Oriza no Mori: A Registered Tangible Cultural Property Farmhouse Inn in Kami Town, Miyagi
Nestled in the lush countryside of Kami Town in northern Miyagi Prefecture, Oriza no Mori (おりざの森) is a farmhouse inn housed in a beautifully relocated Meiji-era farmhouse. Originally known as the former Takano Family Residence (旧高野家住宅主屋), this timber-framed building dates back to 1890 and was designated as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property of Japan in 2002. Combining the charm of traditional rural architecture with the warmth of farm-stay hospitality, Oriza no Mori offers visitors a rare opportunity to sleep under the same massive beams that once sheltered a sericulture farming household over a century ago.
Historical Background
The building that now houses Oriza no Mori was originally constructed in 1890 (Meiji 23) in the village of Takakura in Kakuda City, located near the border of Fukushima Prefecture. The construction date has been confirmed through a ridge-board plaque (棟札, munafuda) preserved within the structure — a traditional practice in Japanese carpentry where builders inscribe the date, the names of carpenters, and sometimes prayers onto a wooden plaque placed at the ridge of the roof.
For over a century, the house served as the primary residence of the Takano family, a farming household engaged in sericulture — the cultivation of silkworms, which was one of the most important agricultural industries in the Tohoku region during the Meiji and Taisho periods. In 2001, the building was carefully dismantled, transported, and reassembled at its current location in Kami Town's Nakajima district, where it was given new life as a farmhouse inn. The following year, in February 2002, it received official recognition as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property (登録有形文化財) by the Japanese government.
Why It Was Designated a Cultural Property
The former Takano Family Residence was registered as a cultural property because it preserves the distinctive architectural characteristics of sericulture farmhouses from the southern Miyagi and northern Fukushima region. Several features make this building architecturally significant:
The structure features an asymmetrical roof design, with a gabled (切妻造, kirizuma-zukuri) form on the right side and a hipped (寄棟造, yosemune-zukuri) form on the left. It is a two-story building with a front-facing entrance (平入, hirari), and the overall height of the structure is notably tall compared to standard farmhouses of the era. This extra height was essential for sericulture work, as the upper level provided ample ventilation and space for raising silkworms on bamboo trays.
The second-floor inner veranda (内縁, uchien) along the front facade is a hallmark feature of sericulture farmhouses in this region. This sheltered corridor allowed airflow to regulate temperature and humidity for the silkworms while also providing additional workspace. Together, these architectural elements represent a valuable record of the agricultural traditions and building techniques of rural Tohoku during the Meiji period.
Architectural Highlights and Charm
Stepping inside Oriza no Mori, visitors are immediately struck by the soaring ceiling and the massive wooden beams that span the interior. The timber-frame construction uses traditional Japanese joinery techniques, with heavy posts and beams fitted together without nails — a testament to the skill of Meiji-era carpenters.
The building covers a floor area of approximately 150 square meters. The roof, originally thatched, was re-covered with metal sheeting (鉄板葺) during the relocation process to ensure durability in its new setting. Despite this practical modification, the external proportions and overall silhouette of the building remain faithful to its original form, preserving the dignified presence of a substantial rural farmhouse.
Inside, the traditional layout has been thoughtfully adapted for guest accommodation while retaining original features such as wooden columns, sliding doors (fusuma), and the characteristic earthen-floored space (doma) that was once the heart of daily farm life. The atmosphere evokes a sense of nostalgia, as if visiting a grandmother's countryside home — a feeling that many Japanese and international guests find deeply comforting.
The Farm-Stay Experience
Oriza no Mori opened in 2001 alongside the farmhouse restaurant Fumie Harahan, both operated by the Shibuya family. The inn offers an authentic agritourism experience in which guests can participate in seasonal farming activities such as rice planting and harvesting, vegetable and herb picking, apple gathering, and hands-on cooking and sweets-making classes using freshly harvested ingredients.
Dinner at Oriza no Mori is a highlight of any stay. The meal centers on Sasanishiki rice cultivated using the aigamo (duck) farming method — a traditional organic technique in which ducks are released into the paddy fields to eat pests and weeds naturally, eliminating the need for chemical pesticides. The rice is accompanied by dishes featuring duck and an array of seasonal vegetables grown on the family's farm. The resulting meal is a celebration of Kami Town's agricultural bounty, prepared with care and a deep respect for the land.
Check-in is at 16:30 and check-out at 10:00, allowing guests to settle in at a relaxed pace and enjoy the quiet of the countryside evening. Picture books and other materials are available for families with young children, making the inn a welcoming destination for visitors of all ages.
Visitor Information
Oriza no Mori is located in a tranquil rural area of Kami Town, approximately 30 minutes by car from JR Furukawa Station on the Tohoku Shinkansen line, or 30 minutes from the Furukawa Interchange on the Tohoku Expressway. Visitors traveling by highway bus can take the Sendai–Kami line to the Onoda Branch Office stop, though a taxi or private vehicle is recommended for the final leg of the journey.
Reservations are required for both accommodation and dining at the adjacent restaurant Fumie Harahan. The restaurant operates on a completely reservation-only basis, serving lunch from 11:30 to 13:30. Its menu changes daily based on whatever vegetables, wild plants, and seasonal ingredients have been harvested that morning — a truly farm-to-table experience that has earned the restaurant a devoted following.
Surrounding Attractions
Kami Town offers a wealth of natural and cultural attractions that complement a stay at Oriza no Mori. Mount Yakurai (薬莱山), the town's iconic 553-meter conical peak known locally as "Kami Fuji," is an easy 40-minute hike to the summit and rewards climbers with panoramic views of the Osaki Plain. At the mountain's base, Yakurai Garden (やくらいガーデン) spans 150,000 square meters with over 400 plant species across eight themed gardens, offering spectacular seasonal flower displays from spring through autumn, including illumination events in winter.
For relaxation, Yakurai Yakushi no Yu (やくらい薬師の湯) provides natural hot spring bathing with a variety of indoor and outdoor baths. Culture enthusiasts will appreciate the Matsumoto Family Residence (松本家住宅), a nationally designated Important Cultural Property also located in Kami Town, as well as the Kirigomu Yaki Memorial Hall (切込焼記念館) showcasing the town's traditional pottery heritage.
The nearby city of Osaki is home to the Sensory Museum (感覚ミュージアム), a unique interactive facility exploring the five senses. For those seeking a longer excursion, the famous Naruko Onsen hot spring resort area is within easy driving distance, and the historic castle town of Sendai and the scenic Matsushima Bay can each be reached in about an hour by car.
- 📍 Plan Your Visit to Miyagi
- Find tours, activities & transport passes near Farmhouse Inn Oriza No Mori (Main Building of the Former
- [ Matsushima Bay Cruise & Sendai Food Tours ]
Q&A
- What does the name "Oriza no Mori" mean?
- "Oriza" comes from Oryza sativa, the scientific name for cultivated rice, reflecting the inn's deep connection to rice farming. "Mori" means forest or grove, evoking the natural, wooded setting of the property. Together, the name symbolizes the harmony between agriculture and nature that defines the farm-stay experience.
- Do I need to speak Japanese to stay at Oriza no Mori?
- While the primary language of communication is Japanese, the warm hospitality of the Shibuya family transcends language barriers. Basic gestures, translation apps, and the universal language of sharing a meal together make the experience enjoyable for international guests. Preparing a few basic Japanese phrases in advance is recommended.
- What farming activities can guests participate in?
- Seasonal activities include rice planting (spring), vegetable and herb harvesting (summer), apple picking and rice harvesting (autumn), and cooking or sweets-making workshops using farm-fresh ingredients. The available activities vary by season, so it is best to inquire when making your reservation.
- What is the aigamo (duck) farming method used for the rice?
- Aigamo farming is a traditional organic rice cultivation technique in which domesticated ducks are released into flooded rice paddies. The ducks eat insects, snails, and weeds, naturally keeping the paddies clean without the use of chemical pesticides or herbicides. This method produces rice that is both environmentally sustainable and exceptionally flavorful.
- How can I get to Oriza no Mori from Sendai or Tokyo?
- From Tokyo, take the Tohoku Shinkansen to Furukawa Station (approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes). From Sendai, the journey to Furukawa is about 15 minutes by Shinkansen. From Furukawa Station, the inn is approximately 30 minutes by car or taxi. If driving, take the Tohoku Expressway to the Furukawa Interchange and head northwest toward Kami Town.
Basic Information
| Name | Oriza no Mori (Former Takano Family Residence Main House) — 農家民宿おりざの森（旧高野家住宅主屋） |
|---|---|
| Designation | Registered Tangible Cultural Property (Building) |
| Registration Date | February 14, 2002 |
| Construction Year | 1890 (Meiji 23); relocated in 2001 |
| Structure | Wooden single-story (with loft), metal-sheet roofing, building area approx. 150 m² |
| Address | 16-1, 18-2 Nakajima Minamida-ichiban, Kami Town, Kami District, Miyagi Prefecture 981-4315 |
| Phone | 080-5567-4280 |
| Check-in / Check-out | Check-in 16:30 / Check-out 10:00 |
| Access | Approx. 30 minutes by car from JR Furukawa Station (Tohoku Shinkansen) or Furukawa IC (Tohoku Expressway) |
References
- 農家民宿おりざの森（旧高野家住宅主屋） — Cultural Heritage Online (文化遺産オンライン)
- https://online.bunka.go.jp/heritages/detail/178806
- 文化財一覧 — Kami Town Official Website
- https://www.town.kami.miyagi.jp/soshikikarasagasu/shogaigakushuka/rekishi_bunkazai/768.html
- 農家民宿 おりざの森 — Miyagi Prefecture Farm Stay Website (みやぎの農泊)
- https://www.pref.miyagi.jp/site/nohaku/map/oriza.html
- 食事処ふみえはらはん — Satomono (里の物語)
- https://satomono.jp/restaurant/04445/8712/
- 加美町 — Wikipedia
- https://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E5%8A%A0%E7%BE%8E%E7%94%BA
Last verified: 2026.04.13