Embracing the spirit of natural reverence,
Togakushi continues to thrive with the cultural tradition of “kayabuki” (thatched roofs).
It is a legacy preserved over the years by the people of Togakushi.
Historically, rural areas in Japan formed "yui" (knots) within the community, fostering mutual assistance for communal living.
Thatched roofs were part of this shared culture, involving collaborative efforts from harvesting the thatch to roofing.
The aged thatch wasn't discarded but repurposed as fertilizer or fuel, returning to the soil in a sustainable cycle.
Though labor-intensive and seemingly inefficient, this practice embodied a fundamental purpose of "living," connecting people in a reciprocal relationship
and depicting individuals as an integral part of the natural cycle.
As society now questions the pursuit of efficiency and rationality, reconsidering the intrinsic value of these practices becomes essential.
With the support of jomonyane Co., Ltd.
a collective of thatched roof artisans based in Togakushi led by Takuya Watanabe, we have worked together with people from the local community and beyond to revive "Kayabuki Cottage".
Through your stay, we hope to serve as a catalyst for contemplating the future interactions between people and nature, as well as fostering connections among individuals.
"Yui" (Knots) — A system of mutual aid within the local community to address expenses and labor that families alone cannot manage, such as planting rice fields or re-thatching roofs.
"Yui" (Knots) — A system of mutual aid within the local community to address expenses and labor that families alone cannot manage, such as planting rice fields or re-thatching roofs.
With the support of jomonyane Co., Ltd.
a collective of thatched roof artisans based in Togakushi led by Takuya Watanabe, we have worked together with people from the local community and beyond to revive "Kayabuki Cottage".
Through your stay, we hope to serve as a catalyst for contemplating the future interactions between people and nature, as well as fostering connections among individuals.