studio Ghibli stamps leave an impression on your stationery…and your heart
Japanese women sound off on their minimum height requirements for a husband【Survey】
Huge Evangelion Unit-01 head appearing in lights in Japan to celebrate anime’s 30th anniversary
Kyoto planning surprise late-night inspections of Airbnb-style rentals to fight overtourism- Downloads of 39-year-old Guns N’ Roses song increase 12,166 percent thanks to Gundam
Family Mart releases huge range of cute sweets for Cat Day in Japan
Monthly
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Japan releases first official sakura cherry blossom forecast for 2026
Archfiend Hello Kitty appears as Sanrio launches new team-up with Yu-Gi-Oh【Pics】
Starbucks Japan releases new Frappuccino and latte for Valentine’s Day
China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning looks to be affecting tourist crowds on Miyajima
Our 52-year-old pole dancing reporter shares his tips for achieving your New Year’s exercise goal- Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting the lines at a popular Tokyo gyukatsu restaurant?
10 times to avoid traveling in Japan in 2026
Studio Ghibli releases new “komorebi” plush toys from Princess Mononoke and Spirited Away- Yokai are descending upon Tokyo this spring in the latest immersive art experience
Yearly
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo- Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Starbucks Japan reveals new sakura drinkware collection, inspired by evening cherry blossoms
Updated cherry blossom forecast shows extra-long sakura season for Japan this year
RECOMMENDED STORIES
Japanese bag maker to sell bag specifically for carrying around a watermelon
Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting the lines at a popular Tokyo gyukatsu restaurant?
Act of Japanese kindness touches one man’s heart, provides hope for elevator etiquette
Take a trip to Japan’s Dododo Land, the most irritating place on Earth
Travel off the beaten path in Japan, to the point where three prefectures meet
7-Eleven Japan sells freshly baked pizzas…but are they any good?
Krispy Kreme Japan’s sakura donuts are almost here!
Starbucks Japan releases new Chocolate Milk for Valentine’s Day
Hokkaido park’s “sakura on the ground” are a breathtaking reason to venture beyond Sapporo
This 7-Eleven convenience store causes a buzz with foreigners online
Is this cheap, US$20-a-night capsule hotel in Tokyo’s Kabukicho a good-value stay?
Starbucks unveils a new type of matcha latte in Japan
-
