After a first article introducing the historic center of Sasayama, I would now like to present a perfect place to continue your journey in the region: Shuuraku Maruyama, a private inn nestled in the heart of a Japanese hamlet, inviting you to experience a slice of local life during your stay.

A small piece of rural Japanese life
Located in Hyogo Prefecture, just a 10‑minute drive from the historic district of Tamba Sasayama, Shuuraku Maruyama is an enchanting and bucolic place offering a unique experience: staying right in the middle of a small Japanese countryside hamlet, in connection with its residents.
To make this possible, two abandoned traditional houses were renovated and transformed into private inns, each able to host one group of guests per day.

Located in Hyogo Prefecture, just a 10‑minute drive from the historic district of the city of Tamba Sasayama, Shuuraku Maruyama is an enchanting and bucolic place offering a unique experience: staying right in the middle of a small Japanese countryside hamlet, in connection with the local residents.
To make this possible, two abandoned traditional houses were renovated and transformed into private inns, each accommodating one group of guests per day.

A beautiful revitalization project

Shuuraku Maruyama is a small agricultural village that has existed for over 150 years, composed of nine traditional houses. Among them are two private inns, but also two restaurants: Hiwa no Kura, serving French cuisine, and Roan Matsuda, specializing in soba noodles.
The remaining five houses are homes and farms where families live. The inn project, launched in 2009, was born out of a desire to revitalize the hamlet by bringing abandoned houses back to life.

Above all, it is the entire village that participates in the project, since all the staff involved with the inn—those who maintain the houses or prepare the meals—are members of the hamlet. For example, it is the local mothers who prepare breakfast for the guests.

A stay here is also an opportunity to take part in village life. Depending on the season, hosts offer activities connected to the agricultural calendar, such as harvesting black‑bean edamame in the autumn, chopping firewood, or pounding glutinous rice to make mochi in the winter.

Les auberges de Shuuraku Maruyama

The two inns of Shuuraku Maruyama offer a timeless experience, creating an atmosphere worthy of the most beautiful animated films: you are in an old house filled with history while enjoying optimal comfort.

You benefit from the charm of a traditional house without the inconveniences typically found in such old dwellings.

It feels like being in a Japanese grandmother’s farmhouse—warm, cozy, and with everything you need. You can delightfully slip under the warm kotatsu and enjoy tea and small treats prepared by the staff.

The two houses, Akari and Honoho, can each accommodate up to six people. They are an excellent option for groups, with a night including breakfast costing, for example, only 16,500 yen per person for a group of four.

House Akari is located slightly higher up, offering a beautiful view over the hamlet, while Honoho has the added charm of featuring a traditional goemon‑buro bath, extending the immersive experience even into the bathroom.

Conclusion

In the heart of a preserved Japan that moves at a gentle pace, Shuuraku Maruyama offers a memorable and authentic experience just steps away from the historic center of Sasayama. It is a charming and pastoral place rooted in a desire to preserve and maintain the rural life of a Japan too often forgotten.
A virtuous cycle that provides unforgettable moments to visitors, creates connections with locals, and brings new life to old Japanese houses. A place that should not be missed when visiting the region, just one hour from Osaka or Kobe!