Sacred Stay / Luxury 150yo Villa by World Heritage

A beautifully restored 150-year-old Japanese villa, offering a private sanctuary for up to five guests.

Located just 5 minutes by car from World Heritage Chuson-ji Temple, Sorauta Private Stay sits quietly among historic rice paddies at the foot of the sacred hills of Hiraizumi. The former owner was known as a “Half-Monk, Half-Farmer,” and the peaceful landscape where he once lived and farmed remains part of the experience today.

From the front garden, you can gaze toward Kanzan Hill, just as he once did. Surrounded by rice fields and nature, this is a place to slow down and experience a quieter side of Japan.

The 165 m² house stands on a spacious 2,400 m² private estate. Carefully restored while preserving its original columns and beams, the house retains the character and beauty of traditional Japanese architecture. There are two Japanese-style bedrooms: one with three cypress wood beds, and the other with bedding for two to three guests.

The entire property is yours for the duration of your stay. Enjoy coffee in the garden, relax in the spacious lounge, explore the World Heritage area, or simply watch the seasons change from the house.

In summer, a seasonal private pool is available in the front garden. On cooler evenings, enjoy a BBQ or gather around a fire beneath the stars.

Sorauta is more than a place to stay while visiting Hiraizumi. It is a place to experience the landscape, architecture, craftsmanship, and quiet rhythm of rural Japan—a private retreat to return to after exploring Hiraizumi and southern Iwate.

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【The House & Amenities】

**Lounge**

The spacious lounge features two three-seat sofas, two lounge chairs, a work desk and chair, and a Bluetooth speaker. It is a comfortable space to relax, read, work, or simply enjoy a quiet moment.

**Kitchen & Dining**

The dining area has a large table with seating for six.

The fully equipped kitchen includes a refrigerator, large dishwasher, IH induction cooktop, microwave, toaster, cookware, glasses, tableware, and basic seasonings.

An additional tabletop IH cooker is available for hot pots and shabu-shabu, which can be enjoyed at the dining table.

Coffee, black tea, Japanese tea, and bottled drinking water are also provided.

For safety reasons, we kindly ask guests not to use electric yakiniku grills or hot plates indoors, as they may trigger the fire alarm and cause grease to spread.

**Japanese-Style Bedrooms**

There are two Japanese-style bedrooms.

**Bedroom 1 – approximately 23 m²**

Three cypress wood beds: one semi-double bed and two single beds.

**Bedroom 2 – approximately 23 m²**

Bedding is available for two to three guests. Depending on your needs, we can arrange a combination of beds and traditional Japanese futons.

All bedding is made with cotton materials.

A baby crib is also available upon request.

**Bathroom & Laundry Area – approximately 40 m²**

The spacious bathroom area includes:

* One bathtub
* One separate shower room
* Double-sink vanity
* Two toilets
* Washing machine with laundry detergent

There is no separate clothes dryer, but the bathroom has a built-in drying function that can be used to dry laundry.

**Linen & Amenities**

We provide bath towels and kitchen linens.

For each guest, we provide:

* THREE shampoo and conditioner
* N. body soap
* Organic hand soap
* Toothbrush set
* Dental floss

Two hair dryers are available.

**BBQ & Bonfire**

BBQ and bonfire experiences are available in the garden by advance reservation.

We provide the necessary equipment and supplies, including charcoal, fire starters, grills, and cooking equipment. Food is not included and should be purchased by guests.

For BBQs, guests can also enjoy cooking with traditional Nambu Tekki cast ironware, made locally in Oshu.

**Additional fees:**

* BBQ set: JPY 5,000
* Bonfire set: JPY 1,500
* Pool: JPY 2,000

These fees are charged only when the service is used and are payable in cash at checkout.

Please make your request at least three days before arrival. BBQ and bonfires may not be available depending on weather or other conditions.

Fireworks are permitted in designated areas, but smoking is not permitted anywhere inside the property.

**Summer-Only Pool**

During the summer season, a private pool is available in the front garden.

If you would like to use the pool, please let us know at least two days before your stay. We will clean it and prepare fresh water for your arrival.

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【Exploring Hiraizumi & Southern Iwate】

Sorauta Private Stay is ideally located for exploring Hiraizumi and southern Iwate. With convenient access to the expressway, it also makes a comfortable base for road trips to Akita, Aomori, and other parts of northern Tohoku.

・Chuson-ji Temple – approximately 5 minutes by car
A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most important cultural sites in Tohoku. The temple complex is especially famous for Konjikido, the celebrated Golden Hall.

・Motsu-ji Temple – approximately 10 minutes by car.
Another UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its beautiful Pure Land garden and peaceful ponds.

・Takkoku-no-Iwaya Bishamon-do – approximately 15 minutes by car.
A unique temple built into a dramatic cliff face, offering a glimpse into the history of Japan's syncretic Buddhist and Shinto traditions. It is also known for the popular Gogyoku Hoin talisman.

・Geibikei Gorge – approximately 30 minutes by car.
A spectacular limestone gorge where traditional boat rides take you through the dramatic scenery, accompanied by songs from the boatmen.

・Genbikei Gorge – approximately 30 minutes by car
A scenic gorge famous for its unusual “flying dango,” delivered across the river by a traditional basket system.

・Kurikoma Mountain – approximately 50–85 minutes by car.
One of the region's most spectacular destinations for autumn foliage. In early October, the mountainsides can transform into what locals call a “carpet of the gods.”

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【Outdoor Activities – Spring to Autumn】

・The surrounding area offers a variety of outdoor experiences, including horseback riding at Muroneyama Riding Club, approximately one hour away. The owner holds a UK-style riding qualification and offers authentic riding experiences.

・Paragliding is also available at the foot of Mt. Muroneyama, weather permitting.

・Canoeing and SUP are available on nearby lakes, and there are two golf courses within easy driving distance.

◯Winter Activities

・Geto Kogen Ski Resort – approximately 50 minutes by car
Known for its abundant powder snow, Geto Kogen is one of the region's popular winter destinations.

・Kunimidaira Ski Resort – approximately 35 minutes by car.
Opening in late December, the resort offers 11 varied courses as well as a sledding area, making it suitable for families and a range of winter activities.

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【Cultural Experiences – Year Round】

Enjoy Japanese cultural experiences such as wagashi-making and matcha workshops.

Southern Iwate is also home to the traditional craftsmanship of Nambu Tekki cast ironware. Factory tours and factory shops offer opportunities to see how these iconic pieces of Japanese ironware are made.

◯Hot Springs

Several local hot springs are within easy driving distance of Sorauta.

・Maesawa Onsen Maizuru-no-Yu – approximately 10 minutes by car.

A popular local day-use hot spring with 100% natural hot spring water, a sauna, restaurant, and rest area.

・Yamazakura-momo-no-Yu – approximately 20 minutes by car.

A day-use hot spring facility attached to a traditional hot spring inn, with bathing available from early morning until late evening.

・Yukyu-no-Yu Hiraizumi Onsen – approximately 10 minutes by car.

A local day-use hot spring in Hiraizumi, frequented by residents as well as visitors. It offers natural hot spring bathing, a sauna, and a cold bath.

After a day of sightseeing, driving, hiking, or exploring local craftsmanship, return to your private estate, make a cup of tea, relax in the garden, and enjoy the quiet landscape.

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【Shopping & Local Essentials】

Just a 5-minute drive from Sorauta, you will find an area with everything you may need during your stay, including an AEON supermarket, a liquor store, a home improvement store, and casual dining options such as ramen restaurants and McDonald’s.

Just nearby is also a specialty shop dedicated to Maesawa Beef, one of Japan’s highly regarded wagyu brands.

You can enjoy Maesawa Beef at a local restaurant, or purchase fresh cuts from the shop and bring them back to Sorauta to enjoy a BBQ in the garden.

During your BBQ, you can also experience cooking with Nambu Tekki cast ironware, a traditional craft from the region. Using locally made cast ironware adds a unique touch to your outdoor dining experience and offers a chance to experience one of Iwate’s distinctive traditions firsthand.

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【Welcome Gift for Stays of Two Nights or More】

Guests staying for two nights or more will receive a complimentary welcome gift featuring locally made Japanese sake and sweets from the region.

We hope these small local treats help you settle in and enjoy a taste of Iwate from the moment you arrive.