As the year draws to a close, our family embarked on a journey to the picturesque region of Tamba Sasayama in Japan. Nestled in the heart of nature, we rented an entire house for our New Year’s celebration. Surrounded by pristine air and stunning landscapes, we were ready to create unforgettable memories in this unique, secluded haven.
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About Tamba Sasayama
Tamba Sasayama is located in the central-eastern part of Hyogo Prefecture, about an hour’s drive from Osaka City. The town is blessed with beautiful nature and abundant agricultural produce. It retains the traditional rural landscape and the streetscape of a historic castle town.
Take a Break At a Roadside Station
At the roadside station, they sell locally grown vegetables, meat, and rice. Since we cook for ourselves, we purchase these items and head to our accommodation.
We stopped by Michi-no-Eki Inagawa, which is famous for its soba noodles. You can enjoy 100% buckwheat soba (juwari soba) here. Juwari soba is made from 100% buckwheat flour, offering rich flavor and aroma. Because it doesn’t contain the binding agent wheat flour, you can directly experience the authentic taste and aroma of buckwheat.
As it was the end of the year, the tables were full with reservations for toshikoshi soba (year-end soba). Every year on New Year’s Eve, eating toshikoshi soba and wishing for a long life is a Japanese tradition.
I had soba with spicy grated daikon. The soba is dipped into the dipping sauce with grated daikon and condiments. The spicy daikon and the smooth texture of the soba were delightful. Finally, the remaining dipping sauce is mixed with soba cooking water and enjoyed as a drink.
With a reservation, you can also participate in a soba-making experience.
Within the premises of the roadside station, I found a mobile coffee stand. Drawn by the aroma of the coffee, I decided to try some. Behind the stand, there was a clear, beautiful river where fireflies fly in the summer nights. I enjoyed a relaxing break by the riverside, sipping my coffee.
Whole-House Rental: Tenku Nouen in Tamba Sasayama
As the path winds deeper into the mountains, it gradually comes into view.
Welcome to our accommodation for the day, NIPPONIA Tenku Nouen. We are staying here as a family for two nights at this exclusive one-group-per-day lodging.
“Tenku Nouen” can be translated to “Sky Farm” in English.
Surrounded by lush greenery, the morning is filled with the melody of birds chirping, and the gentle rustle of the wind through the trees soothes the soul.
As night falls, the starlit sky twinkles, and you can hear the whispers of nature in the serene silence. This place offers a true retreat, refreshing both mind and body, allowing you to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life.
Here, you can coexist with nature while enjoying a slow and tranquil pace of time.
Embark on a Home Exploration Tour
In the entrance, stacks of firewood are piled up, ready to welcome visitors with warmth. This region experiences low temperatures and snow in winter, but that adds to the charm of this house.
1st Floor of Tenku Nouen
In the center of the room stands a grand fireplace. The flames of the fireplace bring warmth, and the crackling sound of burning wood offers a comforting sense of peace. The fireplace is an indispensable feature, serving as a gathering spot for the family to spend leisurely time together. It creates a warm, inviting space that makes one forget the chill outside.
Open the door and be greeted by a fireplace and a view of terraced rice fields. It’s the perfect spot to relax and unwind while enjoying the tranquil scenery.
To the right of the entrance, there is an island kitchen. We enjoy meals while admiring the great view outside. Cooking in this bright and stylish kitchen is a delight. Tea leaves picked from the backyard and coffee beans from a nearby roastery are available, and I plan to relax by the fireplace while warming up.
2nd Floor of Tenku Nouen
Climbing the stairs, we reach the second floor. There are two rooms upstairs, a Japanese-style room and a Western-style room.
Opening a playful little door, you find the Japanese-style room. It has windows that offer views of the terraced rice fields and the forest. During the day, sunlight streams in, making it very warm and inviting, so I’m eagerly anticipating taking a nap in the cozy room filled with warm sunlight.
Another room is a Western-style room with many small windows. It feels like a secret hideout with its bookshelves and reading nook. There’s a projector, so we can enjoy movies on a big screen at night. Reading while traveling is a special experience that leaves a lasting impression, and I love that feeling. I think I’ll read something later.
A Cozy Bath in a Stone Bathtub
A bathroom with a stone bathtub. In the corner, there is a window that allows daylight to stream in during the day. When you fill the tub with hot water, the cool stone gradually warms up. The large bathtub is spacious enough for the entire household to enjoy a relaxing bath together.
Wooden Deck and Scenic Views
I’m stepping out onto the wood deck.
So refreshing! The chirping of birds fills the air, and the clear blue sky stretches above. It’s such a refreshing day that I almost forget it’s winter. The crisp air feels invigorating, giving me a sense of being one with the great outdoors.
Swaying in a hammock, I feel nature with my entire being and meditate, bringing a sense of peace to my mind. Sitting on an outdoor sofa, I savor freshly brewed coffee while enjoying the scenery and the tranquility.
It’s truly a serene and luxurious moment that flows gently by.
The outdoors were so pleasant that I almost forgot about the cold, but the mountains do get chilly. I’ll warm up by the fireplace.
Adding firewood made the flames roar higher. I warm myself by the fireplace, listening to the crackling sounds and gazing out at the great outdoors through the window. It’s the perfect moment.
Cooking for Ourselves
We’ll cook using locally grown vegetables and ingredients we brought with us. You can imagine how it’s exciting to use a kitchen different from the one at home!
Rice Cooked in an Earthen Pot
At home, we usually cook rice in a rice cooker. But today, we’re taking the opportunity to cook it in an earthen pot. Rice cooked in an earthen pot comes out fluffy, chewy, and wonderfully fragrant. It takes a bit of skill, but we’re going to give it a try.
Rinse the rice and drain it in a colander, making sure to remove excess water. Place the rice and measured water in the pot, and bring it to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cook for 15 minutes. After that, let it steam for about 15 minutes. The rice is now ready.
In fact, I made a mistake and slightly burned the rice, but it’s okay. We still managed to enjoy it. Learning from this mistake, I want to give it another try!
Sukiyaki
Sukiyaki is a hot pot dish enjoyed when family and relatives gather in large numbers. It consists of thinly sliced beef, vegetables, tofu, shirataki (konjac noodles), and shiitake mushrooms simmered in a sweet and savory sauce made from soy sauce, sugar, mirin, and sake.
The first slice of beef is grilled with savory sauce and dipped in fresh eggs before eating. These eggs, freshly harvested this morning from Tamba Sasayama, add an unmistakable deliciousness.
We use celebratory chopsticks we bought for the New Year to enjoy our meal. It’s customary to use these special chopsticks during New Year’s celebrations.
Japanese Sake
Although this is not from Tamba Sasayama, we are enjoying a sake called Mio. Mio is characterized by its beautiful blue bottle and sparkling nature. Sparkling sake is rare and is particularly popular among women. Since it’s sparkling, we enjoy it in wine glasses.
Behind the House
The backyard opens up to expansive tea fields, and beyond them lies the trailhead. Since it’s the New Year, we are enjoying kite flying. Paw Patrol kites are soaring joyfully in the wind!