7 Recommended Private Villas in Kansai | Suitable for Travelers with Children and Large Groups!
Escaping from the daily hustle and bustle to enjoy a leisurely time in a villa. However, when it comes to actually owning a villa, it can be costly with not only the purchase price but also maintenance expenses.
So why not consider staying in a private rental accommodation where you can experience the villa-like atmosphere? In this feature, we have selected 7 charming private villas in the Kansai area.
* The minimum rates for booking one room (2 people, 1 night) are listed (as of December 2022). Prices may vary depending on the season and other conditions.
1. CONTEXTED Osaka (Osaka Prefecture, Teradacho)
CONTEXTED, operated by us, is located in Teradacho, where one in five houses is a traditional longhouse. CONTEXTED Osaka is an artful whole-house rental accommodation born from the full renovation of a longhouse built about 100 years ago. Within walking distance, you can find shopping streets and public baths, and with a little more effort, you can explore the Eastern Central Wholesale Market and Osaka Ikuno Koreatown, making it an enjoyable neighborhood to explore. CONTEXTED Osaka consists of three independent longhouses, “SORA,” “TEN,” and “GEN,” each with a maximum capacity of 7 to 8 people. When all three longhouses are rented together, they can accommodate up to 23 people. It’s ideal for graduation trips, training camps, home parties, and more. Additionally, each longhouse is equipped with a kitchen and washing machine, making it suitable for workations and extended stays.
| Basic Information Price Range: From 17,000 yen/room/night Address: 1-6-3 Ikuno Higashi, Ikuno Ward, Osaka, Osaka 544-0025 Access: Approx. 10 minutes on foot from Teradacho Station on the Osaka Loop Line Official Website: https://contexted.osaka.jp/ |
2. Villa Ashitani (Kyoto, Nantan)
Opened in October 2021, Villa Ashitani is a recently established private rental accommodation. The Nantan area in Kyoto, where Villa Ashitani is located, is known for its misty and rich natural surroundings, with few cars passing by, creating a tranquil environment. The most prominent feature of Villa Ashitani is its spacious 10,000 square meters wild garden. It is designed to allow guests to fully experience the beautiful nature of Nantan, offering views of lush mountains, trees, birdsong, and seasonal flowers. Additionally, there is a barbecue garden (requires reservation).
The accommodation consists of a one-story building with a modern atmosphere, featuring beautiful wooden beams on the ceiling. There is also a wood-burning stove in the living room. Right next to the living room, there is a view deck with a table and chairs, providing a panoramic view of the beautiful mountains and expansive garden. There are a total of 3 bedrooms, including Japanese-style and Western-style rooms, allowing up to 7 adults to stay at once.
| Basic Information Price Range: From 65,000 yen/room/night Address: 10-1 Kamitengu Ashitani, Hino-cho, Minamitanabe City, Kyoto 629-0312 Access: Approx. 10 minutes on foot from Kona Station on the Sanin Main Line Official Website: https://villa-ashitani.com/ |
3. Yumesakikan (Shiga, Shigaraki)
Located in Shigaraki, Shiga Prefecture, known for Shigaraki pottery, this is a whole-house rental accommodation. There are two buildings available for group stays: “Yumesaki,” suitable for families and friends, and “Bettei Wami,” perfect for a quiet retreat.
“Yumesaki” is a single-story accommodation with a calming Japanese aesthetic. It includes an open-air bath where you can relax while surrounded by nature. “Bettei Wami” features a blend of Japanese and Western elements with the use of natural materials, including a unique natural material called “Bialo,” which combines coral from Yonaguni Island and plaster from Tagawa, Kyushu. There is also a terrace with a view of the garden. The accommodation deliberately does not provide meals, allowing guests to bring their favorite ingredients for barbecue or hot pot and enjoy a fun cooking experience. The surrounding area offers a variety of facilities such as golf courses, baseball fields, and soccer fields, making it suitable for sports team retreats.
| Basic Information Price Range: From 27,500 yen/room/night Address: 1774-46 Chokushi, Shigaraki-cho, Koka City, Shiga 529-1804 Access: Approx. 20 minutes on foot from Tamakyojimae Station on the Shigaraki Kogen Railway Shigaraki Line Official Website: http://yumesakikan.com/ |
4. LaKamio (Mie, Matsusaka)
With a concept of “150 years of history and elegant time in the midst of nature,” La Kamio is a hidden accommodation located at an altitude of about 450 meters in the mountains near Matsusaka City, Mie Prefecture. It offers a complete historical building and grounds for private rental.
The interior features soft white walls made of fossil coral from Yonaguni Island and two years of natural drying of rare wood materials for the floors, creating a space where natural energy can be felt in every corner. Outside, there is a spacious garden where guests can enjoy campfires and barbecues. Additionally, for an extra fee, guests can savor French cuisine prepared by a visiting chef.
| Basic Information Price Range: From 36,300 yen/room/night Address: 1139 Kamigoya-cho Ureshino, Matsusaka City, Mie 515-2404 Access: Approx. 5 minutes on foot from Ureshino Okin Bus Stop (Kamigoya) ※Buses do not run on Sundays and holidays Official Website: https://lakamio.com/ |
5. Private House Rental “Kinoye” in Kinosaki Onsen, Hyogo
“Kinoye” is a private house rental located in Kinosaki Onsen. This renovated traditional Japanese house retains its old-fashioned charm, providing a comfortable space for relaxation, just like being at home. The accommodation is equipped with a washing machine, dryer, and even a free massage chair, making it convenient for a leisurely time after returning from the hot springs. There are two bedrooms with both beds and futons, and it can accommodate up to 9 people.
Its location is also appealing, being only a 3-minute walk from Kinosaki Onsen Station. The accommodation provides bags, yukatas (traditional Japanese robes), and geta (wooden clogs) for onsen hopping, allowing you to enjoy the hot springs in style. Kinosaki Onsen is famous for its “Seven Public Onsens Tour,” where you can visit seven different hot spring baths. Be sure to explore your favorite ones!
| Basic Information Price: 30,000 yen – per room per night Address: 166 Yunoshima, Kinosaki-cho, Toyooka-shi, Hyogo 669-6101 Access: Approximately 3 minutes on foot from JR Sanin Main Line Kinosaki Onsen Station Official Website: https://kinosaki-kinoie.com/index.html |
6. Octagonal Roof House “Taiji” in Taiji-cho, Wakayama
This is a rental cottage located in Taiji-cho, Higashimuro-gun, Wakayama Prefecture. It is situated in a natural environment with a spacious ocean view in front and lush mountains behind.
It features a distinctive octagonal shape, with a central open hall and a skylight that provides a great sense of openness. You can even enjoy beautiful starry skies from inside the building. In addition to the indoor bath, there is also an open-air bath with hot spring water, perfect for relaxing after a day of travel.
Just a 10-minute drive from the accommodation, you can find Nachi Beach (Blue Beach Nachi), Otagawa River for river activities, and within a 10-minute walk, there’s the unique beach “Kujira Hama Beach” where you can swim with whales, a rare experience in Japan. The accommodation can accommodate up to 12 people at once, making it suitable for group trips or summer camp getaways.
| Basic Information Price: 40,000 yen – per room per night Address: 2902-57 Taiji, Taiji-cho, Higashimuro-gun, Wakayama 649-5171 Access: Approximately 5 minutes by car from JR Kisei Main Line Taiji Station Official Website: https://www.hakkakuyane.com/ |
7. “noad” in Totsukawa Village, Nara
“noad” is a private rental accommodation located in Takezutsu, Totsukawa Village, Nara Prefecture, at the southernmost point of Nara. This renovated traditional house from the Taisho period has a complex structure with features like a loft using a staircase and an underground room, resembling a ninja mansion.
It is advertised as a “cultural and artistic base for private rentals,” offering a design that allows you to experience exhibitions and activities involving all five senses. The unique accommodation experience of interacting with art that differs from modern galleries in the city is sure to create special memories. They also regularly host artist exhibitions and workshops, making it a must-visit for those interested in art.
| Basic Information Price: 22,000 yen – per room per night Address: 232 Takezutsu, Totsukawa Village, Yoshino-gun, Nara 647-1271 Access: Approximately 45 minutes by car from JR Kisei Main Line Shingu Station Official Website: https://noad.work/home |
Conclusion
A private rental accommodation allows you to enjoy your private time to the fullest without encountering other guests or staff. With your beloved family or friends, immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the destination city and the rich natural surroundings that you wouldn’t experience in your daily life. It’s a great way to refresh your mind and body.
