Explore Nara’s Hidden Gem: Ubusuna no Sato Tomimoto, Home of a Living National Treasure
Step into a slice of Japanese history at Yubisuna Nosoto Tomamoto and Noro in with a unique twist. Once the childhood home of renowned ceramic artist Kenichi Tomamoto, a living national treasure, this place is a must visit for art enthusiasts and those seeking an authentic cultural experience. But here’s where it gets intriguing. It’s now a fully booked restaurant and hotel offering a rare glimpse into the past. Kenkichi Tomamoto who studied ceramics at the ripe age of 27 and went on to become a celebrated artist was friends with the legendary Bernard Leech. His journey from self-taught ceramicist to living national treasure is a testament to his talent and dedication. And now his childhood home has been transformed into a luxurious retreat. The restaurant open for lunch and dinner showcases local and seasonal ingredients from sweet fish and matsutake mushrooms in autumn to pike conga and blowfish hot pots in winter. The exquisite table wear designed specifically for the restaurant adds to the dining experience. But the real draw is the opportunity to stay in the original study where Tomamoto once worked. The Nishin room with its twin occupancy and semi-open air bath provides a unique and intimate experience. The other guest room, Chikarinsukio, is a renovated two-story warehouse featuring a living and bedroom area, a tatami room, and another semi-open air bath. With only two rooms available, booking in advance is crucial, especially for weekends. For those who can’t stay overnight, the restaurant alone is a must visit. Offering a taste of exquisite Japanese cuisine, art lovers will be thrilled to know that Tomamoto’s works are displayed throughout the property and visitors can even participate in pottery or painting workshops. Located a 30inut walk from Junior Horuji station or Kintetsu Hiroata Station, Yubisuna No Stomamoto is best accessed by car or taxi. But once you arrive, you’ll find a peaceful haven filled with Japanese art and cuisine, offering an elegant and memorable stay. Address: Noren, Iikoma, Ando, Higashiando, 1,442 Bana Kai. Open restaurant 11:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. 5:00 p.m. to 700 p.m. Closed Tuesdays. website https col/ and-tomamoto.jp photos copyright symbol sorenuse 24 follow sorenne 24 for the latest articles Facebook https colonwww.fas.com/rocketnews24n facebook.com/rocketnews24en and Twitter https colon/t twitter.com/rocketnews24en
Discover Ubusuna no Sato Tomimoto, the elegant Nara inn once the childhood home of renowned ceramic artist Kenkichi Tomimoto, a Living National Treasure. This unique Japanese getaway blends art, history, and high-end dining in a serene setting near Horyuji Temple.
In this video, we tour the exclusive two-room hotel, including the preserved Nisshin study with its semi-open-air bath and the renovated Chikurin Tsukiyo warehouse featuring tatami rooms and luxurious baths. Learn about Tomimoto’s inspiring journey from self-taught potter to national icon, and see his exquisite ceramics displayed throughout the property.
Even if you can’t stay overnight—bookings fill up months in advance—the reservation-only restaurant is a must-visit. Savor seasonal kaiseki meals with local ingredients like sweetfish, matsutake mushrooms, pike conger, and blowfish, served on unique regional tableware.
Art lovers will enjoy pottery and painting workshops where you can channel Tomimoto’s spirit. Located in Ando-cho, Nara Prefecture, just a 30-minute walk from JR Horyuji or Kintetsu Hirahata Station, it’s perfect for a peaceful retreat.
Whether you’re into Japanese cultural heritage, ceramics, or authentic ryokan experiences, this Nara travel guide highlights why Ubusuna no Sato Tomimoto is an unforgettable destination for immersive Japan trips.
