We originally worked in developing retail facilities in Tokyo but in 2018 we moved to Kumagawa-juku to put more effort towards these abanonded buildings and believe them to be apart of the local resources and work to revive them so they can be put to use. We moved our company to Kumagawa-juku 6 years ago. Now, we’ve turned 4 run-down buildings into a reception, café, and lodging. We manage the lodgings under the name Yao-Kumagawa. There are four accommodations spread across Kumagawa-juku. You rent an entire home, so, you can feel like you are part of the town.

Yao-Kumagawa is located within the post town of Kumagawa-juku, a town with a long and deep connection to the old capital of Kyoto. It sits along the Mackerel Road or "Saba-Kaido" that was used to carry fish and other goods from the sea. We've taken old and abandoned buildings within Kumagawa-juku and renovated them into beautiful homes. The four homes are "Yamane", "Tsugumi", "Hibari", and "Hotaru". Each home has it's own unique features and has a fully equipped kitchen. While the inside is updated and modern, the outside and town are just like Japan from hundreds of years ago. Come and spend a relaxing moment or two within the post town of Kumagawa-juku.

Kumagawa-juku was a part of the old captial of Kyoto. Many goods brought from northern Japan came through port in the nearby city of Obama and traveled along the Mackerel Road or "Saba-Kaido" through Kumagawa-juku and onto Kyoto. This town was a place to rest and prepare for the day long journey ahead. Nowadays, it is a quiet town on the way to Kyoto, and while the number of residents has overall decreased, some people are starting to move back into the town. We currently have a resident Master Potter, Nao Tobinaga who is happy to teach vistors about pottery and work with them to make a unique piece of pottery. Furthermore, Yuichi Niino, who works as a professional woodcarver, is also happy to teach guests about how to be a ninja. Even in this quiet little town, there is a lot to do, so come and stay a minute at Kumagawa-juku and let Yao-Kumagawa be the place to rest your head. We look forward to seeing you.