Okasaki Kominka
Ando Town, Nara Pref.
While renovation is needed, this is a well-crafted traditional Kominka. The roof has an elegant “Mukuri” slope, and the spacious earthen-floored area includes an old-style kitchen with a “Kamado” hearth. Though the toilet and bathhouse have been removed, the large grounds make rebuilding easy—and also offer great potential for a beautiful Japanese garden. Located south of Nara city, Okasaki is a picturesque village surrounded by rice fields and farmland. Its many stately old houses reflect the charm of a moat-enclosed medieval settlement. Nearby are historic temples, including Horyuji, the world’s oldest wooden building and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. By car, it’s about 30 minutes to central Osaka or Nara, and around an hour to Kansai International Airport.
