sited in rural japan, this exclusive retreat by terunobu fujimori recalls a sailing ship

kodomari fuji, a ship-like retreat crowned with cherry trees

In the town of Fujimi, close to the Nagano-Yamanashi prefectures border, Kodomari Fuji emerges as an exclusive and snug retreat designed by Japanese architect Terunobu Fujimori. Standing on a small hilltop and overlooking the rural landscape as if it were the sea, the property’s elongated structure recalls the body of a ship drifting into open waters. Charred cedar panels envelop the building skin, while a roofscape composed of hand-crafted copper plates and planted cherry trees crown the retreat — offering visitors the chance to enjoy the property’s changing appearance over the years. According to Kodomari Fuji, a nearby 300-year-old weeping cherry tree inspired the planting along the roof. This is Fujimori’s first accommodation project in Japan. 

all images courtesy Kodomari Fuji

Terunobu Fujimori brings pristine qualities to the interiors 

As for the interiors, Terunobu Fujimori used plaster to coat the walls and chestnut wood to cover the floors and build the furniture. The material palette ultimately echoes the ‘pristine’ quality of the Fujimi context. Visitors pick up on this impression by entering the living room, boasting a relaxing atmosphere and an open deck, devoid of unnecessary ormanents and distracting color compositions. Meanwhile, the bedroom, a 63 sqm private space, provides a quiet space for a peaceful slumber. Kodomari Fuji provides guests with environmentally friendly amenities, including air conditioning, underfloor heating, wood stove, electric kettle, refrigerator, rice cooker, a full set of cooking utensils, a full set of tableware, Wi-Fi, and a Bluetooth speaker.

the small inn is located in Fujimi, close to the Nagano-Yamanashi prefectures border

creating an exclusive atmosphere amid the japanese hillscape

Considering its geo-historical and folkloric context, the 4,000 sqm property area has established a strict set of rules to maintain an exclusive atmosphere for current and future visitors. Essentially, access is limited to registered guests and to five people per day; sharing interior photos on social media is forbidden; and wearing strong fragrances or heavily scented fabric softeners is advised against so as not to ‘distub’ the aromatic character of Kodomari Fuji. Lastly, as the inn occupies a small village where children and elderly reside, visitors are encouraged to reduce driving speed upon arrival and to avoid entering nearby fields, gardens, or private areas when taking a stroll in the surroundings. The address to the inn is also provided at the time of booking. 

entrance to Kodomari Fuji

living room area coated in plaster

keeping the interiors ‘pristine’

view toward the Southern Alps

1/2

 

 

project info:

name: Kodomari Fuji retreat | @fujimori_ryokan 

location: Nagano-Yamanashi border, Japan 

architect: Terunobu Fujimori 

property area: 4,000 sqm

room size: 63 sqm 

capacity: 5 people per day