Yes, we decided. It’s May and Sydney is getting cold. It is time we migrate to Hiroshima again.
I am unusually excited because this time, 7 whole months – longest ever.
I am determined to use this old house for either cultural events or Air BnB now that we are staying for long. We’ve spent enough money. Time to recoup some. Still have loads to do but first up, I made up a floor plan and a map of the Nakao House so we can take those to the council for approval, get permits, make necessary arrangements to open this old house for business.
What can we do here?
I am thinking hands on experience on Japanese plastering (Shikkui), kimono or tea ceremony, music, cooking… Invite Japanese experts and conduct events bilingually. Maybe a small group of 10? With coffee, tea and cake?
Make “Kura” cool again!
It is the coolest part of the house. No point in hiding it. Air BnB. Interested in sleeping in Kura, anyone? Our street used to be full of great “Kura” storehouses but they are disappearing fast. Maybe because it costs so much to maintain. I understand as we too spent over $10,000 fixing but we have less and less tradesmen which is alarming. I want to change this somehow. We have to keep giving jobs to these people, putting some money in, keeping the culture alive.
Why should you stay with us?
Well, there aren’t many interesting accommodation options around Hiroshima. Not like Kyoto. This one is full of characters. We are not right in the centre but still pretty accessible and it is rare to find traditional accommodation like this.
Hot spring, views, the “Carp” Love, all here
I also think it is about time travelers to Hiroshima explored a little more South. We are at the skirt of Ohgon-zan (Golden Mountain), only 15-20 min bike ride from JR Hiroshima Station, walking distance from Mazda Museum (I wish they’d do something about those robot-like lady guides, pretty but they are awful), and our beloved Zoom-Zoom Mazda Stadium is near by.
It is gateway to Kure, you can’t say you’ve come to Hiroshima until you see the beautiful coastlines and floating islands in the region.
So much fun to be had yet I think this area is quite under rated or badly promoted. It has to change.
The Nakao house is located in a very quiet residential area. In fact, you hardly see tourists or foreigners. But isn’t that an attraction for people who want to have glimpse of what sort of life locals lead? There are also a few interesting shops and quirky cafes that are totally off the radar of posh guidebooks.
And Ohgon-zan (Golden Mountain) has an awesome lookout, offering breathtaking 360 degrees panoramic views day and night, a must visit. Another nature spot is Hijiyama which gets enough visitors due to close proximity to the city as well as their awesome museums. We even have a perfect family entertainment venue that offers a hot spring, Japanese gardens and restaurants all in one place, walking distance from us – Hanbe, love it.
Experience life like a local
Did I make you at least a bit curious about our house or the area? Sure, you can stay in Miyajima, I’d allow it. But don’t stay in the CBD hotels (unless you want to party all night. You can’t do that here). Stay over our way, ride a bike everywhere (we have a few to rent) and live like a local. Be original.