A whole-house rental just a 5‑minute walk from Tajimi Station
Tajimi, a town known as a production center for pottery, is easily accessed from Nagoya. In recent years, the number of accommodation facilities in the city has been gradually increasing. Whole-house rentals and facilities that make use of old houses each have their own character, expanding the fun of choosing where to stay according to your travel style.
In this context, in December 2025, a family home was reborn as “Zen House -Tajimi,” a base for enjoying the town of Tajimi. We interviewed the owner, Mariko Sato, about her thoughts and the particular care she has put into the space.
In this context, in December 2025, a family home was reborn as “Zen House -Tajimi,” a base for enjoying the town of Tajimi. We interviewed the owner, Mariko Sato, about her thoughts and the particular care she has put into the space.
Blending Showa-era Japanese and Western styles
Zen House Tajimi owner, Mariko Sato
Zen House -Tajimi is a whole-house rental about a 5‑minute walk from the north exit of JR Tajimi Station. It is not just an ordinary lodging facility, but a place opened as a connection point between people, while inheriting the memories of those who once lived in this private home.
Our guide was the owner, Mariko Sato. Until recently, the house belonged to her mother.
Our guide was the owner, Mariko Sato. Until recently, the house belonged to her mother.
The house stands on a quiet residential street with very little traffic, offering a calm and relaxing environment for your stay.
When we asked how Zen House -Tajimi began, Sato explained that the idea was born when her mother moved into a care facility and the family home was expected to stand empty. At first, she considered turning it into a yoga studio or salon, drawing on her qualification as a yoga instructor, but through conversations with friends and local contacts she was inspired to welcome guests instead.
She taught herself everything from the lodging application process to installing the fire safety equipment, and opened the accommodation in the winter of 2025.
She taught herself everything from the lodging application process to installing the fire safety equipment, and opened the accommodation in the winter of 2025.
Concept: A stay with a sense of spaciousness
Each guest receives a handwritten welcome message from Sato.
Zen House is frequented by many overseas guests, according to Sato. She writes personalized check-in notes in the guest's native tongue. “I feel that handwriting conveys the feeling better,” she explains.
The ground floor living room. Two sofas provide sufficient space for many people to sit.
She intentionally steered clear of an overly "Japanese style" when designing the space. “I didn’t want to make it a stereotypical Japanese‑style space. Concurrently, I aimed to avoid an excessive Western influence. The intention was to create a balanced fusion, capturing the essence of both Japanese and Western styles.” She has designed an airy space, keeping the house's original charm like the glass sliding doors and fixtures.
The ground floor kitchen and dining. There is seating for up to eight people.
Various Mino ware plates and bowls make up the tableware, spanning small to large sizes.
With appliances like a microwave and coffeemaker, the dining area ensures a comfortable stay for up to eight.
Guests at this lodging can also enjoy the special charm of using tableware that has been cherished and used by the family for many years. Visitors to this house in Tajimi, a town known for Mino ware production, can experience the local pottery firsthand while dining in a relaxed, homey setting. With the option to bring in outside food or enjoy home-cooked dishes, this dining space creates a wonderful home-party atmosphere.
Guests at this lodging can also enjoy the special charm of using tableware that has been cherished and used by the family for many years. Visitors to this house in Tajimi, a town known for Mino ware production, can experience the local pottery firsthand while dining in a relaxed, homey setting. With the option to bring in outside food or enjoy home-cooked dishes, this dining space creates a wonderful home-party atmosphere.
The house has a classic “unagi no nedoko” layout; very narrow at the front, stretching long and deep toward the back.
Featuring a peaceful setting and dedicated desk space, the property is fully prepared for extended stays that blend business with leisure travel.
Ample space for eight guests
A brightly lit makeup mirror is provided in the washbasin area. There is also a washer and dryer available.
The generous size of this lodging is a significant selling point. It doesn't feel crowded even with eight individuals present. "Ensuring large groups could relax was my priority," says Sato. The facility includes two toilets and two washbasins, all configured for group usage.
The wet areas are kept spotless, and various amenities are provided.
There is a toilet on both the ground floor and the second floor of the house.
Bedroom 1 on the ground floor is equipped with two single beds. A crib can be provided upon request.
Bedroom 2 on the second floor.
There is bedding on second floor for up to six people. There is one bedroom and two Japanese‑style rooms (8 tatami mats and 4.5 tatami mats). Because there are several rooms, futons can be spread out across different rooms, which makes it easier for larger groups to spend time comfortably.
The rooms still feature hanging scrolls and various decorations left behind by the prior owner.
The Japanese‑style rooms can be turned into one continuous space by opening the sliding doors between them, creating a spacious area of about 12.5 tatami mats (approx. 20.7 square meters). When you open the shoji screens, soft light pours in, and a soothing atmosphere makes you feel like lying down for a while.
Thoughtfully incorporating trees from the original outdoor surroundings, the garden was meticulously designed to offer a private and secluded haven.
You can see right into the shared kitchen, dining, and living space when looking in from the garden outside.
Crafted by a professional landscaper, the garden offers an inviting outdoor space to explore and unwind. One of the distinct highlights of this residence is relaxing on the veranda while taking in the scenic views.
Unique Guest Experiences at Zen House -Tajimi
Hanging on the wall is a city map designed by Sato herself.
An original map created by Sato, who was born and raised locally, provides a clear overview of sightseeing information for the area. It highlights shopping destinations, Hakusan Shrine, and dining options within walking distance of the property.
To help even first‑time visitors fully experience the pleasure of exploring Tajimi, the accommodation offers informative local sightseeing booklets alongside the custom map. There is a special kind of travel joy in relaxing at the lodging while mapping out your next destination.
To help even first‑time visitors fully experience the pleasure of exploring Tajimi, the accommodation offers informative local sightseeing booklets alongside the custom map. There is a special kind of travel joy in relaxing at the lodging while mapping out your next destination.
Each guest is provided with a dedicated set of amenities.
To ensure a pleasant stay, a proper count of bath and face towels is prepared based on the group's size. The inclusion of a washer and dryer provides peace of mind for visitors during multi-night or extended stays. Additionally, complimentary laundry detergent is supplied for guests to use as required.
The home presently accommodates various travel needs, serving as a venue for family vacations, golf outings, and extended visits by travelers from abroad. Thanks to its ample dimensions, the residence offers a superb venue for family get-togethers when individuals who have relocated return to Tajimi, as well as for hosting large group reunions and special occasions.
Conveniently located in Tajimi, Zen House is just a short 5‑minute stroll from Tajimi Station and only a 3‑minute drive away from National Route 19. We invite you to relax and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of this remarkably "spacious stay".
Conveniently located in Tajimi, Zen House is just a short 5‑minute stroll from Tajimi Station and only a 3‑minute drive away from National Route 19. We invite you to relax and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of this remarkably "spacious stay".
Facility information – Zen House -Tajimi
- Address: 3‑49‑3 Hakusan‑cho, Tajimi City, Gifu Prefecture
- Guest rooms: Whole‑house rental (up to 8 people), prices are subject to change
- Access: 5‑minute walk from JR Tajimi Station (north exit)
- Parking: Available (1 car)
- Reservations: Booking.com (see reservation page link)
- Languages: Japanese, English
Writer: Risabon (Risa Deguchi)
