I am New Zealander who has lived in Japan for over 30 years. Japan, its cuisine, and people were so wonderful that one day, maybe after 10 years, I realised I was actually living here, and had no real wish to leave. Every morning I wake up early, exercise and then walk, with two Border Collies, up the river and into the slopes of Mt. Koshosan (where the “Hidden Fortress” at the root of the Star Wars fantasy can be found). I often have to pinch myself that it is all real. I hope to revive the local economy, bring new families and life back to Akizuki where the average age of its residents is around 70 years. I also hope to be able to show to visitors, inbound and domestic, the joy of life in this very special, beautiful rural environment. A place just 45 minutes from a major international airport but a million miles away.

If you ever wanted to stay in a gallery, OKO is your go-to. This traditional Kominka was renovated by Akizuki based aki(architects). It has 2 bedroom ensuites, a cafe-style dining room, and a gallery space connecting to a Japanese garden. Upon arrival, you will find the private gallery hung with rotating sets of works by artists such as David Hockney, Robert Rauschenberg, Yokoo Tadanori, Madsaki, Christo, and Richard Estes.

The house is close to the main Akizuki street. Once here you can easily walk to everywhere in the village. Guides to Akizuki are included. The house is alongside a hotaru (firefly) viewing river - season is late May through June. From dusk until about 9pm it can be a wonderland. Interestingly, Akizuki has no reticulated water supply (there is a black-water drainage system though) as it sits on one of Japans top mineral water aquifers. The house has its own mineral water bore. Enjoy water from the tap and have a mineral water shower.