Live Like A Local In A Kochi Airbnb Against A Mountainside

A humble exterior that exudes local flavor

The homes in this area mostly date from the 1960s, which would make them “mid-century” in the parlance of architecture buffs. People, or at least Japanese, were apparently smaller back then, or at the very least, didn’t mind ducking now and again inside their own homes, because everything is on a smaller scale. Not lilliputian, mind you, but small. They say great things come in small packages!

Tatami, kotatsu, futon, and you

All the elements of the classic Japanese bedroom are in place here, with the rendition pictured above being in winter mode. The low table at left has a heating element affixed to its underside. By sitting on the ground and inserting your legs beneath the blanket bedecked table you can feel warm and possibly even fuzzy.

The futon, not laid out yet, gets placed directly on top of the tatami (Japanese straw mats) that, carpet the floor. You sit on the floor, and sleep on the floor. In fact, there are no chairs in this entire house, though you do get the screaming modernity of a Western toilet.

Spacious, imminently usable kitchen with floor seating

Not used to sitting on the floor of the kitchen as you tuck into dinner? As a 100% local experience chaser, you will undoubtedly embrace the opportunity with zeal. It’s really not so odd, and owing to the extremely clean nature of the kitchen (both floor and above), you needn’t worry about it being an unsanitary or unsavory experience.

The host is more than happy to let you use the refrigerator and even do some cooking if you are so inclined. Since the nearest place to buy any food is a good fifteen minute walk away, you just may want to do some self-catering, or at least bring a car!

As can often be the case, this beautifully serene location is difficult without a car. However, the host is willing to take you into the city in the morning, and possibly even provide even more help depending if your respective schedules align.

It’s in the quiet details

New homes in Japan rarely have the building materials or architectural flourishes that can be found at this residence. This is a support beam close-up, with the closet sliding door at right. It is easy to get lost in the atmosphere as you examine things like this with nothing but the sound of birds chirping outside, and maybe some leaves rustling in the wind. Take a walk outside for even more atmosphere, and at some point you may even hear the forest whisper something you understand!