Entire home
Mountaintop retreat in Chichibu: just a short hop west of Tokyo
Photo gallery for Mountaintop retreat in Chichibu: just a short hop west of Tokyo
Entire home
1 bedroom2 bathroomsSleeps 4538 sq ft
Popular amenities
- Breakfast includedBreakfast included
- WasherWasher
- KitchenKitchen
- Air conditioningAir conditioning
- Outdoor spaceOutdoor space
Explore the area
Yokoze-machi, Saitama
- Hitsujiyama Park10 min drive
- Chichibu Shrine11 min drive
- Seibuchichibu Ekimae Onsen Matsurinoyu Hot Spring11 min drive
About this property
Entire place
You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.
Mountaintop retreat in Chichibu: just a short hop west of Tokyo
Property Description
Unique, purpose-built timber frame home with a 30-year history located in a mountaintop village only 75 mins by train from Tokyo on the well-served Seibu Line from Ikebukuro. The house, with mostly Japanese - but some Western - features, originally served as the owner's family home when the children were small. It is enclosed on two sides by tall hedges and blessed with an extensive garden that borders onto forested land, offering total peace and privacy, and the constant presence of Nature. The garden was established from scratch by the owner, who planted trees which have now fully matured.
The property is ideal for guests wishing to experience rural Japan, either as a centerpiece for a rural holiday, or for short stays for people who are based in Tokyo and wish to escape to a quiet environment. As the rail service has a reliable express, daily commuting into Tokyo and back is definitely possible (75 mins one way).
The section for guests is a self-contained unit attached to the main dwelling by a long roofed veranda. It has an open-plan "long gallery" with four large windows overlooking the garden, which can be divided into four small individual rooms by optional partitions, offering various degrees of privacy according to individual preference. It is suitable for either a single person or couple, or a group of 2-4 people, seeking a rural retreat. The guest space also includes a toilet, kitchenette with a sink, fridge and microwave, and a Japanese-style stainless steel immersion-type bath and shower. For the more adventurous, a traditional Japanese-style wooden bath is also available in the main part of the house. This offers a direct view into the garden.
For each guest, Japanese-style "futon" bedding (laid on the floor) is available. However, for those who prefer a less spartan surface, there is an IKEA bed (single or double usage) and an inflatable semi-double air mattress.
The house is located in the village of Ashigakubo at an altitude of about 500 metres. This means that the cold can be quite harsh during January to late March, and occasionally heavy snowfall can make the roads impassible for a day or two. However, it also means that temperatures are relatively comfortable in June and early July and also in September, when it is still uncomfortably hot and humid in Tokyo. Irrespective of season, however, appropriate heating or air conditioning is available for guests.
Perhaps the most important point to emphasize for people considering this property is that **the owner will always be on site** in the main part of the house. Although privacy is, of course, always respected, guests from other countries unfamiliar with Japanese rural life are likely to need advice and help from the owner. In addition, as the house is a 10-min drive up a mountain road from the nearest rail station, car transport is necessary. The owner considers that the property is best suited to guests with their own transport, or those who enjoy biking or hiking.
Dave, the owner, is a UK (Cumbria-born) expat who has lived in Japan for more than 35 years. He has an extensive knowledge of Chichibu and is a familiar face in the area. Chichibu is a fascinating region, rich in history and tradition, which still remains off the beaten track to most foreign tourists, despite its proximity to Tokyo. In the present era of "over-tourism", **it is still possible to tour extensively around the Chichibu area and never see another foreign tourist**. The region is mountainous with peaks of up to 2500 metres, and has outstanding natural beauty in all seasons. This makes it ideal for visitors who wish to make hiking or biking the centrepiece of their trip to Japan. However, for the less energetic, there is a rich cultural tradition to explore too: the Chichibu Night Festival held on Dec 2-3 annually, is one of the most famous in Japan, featuring outstanding local "taiko" drumming troupes, ancient candle-lit wooden floats that are pulled through the town, and one of the most spectacular winter fireworks displays Japan can offer. The surrounding area also boasts a fantastic variety of seasonal festivals at all times of the year, Shinto shrines (often in wild and romantic settings) and a Buddhist pilgrimage route that includes 34 temples. Chichibu is also considered to be the model for the "Town of Titipu" in the comic opera "The Mikado" by Gilbert and Sullivan. For anyone wishing to tour the Chichibu area or sample some of the festivals, Dave is also happy to offer his services as a driver and guide.
The guest accommodation on offer is not "5-star" by Western standards. However, it is clean and very typical of Japanese rural accommodation in general, offering an authentic taste of real life in a Japanese mountain setting. This includes amazing views of the night sky (telescope available), occasional visits by monkeys and other wildlife (not guaranteed of course :-)) and the constant presence of exotic insect life in the summer. Guests should bear these points in mind when considering whether or not to book.
Unique, purpose-built timber frame home with a 30-year history located in a mountaintop village only 75 mins by train from Tokyo on the well-served Seibu Line from Ikebukuro. The house, with mostly Japanese - but some Western - features, originally served as the owner's family home when the children were small. It is enclosed on two sides by tall hedges and blessed with an extensive garden that borders onto forested land, offering total peace and privacy, and the constant presence of Nature. The garden was established from scratch by the owner, who planted trees which have now fully matured.
The property is ideal for guests wishing to experience rural Japan, either as a centerpiece for a rural holiday, or for short stays for people who are based in Tokyo and wish to escape to a quiet environment. As the rail service has a reliable express, daily commuting into Tokyo and back is definitely possible (75 mins one way).
The section for guests is a self-contained unit attached to the main dwelling by a long roofed veranda. It has an open-plan "long gallery" with four large windows overlooking the garden, which can be divided into four small individual rooms by optional partitions, offering various degrees of privacy according to individual preference. It is suitable for either a single person or couple, or a group of 2-4 people, seeking a rural retreat. The guest space also includes a toilet, kitchenette with a sink, fridge and microwave, and a Japanese-style stainless steel immersion-type bath and shower. For the more adventurous, a traditional Japanese-style wooden bath is also available in the main part of the house. This offers a direct view into the garden.
For each guest, Japanese-style "futon" bedding (laid on the floor) is available. However, for those who prefer a less spartan surface, there is an IKEA bed (single or double usage) and an inflatable semi-double air mattress.
The house is located in the village of Ashigakubo at an altitude of about 500 metres. This means that the cold can be quite harsh during January to late March, and occasionally heavy snowfall can make the roads impassible for a day or two. However, it also means that temperatures are relatively comfortable in June and early July and also in September, when it is still uncomfortably hot and humid in Tokyo. Irrespective of season, however, appropriate heating or air conditioning is available for guests.
Perhaps the most important point to emphasize for people considering this property is that **the owner will always be on site** in the main part of the house. Although privacy is, of course, always respected, guests from other countries unfamiliar with Japanese rural life are likely to need advice and help from the owner. In addition, as the house is a 10-min drive up a mountain road from the nearest rail station, car transport is necessary. The owner considers that the property is best suited to guests with their own transport, or those who enjoy biking or hiking.
Dave, the owner, is a UK (Cumbria-born) expat who has lived in Japan for more than 35 years. He has an extensive knowledge of Chichibu and is a familiar face in the area. Chichibu is a fascinating region, rich in history and tradition, which still remains off the beaten track to most foreign tourists, despite its proximity to Tokyo. In the present era of "over-tourism", **it is still possible to tour extensively around the Chichibu area and never see another foreign tourist**. The region is mountainous with peaks of up to 2500 metres, and has outstanding natural beauty in all seasons. This makes it ideal for visitors who wish to make hiking or biking the centrepiece of their trip to Japan. However, for the less energetic, there is a rich cultural tradition to explore too: the Chichibu Night Festival held on Dec 2-3 annually, is one of the most famous in Japan, featuring outstanding local "taiko" drumming troupes, ancient candle-lit wooden floats that are pulled through the town, and one of the most spectacular winter fireworks displays Japan can offer. The surrounding area also boasts a fantastic variety of seasonal festivals at all times of the year, Shinto shrines (often in wild and romantic settings) and a Buddhist pilgrimage route that includes 34 temples. Chichibu is also considered to be the model for the "Town of Titipu" in the comic opera "The Mikado" by Gilbert and Sullivan. For anyone wishing to tour the Chichibu area or sample some of the festivals, Dave is also happy to offer his services as a driver and guide.
The guest accommodation on offer is not "5-star" by Western standards. However, it is clean and very typical of Japanese rural accommodation in general, offering an authentic taste of real life in a Japanese mountain setting. This includes amazing views of the night sky (telescope available), occasional visits by monkeys and other wildlife (not guaranteed of course :-)) and the constant presence of exotic insect life in the summer. Guests should bear these points in mind when considering whether or not to book.
Property manager
Dave Douglas
Languages
English, Japanese
Property amenities
Beach
- Beach loungers
Internet
- Available in the house: WiFi
Parking and transportation
- Limo/town car service
- Car required
Kitchenette
- Electric kettle
- Microwave
- Refrigerator
Dining
- Free breakfast available
Bedrooms
- Bedroom
- Bedsheets provided
Bathroom
- 2 bathrooms
- Shampoo
- Shower only
- Soap
- Toilet paper
- Towels provided
Outdoor areas
- Garden
- Porch/lanai
Laundry
- Washing machine
Comfort
- Air conditioning
- Heating
Pets
- No pets allowed
Suitability/Accessibility
- Smoke-free property
Services and conveniences
- Housekeeping (limited availability)
Location highlights
- In a village
Things to do
- Mountain climbing nearby
Safety features
- Carbon monoxide detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector)
- Smoke detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property)
General
- 1 unit
- Garden
- Property does not allow children
- Unit size: 538 square feet
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Policies
Policies
Check-in
Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Check-out
Check-out before 11:00 AM
Special check-in instructions
You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Pets
Pets not allowed
Children and extra beds
This property does not allow children
Important information
Important information
You need to know
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
Property Registration Number M110019681
We should mention
The Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour, and Welfare requires all international visitors to submit their passport number and nationality when registering at any lodging facility (inns, hotels, motels, etc. ); additionally, lodging proprietors are required to photocopy passports for all registering guests and keep the photocopy on file
A car is required for transportation to and from this property
Property is also known as
House
Vrbo Property
Mountaintop retreat in Chichibu just a short hop west of Tokyo
About the area
Yokoze
This vacation home is located in Yokoze. Chichibu Shrine and Nijusanya-ji Temple are local landmarks, and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Nagatorotamayodo Prefectural Natural Park and Chichibu Tama Kai National Park. Roade Station Kaju Park Ashigakubo and Chichibujibasan Center are also worth visiting. Take an opportunity to explore the area for outdoor excitement like mountain climbing.
What's nearby
- Hitsujiyama Park - 10 min drive
- Chichibu Satsusho Meguri - 11 min drive
- Chichibu Shrine - 11 min drive
- Seibuchichibu Ekimae Onsen Matsurinoyu Hot Spring - 11 min drive
- Chichibu Nagatoro Hodosan Shrine - 22 min drive
Getting around
- Urayamaguchi Station - 26 min drive
Restaurants
- ずりあげうどん - 5 min drive
- ジェラテリア HANA - 16 min drive
- 水辺のカフェ - 20 min walk
- 大金星 - 9 min drive
- 悦楽苑 - 9 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is Mountaintop retreat in Chichibu: just a short hop west of Tokyo pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
What time is check-in at Mountaintop retreat in Chichibu: just a short hop west of Tokyo?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Mountaintop retreat in Chichibu: just a short hop west of Tokyo?
Check-out is at 11:00 AM.
Where is Mountaintop retreat in Chichibu: just a short hop west of Tokyo located?
Situated in Yokoze, this vacation home is within 3 mi (5 km) of Roade Station Kaju Park Ashigakubo, Hitsujiyama Park, and Chichibu Satsusho Meguri. Road Station - Chichibu and Jigenji Temple are also within 6 mi (10 km).
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