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Daisuke Kajiyama, a Japanese traveler, wanted to open a guesthouse after years of backpacking around the world. In 2011, he returned to Japan with his Israeli partner, Hila, and began searching for the perfect location.
However, two major obstacles stood in their way. First, Kajiyama had very little money due to his extensive travels. Second, he wanted a traditional Japanese house, known as kominka, which are typically passed down through generations.
Unable to find what they were looking for, Kajiyama decided to explore the growing number of abandoned homes in Japan’s countryside. He stumbled upon two neglected houses next to each other — an abandoned green tea factory and an old farmer’s home.
Kajiyama convinced the owner to sell him the properties, with the agreement that he would restore the green tea factory as their home and convert the farmer’s house into a guesthouse.
Kajiyama, with the help of local carpenters and the support of the government, has been renovating the guesthouse using traditional materials. The guesthouse, called Yui Valley, features three bedrooms and offers activities such as bamboo weaving workshops.
Since opening in 2014, Yui Valley has welcomed guests from around the world, allowing Kajiyama to stay connected to his backpacking roots. He estimates that he has spent around $40,000 on the renovations, and the positive feedback from guests validates his efforts.
Kajiyama believes that the work on Yui Valley is never-ending and continues to make improvements while managing the guesthouse. He is grateful for his late wife’s contribution to their dream and the support of the local community.
The success of Yui Valley has brought international travelers to the village of Tamatori, providing a unique cultural experience for both guests and locals.
Despite the ongoing renovations, Kajiyama is proud of what he has achieved with Yui Valley and the appreciation he has received from visitors.
