The Story of KinoMa
168 years of history, reimagined for the future
A House with Stories
Located in Okuwa-mura along the historic Nakasendo route—the ancient path connecting Kyoto and Edo (Tokyo)—KinoMa is a Japanese kominka with over 160 years of history.
In its past, the house was a center for silk production, where silkworms were raised in the upper floors, taking advantage of the warmth rising from the living quarters below. Later, it became home to a local pharmacist who served the community for decades.
The massive wooden beams that support the house were harvested from the surrounding Kiso forests, known for producing some of Japan's finest timber. Each beam tells a story of the craftsmen who shaped them over a century ago.
A Labor of Love
In 2020, two friends from Tokyo—Kana and Machi—discovered this house during a trip along the Nakasendo. Despite its worn state, they saw its potential and fell in love with its soul.
Over four years, they dedicated weekends and holidays to bringing KinoMa back to life. Most of the work was done by their own hands, with guidance from a local carpenter who taught them traditional techniques passed down through generations.
The renovation philosophy was simple: preserve the soul while adding modern comfort. Original beams were cleaned and oiled, not replaced. Walls were insulated without changing the traditional mud-plaster aesthetic. A modern kitchen was carefully integrated into the original wooden structure.
Meet Kana & Machi
Kana: Kana works in sustainable design and brought her eye for balancing beauty with function. She led the interior decisions and spent countless hours researching traditional Japanese home restoration.
Machi: Machi has a background in architecture and managed the structural aspects of the renovation. His weekends were spent learning traditional carpentry joints and fixing roof tiles.
Together, they hope to share the magic of this place with travelers who appreciate history, craftsmanship, and the quiet beauty of rural Japan.
Old Meets New
Every corner of KinoMa reflects our philosophy of respectful renovation. We preserved the 168-year-old structure while introducing modern comforts that enhance, not detract from, the historical experience.