{"id":910305,"date":"2026-10-30T01:33:17","date_gmt":"2026-10-29T16:33:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ryokan-book.com\/en\/r-journal\/shizuoka-fujinomiya-urban-retreat-embraced-by-thousand-year-old-timber-and-the-power-of-mount-fuji-the-journey-of-mukuten-sha-_copied\/"},"modified":"2026-10-30T02:04:35","modified_gmt":"2026-10-29T17:04:35","slug":"fujinomiya-report-2","status":"publish","type":"r-journal","link":"https:\/\/ryokan-book.com\/en\/r-journal\/fujinomiya-report-2\/","title":{"rendered":"Staying at MUKUten-sha in Fujinomiya: The Romance of Nature and Human Warmth"},"content":{"rendered":"    <div class=\"r-journal-author\">\n        <div class=\"r-journal__wrap\">\n            <figure class=\"r-journal-author__pic\">\n                <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/ryokan-book.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/IMG_8343-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"Ayaka Tsuchida\"\/>\n            <\/figure>\n            <div class=\"r-journal-author__meta\">\n                <p class=\"r-journal-author__position\">\u682a\u5f0f\u4f1a\u793e Hinotori<\/p>\n                <p class=\"r-journal-author__name\">\n                    <span>Ayaka Tsuchida<\/span>\n                <\/p>\n            <\/div>\n            <button class=\"r-journal-author__open\"><\/button>\n        <\/div>\n        <div class=\"r-journal-author__detail\">\n            <p class=\"intro_esc\">Half Paraguayan, half Japanese. Growing up exposed to different cultures from an early age, she has long been drawn to travel, food, and Japanese culture. As a branding designer, she has worked on the planning, design, and communication of brands connected to Japanese craftsmanship, such as Japanese kitchen knives and sake. She aims to discover hidden value in things that are taken for granted in Japan, and to bring them to the world through the power of design.<\/p>\n            <a class=\"url\" href=\"\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><\/a>\n            <button class=\"r-journal-author__close\"><\/button>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    \n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"what-is-mukuten-sha-in-fujinomiya\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_MUKUten-sha_in_Fujinomiya\"><\/span><strong>What is MUKUten-sha in Fujinomiya?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-style-vk-image-photoFrame\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ryokan-book.com\/jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/DSC05453-1024x683.webp\" alt=\"\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Just a short walk from Fujisan Hongu Sengen Taisha Shrine sits MUKUten-sha.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The retreat features two distinct buildings: <strong>OMOYA<\/strong>, the main house filled with the rich aroma of natural timber and live-edge furniture, and <strong>HANARE<\/strong>, a cozy detached cottage designed to frame views of Mt. Fuji. With cedar soaking tubs, private saunas, and a quiet lounge, it has everything you need to completely slow down. Best of all, it hosts only one group per day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Despite its sleek architecture, stepping inside doesn&#8217;t feel like checking into a hotel. It feels like being welcomed straight into a friend\u2019s home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"here-is-a-look-back-at-a-quiet-unforgettable-night-spent-here-the-live-edge-brand-mukuten-born-from-the-carpentry-term-muten\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Here_is_a_look_back_at_a_quiet_unforgettable_night_spent_hereThe_Live-Edge_Brand_%E2%80%9CMUKUten%E2%80%9D_Born_from_the_Carpentry_Term_%E2%80%9CMuten%E2%80%9D\"><\/span>Here is a look back at a quiet, unforgettable night spent here.The Live-Edge Brand &#8220;MUKUten&#8221; Born from the Carpentry Term &#8220;Muten&#8221;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In Fujinomiya, Mt. Fuji isn&#8217;t just a scenic view for photos. It sets the rhythm of local life. Pure mountain meltwater flows through the streets, and walking the approach to Sengen Taisha Shrine, you can feel the quiet history of a community that has lived under the gaze of the peak for centuries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The culture surrounding Mt. Fuji was built not just by admiring it from afar, but by journeying toward it. Fujisan Hongu Sengen Taisha Shrine serves as the head shrine for all Sengen shrines across Japan, enshrining the mountain itself as a deity. During the Edo period, pilgrims traveled across the country on foot to reach this sacred ground before making their ascent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">MUKUten-sha sits right alongside that deep history. You don&#8217;t have to head off into the wilderness to find peace. You can step into a space filled with the scent of natural wood, feel the presence of Mt. Fuji, and let the rush of everyday life fade away. It\u2019s a true sanctuary right in town.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"i-wanted-to-live-in-a-house-surrounded-by-wood\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"I_Wanted_to_Live_in_a_House_Surrounded_by_Wood\"><\/span><strong>I Wanted to Live in a House Surrounded by Wood<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-style-vk-image-photoFrame\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ryokan-book.com\/jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/DSC05676-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"dreaming-of-a-house-built-from-wood\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Dreaming_of_a_House_Built_from_Wood\"><\/span><strong>Dreaming of a House Built from Wood<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I\u2019ve dreamed of living in a home surrounded by natural wood for years, and MUKUten-sha let me test-drive that dream, if only for a night. Chatting with the host, I learned that the name &#8220;MUKUten&#8221; comes from <em>mukuten<\/em>\u2014an old carpenter&#8217;s term for solid, single-plank wooden tops. The brand was founded on a simple idea: bringing trees that took decades or centuries to grow directly into our living spaces so we can appreciate them every day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This isn&#8217;t just a stylish lodge built with wood; it&#8217;s a place where you can touch, use, and actually experience a wood-centered lifestyle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The scent and tactile feel of the timber define the entire stay. Maybe that\u2019s why stepping through the door felt less like checking into a hotel and more like being greeted with a warm, &#8220;Come on in, so glad you&#8217;re here.&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"living-alongside-the-mountain\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Living_Alongside_the_Mountain\"><\/span><strong>Living Alongside the Mountain<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-style-vk-image-photoFrame\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ryokan-book.com\/jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/DSC05485-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Walking around the neighborhood, everything comes together in one effortless view: Sengen Taisha Shrine, the Mt. Fuji World Heritage Centre, and the local shopping streets. It\u2019s not a remote mountain lodge, yet the open sky naturally draws your eyes upward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When I arrived, heavy cloud cover completely hid the peak. But because it was out of sight, I found myself wandering through town, searching for lingering traces of the mountain in the streets below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The host mentioned that MUKUten-sha was built as an urban retreat\u2014a place where travelers can connect with nature and history without leaving the town center. After exploring the shrine grounds and walking back into the smell of timber, that concept made complete sense.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The two buildings feature bold, sharply angled roofs meant to echo Fuji\u2019s summit and ridgelines. Looking past them, you can spot the World Heritage Centre and the grand red <em>torii<\/em> gate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I also learned that the kanji character for <em>sha<\/em> (\u820e) contains the root for good fortune (\u5409), a subtle wish that every guest encounters something wonderful. Even on a gray, overcast day, you could feel that something special was waiting around the corner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"stepping-into-omoya\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Stepping_Into_OMOYA\"><\/span><strong>Stepping Into OMOYA<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-style-vk-image-photoFrame\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ryokan-book.com\/jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/DSC05864-683x1024.webp\" alt=\"\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Opening the glass front door of OMOYA, a bright lounge greets you. Sunlight streams across the hardwood floors and live-edge furniture, making you pause and take a deep breath. Even though you are right in town, time inside moves at a noticeably slower pace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The fragrance of cedar and cypress hits you immediately. Soft light filters through sliding screens fitted with hand-pressed <em>washi<\/em> paper crafted by local artisans. By the time check-in was finished, my travel fatigue had completely dissolved, and I headed into the inner rooms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The space includes a bedroom and a quiet sitting area centered around a custom timber table. Some of the furniture is crafted from ancient <em>jindaimoku<\/em>\u2014fossilized wood that lay buried underground for hundreds or thousands of years. Here at the foot of Mt. Fuji, the vast timeline of the earth and the life cycle of trees overlap under one roof.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">No two slabs share the same grain, edge, or tone. Natural knots and splits are left intact as character marks, telling the story of the tree&#8217;s life. Looking closely at the wood grain felt less like inspecting furniture and more like sharing a quiet moment with the tree itself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Upstairs, a spiral staircase leads to a cozy tatami room. Sitting down on the woven mats, any remaining tension melts away as you look out toward the impressive curve of the World Heritage Centre. Just beyond sits a private wooden tub and a single-person sauna. Soaking with a view like that is pure luxury.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">After flipping through a few photo books on woodworking and mountain lore, I dropped the needle on the record player. As music filled the room, the space quickly began to feel like my own.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-style-vk-image-photoFrame\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ryokan-book.com\/jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/DSC05840-1024x683.webp\" alt=\"\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"a-sacred-peak-beyond-the-glass\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"A_Sacred_Peak_Beyond_the_Glass\"><\/span><strong>A Sacred Peak Beyond the Glass<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A little later, I peeked through a small window on the far side of the room.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The clouds had parted just enough for Mt. Fuji to show its face. Catching a glimpse brought an instant thrill, along with a quiet sense of reverence. It\u2019s hard not to feel that way looking at a peak people have revered and climbed for centuries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ryokan-book.com\/jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/DSC06089-1024x683.webp\" alt=\"\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">With books on the mountain scattered around the room, I found myself reading up on the landscape right in front of me. The stay gives you not just a seat for the view, but the time and space to actually understand it.<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"hanare-a-hidden-sanctuary\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"HANARE_A_Hidden_Sanctuary\"><\/span><strong>HANARE: A Hidden Sanctuary<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Next door sits HANARE, a detached cottage set at an angle across the lot. From this perspective, it faces Mt. Fuji directly, and looking out from the sleeping loft, you can spot the top of the shrine\u2019s <em>torii<\/em> gate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If OMOYA feels like a spacious, welcoming home, HANARE has the secretive charm of a cozy hideaway. Moving between the two structures felt less like inspecting an inn and more like getting a quiet peek into someone&#8217;s thoughtful lifestyle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Futons are laid out up in the loft, meaning you wake up and meet Mt. Fuji&#8217;s gaze first thing in the morning. Out back, there&#8217;s a deep ceramic soaking tub and a private outdoor sauna cabin. My dream of living in a timber house was starting to feel surprisingly realistic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"evening-in-fujinomiya\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Evening_in_Fujinomiya\"><\/span><strong>Evening in Fujinomiya<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-style-vk-image-photoFrame\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ryokan-book.com\/jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/DSC06516-1024x683.webp\" alt=\"\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As late afternoon turned to evening, a crisp autumn calm settled over the town.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I asked the host for a local dinner spot, and they recommended a small sushi restaurant nearby. Getting local tips in an unfamiliar town is always one of the best parts of traveling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The chef&#8217;s signature <em>tamagoyaki<\/em> (rolled omelet) was incredible. Sitting at the counter, the chef shared that locals can predict tomorrow\u2019s weather just by looking at the shape of the clouds clinging to Fuji&#8217;s peak. It was a sweet reminder that the mountain isn&#8217;t just a view for tourists, but an active part of daily life for everyone here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Walking back to MUKUten-sha, the lounge glowed with warm orange light. The timber looked softer in the evening light, bringing a wave of comfort the moment I stepped back inside.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The host had left a handwritten note along with a box of local sweets on the table. Small, thoughtful touches like that make a stay feel so personal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Gathered around the massive live-edge table in the lounge, we sampled local spirits, including Japanese whisky, regional sake, and sweet <em>yuzu<\/em> liqueur. In a quiet space reserved exclusively for us, the evening passed with easy laughter and great conversation. It was a night defined as much by human warmth as by beautiful design.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"falling-asleep-surrounded-by-wood\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Falling_Asleep_Surrounded_by_Wood\"><\/span><strong>Falling Asleep Surrounded by Wood<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">After a long bath, my travel fatigue simply drifted away.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Lounging on the tatami mats and watching the night view outside, I stopped feeling like a hotel guest and felt like I was settling into a home of my own. Enveloped in the soothing scent of natural timber, I fell into a deep, uninterrupted sleep.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The next morning, I woke up early and brewed a fresh pour-over coffee in the lounge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Setting my cup down on the wooden table, I took a sip and looked out the window. There, framed perfectly against the clear morning sky, stood Mt. Fuji in full view.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The aroma of fresh coffee blended with the scent of cedar, giving me the wonderful feeling of living here, if only for a few fleeting hours. Sipping coffee in the crisp air while gazing at the peak hidden just yesterday, the rhythm of travel slowly settled back into the gentle pace of everyday life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"nature-history-and-human-warmth\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Nature_History_and_Human_Warmth\"><\/span><strong>Nature, History, and Human Warmth<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Fujinomiya is a modest town, but it carries a vast, grounding energy. You have the mountain, the ancient shrine, the crystal-clear spring water, and a community that ties it all together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Spending time surrounded by the natural timber of MUKUten-sha, the timelines of the mountain, the trees, and the local people seem to merge into one peaceful place. Running your hands over the grain, listening to records, soaking in the bath\u2014those quiet moments stay with you long after you leave.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You don&#8217;t need to climb the peak to feel connected to Mt. Fuji. You can experience it right from town while slowing your breath amid the scent of natural wood. MUKUten-sha is a place where you can savor a true Japanese retreat with all five senses, grounded by the genuine warmth of people who love welcoming travelers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A single night here brought my dream of living in a wood-filled home a little closer to reality. Looking up at the peak, touching natural grain, and enjoying a quiet morning coffee\u2014moments like those leave behind a gentle, lasting stillness in everyday life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>What is MUKUten-sha in Fujinomiya? Just a short walk from Fujisan Hongu Sengen Taisha Shrine sits MUKUten-sha. The retreat features two distinct buildings: OMOYA, the main house filled with the rich aroma of natural timber and live-edge furniture, and HANARE, a cozy detached cottage designed to frame views of Mt. Fuji. With cedar soaking tubs, private saunas, and a quiet lounge, it has everything you need to completely slow down. Best of all, it hosts only one group per day. Despite its sleek architecture, stepping inside doesn&#8217;t feel like checking into a hotel. It feels like being welcomed straight into a friend\u2019s home. Here is a look back at a quiet, unforgettable night spent here.The Live-Edge Brand &#8220;MUKUten&#8221; Born from the Carpentry Term &#8220;Muten&#8221; In Fujinomiya, Mt. Fuji isn&#8217;t just a scenic view for photos. It sets the rhythm of local life. Pure mountain meltwater flows through the streets, and walking the approach to Sengen Taisha Shrine, you can <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":23,"featured_media":910306,"template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":true,"blog_author_id":4887},"area":[170],"r-journal-category":[143],"r-journal-tag":[],"class_list":["post-910305","r-journal","type-r-journal","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","area-fuji","r-journal-category-model-course"],"acf":[],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/ryokan-book.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/r-journal\/910305","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/ryokan-book.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/r-journal"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/ryokan-book.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/r-journal"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ryokan-book.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/23"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ryokan-book.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/910306"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/ryokan-book.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=910305"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"area","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ryokan-book.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/area?post=910305"},{"taxonomy":"r-journal-category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ryokan-book.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/r-journal-category?post=910305"},{"taxonomy":"r-journal-tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ryokan-book.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/r-journal-tag?post=910305"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}