The distinctive Nipponia logo resembling a gate represents the traditional wooden latticework that fronts most of the properties. From the outside, it provides complete privacy and security, but from the inside, it affords a surprisingly complete view of the street and town outside. Staying in an authentic traditional building in a town dating back to the Edo period is a remarkable experience. You come to appreciate the fine craftsmanship embodied in the wood and plaster of the construction that has lasted for centuries. The quiet calm of the building begins to seep into you. When you spend several days in one of these properties, the neighbours soon come to recognise you and start to greet you as one their own. It begins to feel like a new home.

There’s lots to do locally. The towns themselves repay a slow exploration, with or without a guide. Typically there are shops selling antiques, traditional sweets, and sake. There may be sake and soy sauce breweries nearby that you can visit. Some of the towns have castles housing fascinating samurai exhibits. And there are special experiences like Zen meditation in a temple, or indigo dyeing. Some of the towns offer ebikes, with routes that you can download to your phone.

Nipponia hotels are dotted throughout Setouchi Tours territory at rather convenient intervals. We can propose a custom tour for you, staying exclusively at Nipponia properties. There are several advantages to this approach. Firstly, you’ll be assured of staying in an interesting, authentic building in an old Japanese town. You’ll be treated to the same level of comfort and service wherever you go. You can be sure that you’ll be off the crowded main tourist routes. And you can enjoy the satisfaction of knowing that your visit will be contributing directly to the well-being and happiness of the local people by helping to ensure that their town survives intact into the future.  

Please drop us a line at enquiries@setouchitours.com to discuss your Nipponia vacation.