Yado Ikkei – the guest house where Gifu's craftsmanship takes centre stage
Discover genuine hospitality in Japan's largest ceramic and tile production area
Tajimi has more and more unique lodgings, which draws tourists keen on pottery and museums. The guesthouse "Ikkei" opened in November 2024, in Odamachi, Tajimi, is one such example.
The traditional Japanese house, with its beautiful pillars and beams, has been renovated into accommodation. Opened as a place where guests can stay as if living here, it allows visitors to experience the history and culture of the Mino ware region. From tiles, furniture, and lighting to the bath, it lavishly incorporates local techniques and materials, making it a guesthouse decorated with craftsmanship unique to Gifu Prefecture, known for its many local industries.
The entire enterprise is conceived around the notion of "Mino Ikkei" (which roughly translates to "A Scene from Mino") – less a conventional hotel than an immersive experience in the living history and culture of Mino ware. Ikkei (一景) can be translated as one (一) scene (景), “a view”, or “a landscape”, often suggesting a notable or distinctive visual experience. Here, it connotes a unique setting or a special view.
I had the pleasure of speaking with Mr Masashi Kasai, the proprietor (who also serves as Chairman of the board at X-is, a tile manufacturer of some repute). He was kind enough to illuminate the genesis of this establishment, share a few personal observations, and expound upon his vision for Tajimi's future. The conversation is accompanied by a photographic record.
The traditional Japanese house, with its beautiful pillars and beams, has been renovated into accommodation. Opened as a place where guests can stay as if living here, it allows visitors to experience the history and culture of the Mino ware region. From tiles, furniture, and lighting to the bath, it lavishly incorporates local techniques and materials, making it a guesthouse decorated with craftsmanship unique to Gifu Prefecture, known for its many local industries.
The entire enterprise is conceived around the notion of "Mino Ikkei" (which roughly translates to "A Scene from Mino") – less a conventional hotel than an immersive experience in the living history and culture of Mino ware. Ikkei (一景) can be translated as one (一) scene (景), “a view”, or “a landscape”, often suggesting a notable or distinctive visual experience. Here, it connotes a unique setting or a special view.
I had the pleasure of speaking with Mr Masashi Kasai, the proprietor (who also serves as Chairman of the board at X-is, a tile manufacturer of some repute). He was kind enough to illuminate the genesis of this establishment, share a few personal observations, and expound upon his vision for Tajimi's future. The conversation is accompanied by a photographic record.
2024 November Opening – A Guest House Offering an Encounter with Gifu Craftsmanship
Mr Kasai's credentials in the tile industry are considerable. He established X-is Corporation in 1998 in Asahigaoka, Tajimi, where the firm produces an extensive range of lifestyle tiles – from ready-made offerings to bespoke commissions – serving clientele both domestic and international. He also holds the distinction of being the inaugural chairman of the Ceramic Valley Council (founded in 2021) and manages the Tajimi Mino Ware Wholesale Centre Cooperative. Which naturally raises the question: what prompted a tile manufacturer to venture into the hospitality sector?
"The catalyst, rather improbably, was Switzerland," he explained. "In 2023, a delegation of Swiss ceramicists embarked upon a tour of Japan's principal pottery centres – Arita, Kyoto, and so forth. When they arrived in Tajimi, I found myself serving as their cicerone, conducting them through clay mines, factories, Oribe Street – the complete itinerary. They appeared genuinely impressed, because shortly thereafter, A formal request arrived from Switzerland that we host some of their emerging artists for a residency programme. We subsequently organised a three-week intensive for their up-and-coming creators."
"The catalyst, rather improbably, was Switzerland," he explained. "In 2023, a delegation of Swiss ceramicists embarked upon a tour of Japan's principal pottery centres – Arita, Kyoto, and so forth. When they arrived in Tajimi, I found myself serving as their cicerone, conducting them through clay mines, factories, Oribe Street – the complete itinerary. They appeared genuinely impressed, because shortly thereafter, A formal request arrived from Switzerland that we host some of their emerging artists for a residency programme. We subsequently organised a three-week intensive for their up-and-coming creators."
The Owner of Ikkei - Masashi Kasai
An "Artist-in-Residence" programme, for the uninitiated, involves creative practitioners establishing a temporary base of operations to pursue their work – sometimes conducting research, sometimes simply absorbing fresh influences. In this instance, X-is provided the workshop facilities, but therein lay the difficulty: Tajimi lacked suitable long-term accommodation for these artists.
"So I thought, why not renovate my ancestral home? Their November arrival was preceded by two months, during which Gifu's craftspeople excelled. It was a comprehensive, top-to-bottom renovation of this old farmhouse."
Rather a tight deadline, one might observe. Yet even under such temporal constraints, no corners were cut. Anticipating foreign guests, Kasai even raised the ceiling and doorway heights – a modification that anyone of above-average stature who has ever sustained cranial injuries in a traditional Japanese inn will doubtless appreciate. The property accommodates large groups, features an additional shower for those disinclined towards the hinoki cypress wooden bathtub, and incorporates numerous other thoughtful touches that demonstrate genuine consideration for the guest experience.
"So I thought, why not renovate my ancestral home? Their November arrival was preceded by two months, during which Gifu's craftspeople excelled. It was a comprehensive, top-to-bottom renovation of this old farmhouse."
Rather a tight deadline, one might observe. Yet even under such temporal constraints, no corners were cut. Anticipating foreign guests, Kasai even raised the ceiling and doorway heights – a modification that anyone of above-average stature who has ever sustained cranial injuries in a traditional Japanese inn will doubtless appreciate. The property accommodates large groups, features an additional shower for those disinclined towards the hinoki cypress wooden bathtub, and incorporates numerous other thoughtful touches that demonstrate genuine consideration for the guest experience.
A Refined Atmosphere, Breathing the Spirit of Local Industry
The property sits approximately fifteen minutes on foot from JR Tajimi Station, nestled within a tranquil residential quarter. The architecture is splendid – classic Japanese styling that now functions as a living exhibition of Mino ware's narrative and cultural significance.
"I was determined to showcase Gifu comprehensively," Kasai elaborates. "Dishes and tiles from Mino, light fixtures incorporating Mino washi paper, furniture from Takayama, a bath crafted from Tōnō hinoki wood, knives from Seki, towels from Anpachi-gun – essentially, wherever one's gaze falls, one encounters the finest craft Gifu has to offer." And it extends well beyond ceramic tiles and pottery. Every corner of this residence celebrates regional expertise and materials.
"I was determined to showcase Gifu comprehensively," Kasai elaborates. "Dishes and tiles from Mino, light fixtures incorporating Mino washi paper, furniture from Takayama, a bath crafted from Tōnō hinoki wood, knives from Seki, towels from Anpachi-gun – essentially, wherever one's gaze falls, one encounters the finest craft Gifu has to offer." And it extends well beyond ceramic tiles and pottery. Every corner of this residence celebrates regional expertise and materials.
Downstairs in the dining room, one finds an impressive 3.2-metre single plank of zelkova wood serving as the table. Sufficiently capacious for corporate functions or, should one prefer, hosting a rather splendid party.
Adjacent to the dining table stands a remarkably well-appointed kitchen. The walls are clad in tiles produced in Tajimi. Gas cooker, sink, refrigerator, microwave, dishwasher – frankly, no less equipped than many big city flats you’d encounter. One can procure provisions from the local supermarket and briefly indulge the fantasy of being a resident.
The living and dining area on the first floor features a wonderfully open, airy atmosphere. Designer sofas, a table with a sunken hearth... ample space for families or groups of friends to simply relax and enjoy one another's company. And that wall of decorative tiles? Many originate from the owner's own enterprise – quite the conversation piece.
There is a space where you can gather around a traditional Japanese irori (sunken hearth). (Use of the irori is subject to an additional charge.)
At the rear of the ground floor, one finds a washing area and a bathroom. The bath itself is proper hinoki cypress, utilising Tōnō timber from Nakatsugawa City. One can raise the blinds and contemplate a small Japanese garden whilst soaking. Rather meditative, actually.
The light shades and basins are by 3RD CERAMICS – they maintain a workshop in Tajimi – which introduces a contemporary sensibility to the space.
The bathroom features a strikingly large, custom-made white basin by 3RD CERAMICS as its centrepiece. For prolonged stays, a washing machine and dryer are available, eliminating the need to wear unpleasant socks.
Upstairs, those beams and pillars provide an authenticity that simply cannot be replicated.
The northern room contains two single beds. The southern suite offers two semi-double beds, a substantial sofa, and a television lounge. In total: two semi-doubles, two singles, seven futons – accommodating up to eleven persons, should one be planning some ambitious gathering.
"Do take note of the finer details," Kasai adds. "The AKARI lamp series by Isamu Noguchi is a genuine treat for design enthusiasts."
(Translator's note: The AKARI series—often called "Akari Light Sculptures"—was designed in 1951 and consists of dozens of different lamps, including table, floor, and ceiling designs. These lamps are made of traditional Japanese washi paper and bamboo and are crafted in Gifu Prefecture, following traditional lantern-making techniques. The name "AKARI" means "light" in Japanese, referring both to illumination and to the quality of lightness.)
"Do take note of the finer details," Kasai adds. "The AKARI lamp series by Isamu Noguchi is a genuine treat for design enthusiasts."
(Translator's note: The AKARI series—often called "Akari Light Sculptures"—was designed in 1951 and consists of dozens of different lamps, including table, floor, and ceiling designs. These lamps are made of traditional Japanese washi paper and bamboo and are crafted in Gifu Prefecture, following traditional lantern-making techniques. The name "AKARI" means "light" in Japanese, referring both to illumination and to the quality of lightness.)
Tajimi as a Destination – A Journey into Pottery
This whole-building rental genuinely facilitates a deep engagement with Gifu's heritage. You will also find that supermarkets and chemists lie within a ten-minute walk, enabling one to actually live out that "I'm a local, not a tourist" fantasy.
Bookings may be made through the official site's "Reservation" page. Generally, the property is available at weekends (Friday through Sunday); weekday bookings require telephoning (080-7711-0001).
Pricing is structured as follows: weekdays, two persons for ¥33,000 (tax included), then ¥5,500 for each additional person. The night before a public holiday runs ¥36,300 for two persons, plus ¥7,150 per additional person.
(Translator's note: The night before a public holiday” is treated like a weekend night, since people are free to enjoy themselves and demand for services goes up. That’s why prices or usage restrictions are often different on those nights.)
Bookings may be made through the official site's "Reservation" page. Generally, the property is available at weekends (Friday through Sunday); weekday bookings require telephoning (080-7711-0001).
Pricing is structured as follows: weekdays, two persons for ¥33,000 (tax included), then ¥5,500 for each additional person. The night before a public holiday runs ¥36,300 for two persons, plus ¥7,150 per additional person.
(Translator's note: The night before a public holiday” is treated like a weekend night, since people are free to enjoy themselves and demand for services goes up. That’s why prices or usage restrictions are often different on those nights.)
TAJIMI CUSTOM TILES' gallery is open on weekdays, though advance booking is required.
I posed one final question to Mr Kasai – where does he envision all this heading? Ikkei, Tajimi, the whole enterprise?
"I want Tajimi to become the destination for ceramics," he stated. "During the week, visitors can attempt mosaic tile-making or tour TAJIMI CUSTOM TILES' gallery. Further down the line, we're planning to introduce pottery experiences and tea ceremonies in our traditional Japanese rooms."
"I want Tajimi to become the destination for ceramics," he stated. "During the week, visitors can attempt mosaic tile-making or tour TAJIMI CUSTOM TILES' gallery. Further down the line, we're planning to introduce pottery experiences and tea ceremonies in our traditional Japanese rooms."
Kasai is genuinely committed to revitalising the regional industry and fostering collaborations with artists from across the globe.
"Gifu possesses all these traditional industries and research institutions, doesn't it? But the 1980s bubble burst inflicted considerable damage. There are not sufficient young people to carry on the tradition. If we wish to revive the local scene in Tajimi, we must revive the industry itself. I want to breathe new life into Mino ware and demonstrate what 'All-Gifu' can truly signify. Hosting artists and designers from around the world, utilising Ikkei as a base for residencies – that's absolutely in the cards. It's all about elevating the entire region."
Whether one is on a pottery pilgrimage, planning a multi-generational family excursion, or undertaking an extended stay around Tōnō, Yado Ikkei serves as a remarkably versatile base for genuinely engaging with Tajimi's rich pottery scene.
"Gifu possesses all these traditional industries and research institutions, doesn't it? But the 1980s bubble burst inflicted considerable damage. There are not sufficient young people to carry on the tradition. If we wish to revive the local scene in Tajimi, we must revive the industry itself. I want to breathe new life into Mino ware and demonstrate what 'All-Gifu' can truly signify. Hosting artists and designers from around the world, utilising Ikkei as a base for residencies – that's absolutely in the cards. It's all about elevating the entire region."
Whether one is on a pottery pilgrimage, planning a multi-generational family excursion, or undertaking an extended stay around Tōnō, Yado Ikkei serves as a remarkably versatile base for genuinely engaging with Tajimi's rich pottery scene.
Facility Information
Guest House Yado Ikkei
Address: 3-36 Oda Town, Tajimi
Accommodation: Whole-building rental, up to 11 people
Access: 15 minutes by foot from JR Tajimi Station
Parking: Available (6 spaces)
Website: https://minoikkei.com/
Booking: https://www.chillnn.com/1965629fece2b4
Address: 3-36 Oda Town, Tajimi
Accommodation: Whole-building rental, up to 11 people
Access: 15 minutes by foot from JR Tajimi Station
Parking: Available (6 spaces)
Website: https://minoikkei.com/
Booking: https://www.chillnn.com/1965629fece2b4
WRITER: Rie Sasada
