Recommended Top 10 Private Villa Rentals in Kansai for Creating Wonderful Memories

One of the accommodations that have gained attention during the COVID-19 pandemic is the rental of entire houses or properties. These accommodations allow guests to stay without worrying about other people around, making them popular among families with children or those who prefer a quiet getaway.

Among the various options for renting entire properties, this article will introduce 10 recommended ones in the Kansai region of Japan.

* The cheapest rate for booking one room (2 people, 1 night) is listed (as of December 2022).

1. CONTEXTED Osaka (Osaka, Teradamachi)

CONTEXTED, operated by us, is located in Teradamachi, a neighborhood where one out of every five houses is a traditional Japanese rowhouse, preserving the good old streetscape. CONTEXTED Osaka is born from the full renovation of a rowhouse built nearly 100 years ago, resulting in an artistic whole-house rental accommodation. Within walking distance, you can find shopping streets and public baths, and with a little more walking, you can explore places like the Central Wholesale Market and Osaka Ikuno Koreatown. CONTEXTED Osaka consists of three independent rowhouses: “宙 SORA,” “天 TEN,” and “玄 GEN.” Each rowhouse can accommodate up to 7-8 people, and if you rent all three, you can accommodate up to 23 people. It’s perfect for graduation trips, training camps, home parties, and more. With facilities like kitchens and washing machines, it’s also suitable for workations and long-term stays.

Basic Information Price: From 17,000 yen per room per night Address: 1-6-3 Ikuno Higashi, Ikuno-ku, Osaka, 544-0025, Japan Access: About a 10-minute walk from Osaka Loop Line Teradamachi Station Official Website: https://contexted.osaka.jp/

2. Yakuno House (Kyoto, Fukuchiyama)

“Yakuno House” is an accommodation created by renovating a more than 200-year-old traditional Japanese house. Yakuno, located in the northwest of Fukuchiyama City, is surrounded by beautiful mountains and deep fog. At night, you can enjoy a beautiful starry sky that you can’t see in the city center.

The interior, carefully maintained for the comfort of guests, reflects the owner’s Australian background. You can also enjoy the traditional Japanese engawa (veranda) and a wood-burning stove unique to traditional Japanese houses. The accommodation consists of three bedrooms and a 12-tatami mat living room, accommodating a maximum of 7 people. It’s an appealing option for both spending time together and relaxing in private. Please note that the property is closed during the winter season from December to February.

Basic Information Price: From 19,000 yen per room per night Address: 709 Yagunocho Sennbara, Fukuchiyama, Kyoto 629-1305, Japan Access: About a 10-minute walk from JR Sanin Line Shimo-Yaguno Station Official Website: https://www.yakunohouse.com/

3. Uji Ichiban-yado Nigauri (Kyoto, Uji)

Nigauri is a one-day, one-group traditional Japanese house rental accommodation located in Uji, known for its tea culture in Kyoto. Stepping through the noren (traditional Japanese fabric dividers) that resemble a small restaurant, you’ll find warm Japanese-style rooms. The accommodation can host up to 4 people. The large public bath features a natural hinoki cypress bath. Enjoy a luxurious bath time surrounded by the fragrance of hinoki cypress while gazing at the inner garden. The property is conveniently located, just a 4-minute walk from JR Uji Station, and attractions like Byodoin Temple, Ujigami Shrine, and Uji Bridge are nearby, making it an excellent choice for tourists.

Basic Information Price: From 32,000 yen per room per night Address: 2-17 Ujirijiri, Uji, Kyoto 611-0021, Japan Access: About a 4-minute walk from JR Nara Line Uji Station / About an 8-minute walk from Keihan Uji Line Uji Station Official Website: http://uji-ichiban-yado.com/

4. Sustainable Cottage KAMOME SLOW HOTEL (Hyogo, Awaji Island)

Sustainable Cottage KAMOME SLOW HOTEL is a whole-house rental accommodation that lets you experience “Sustainable Life,” which contributes to natural energy, energy conservation, and reducing CO2 emissions. This is achieved through the use of amenities such as a wood-burning stove, energy-efficient storage battery systems, and solar panels, creating a comfortable indoor environment and generally achieving energy consumption of less than zero over the course of a year.

You can enjoy an incredible view of the Seto Inland Sea through large windows in the naturally warm wooden interior. On the 1st floor deck, you’ll find an outdoor jacuzzi, a wood-burning sauna for relaxation, and even the option for BBQ (reservation required).

Basic Information Price: From 65,000 yen per room per night Address: 1111 Oya Kita, Gun, Awaji City, Hyogo 656-1511, Japan Access: About a 4-minute walk from the Garb Costa Orange bus stop on the Sanyo Bus (Nishiura Route) Official Website: https://kamome-slow-hotel.jp/sustainable_cottage/

5. Abendrot (Ono City, Hyogo Prefecture)

If you’re looking for a private villa where you can stay with your dog, “Abendrot” is the perfect choice. It features a vast dog run of over 2,100 square meters, equivalent to 10 tennis courts. Located in a quiet area surrounded by mountains, you can enjoy playing with your dog without worrying about the surroundings. It can accommodate up to 6 people at once. The villa is equipped with facilities like a water play area, a dog bath, dog dishes, and toilet sheets. It also provides semi-double low beds for co-sleeping. There are no restrictions on dog breeds or the number of dogs, and there is no additional charge for your furry companions.

Basic Information Price Range: ¥27,500 – ¥1 room/1 night Address: 881-1 Mambushicho, Ono City, Hyogo Prefecture 675-1311 Access: Approximately 13 minutes by car from Ono Station, Ao Line, Kobe Electric Railway Official Website: https://abendrot2021.com/

6. ISE-SHIMA OCEAN VILLA Yamato (Ise-Shima, Mie Prefecture)

The “ISE-SHIMA OCEAN VILLA Yamato,” with its distinctive Japanese-modern appearance, is a private villa located in Ise-Shima. In front of it lies the popular surfing beach, Nanbari Swimming Beach in Ise-Shima. Besides surfing, you can enjoy various marine activities such as SUP, snorkeling, sea kayaking, and even skydiving, which is rare in the Kinki-Tokai region. With screens and projectors available, you can also enjoy watching movies and foreign dramas indoors, even in bad weather.

Additionally, you can use amenities like a BBQ set and tent sauna (requires advance reservation). It’s a recommended place for friends to enjoy activities, for families to relax at the beach, and for various forms of leisure.

Basic Information Price Range: ¥22,300 – ¥1 room/1 night Address: 1681 Nanbari, Hamashimacho, Shima City, Mie Prefecture 517-0405 Access: Approximately 20 minutes by car from Ugata Station, Kintetsu Shima Line Official Website: https://iseshimaoceanvillayamato.com/

7. Ryokan WAKATSU (Omihachiman, Shiga Prefecture)

The former Kita residence, built as a tatami shop in 1829 in Omihachiman, Shiga Prefecture, has been renovated to create “Ryokan WAKATSU.” This inn aims to provide a space where the rich nature and people of Omihachiman can “understand each other” (WAKATSU).

There are two types of rooms: “Ishinoma” and “Kinoma.” Each room offers a comfortable atmosphere where you can feel the rich seasons of Omihachiman. Ishinoma is a space inspired by a tea room, where you can experience a special moment with a sense of wabi-sabi. The bath features a rock bath made from Kyoto Kurama stone.

Kinoma, facing the Hachiman Moat, a designated important cultural landscape, offers a room where you can enjoy the traditional atmosphere of Omihachiman. The bath is equipped with a custom-made bucket-style bath made from high-quality Japanese cypress (Koyamaki).

Basic Information Price Range: ¥90,000 – ¥1 room/1 night Address: 6 Tamaya-cho, Omihachiman City, Shiga Prefecture 523-0831 Access: Approximately 5 minutes by car from Horyuji Station, JR Tokaido Main Line Official Website: https://wakatsu.jp/

8. VILLA TSUBAKI (Shirahama, Wakayama Prefecture)

The “VILLA TSUBAKI” is a private suite villa located in Shirahama, featuring open-air hot springs and pools in all rooms. Families with young children can enjoy their stay without worrying about the surroundings.

The crystal-clear views of Shirahama from the open-air bath are sure to create a special atmosphere. From the villa, you can easily reach various attractions such as “Adventure World” known for pandas, “Toretore Market” offering fresh seafood, and “Shirarahama Beach” with its pristine white sand. It’s an ideal place for those who want to enjoy many activities during the day and relax in hot springs at night without any constraints.

Basic Information Price Range: ¥39,600 – ¥1 room/1 night Address: 1065 Tsubaki, Shirahama-cho, Nishimuro-gun, Wakayama Prefecture 649-2326 Access: Approximately 10 minutes on foot from Isegaya Bus Stop, Asuka Kanko Bus Shirahama Hioke Line Official Website: https://www.shirahama-tsubakivilla.com/

9. Ikaruga Biyori (Ikaruga, Nara Prefecture)

The “Ikaruga Biyori” is a stylish traditional Japanese house accommodation. Located in Ikaruga, Nara Prefecture, all rooms are named after historical aspects of Nara: “Ikaruga,” “Manyo,” “Yamato,” and “Heijo.” The second-floor room “Manyo” offers a view of Horyuji Temple.

With a concept of “staying as if living,” the rooms are decorated in a chic and simple Japanese-modern style. It can accommodate up to 10 people, making it suitable for family trips, graduation trips, and corporate training sessions. You can easily visit World Heritage sites such as Horyuji Temple, Fujinokiyokofun, and Nakatsukasadera on foot, making it a great place for exploration.

Basic Information Price Range: ¥15,400 – ¥1 room/1 night Address: 1-6-30 Horyuji Higashi, Ikaruga-cho, Ikoma-gun, Nara Prefecture 636-0112 Access: Approximately 18 minutes on foot from Horyuji Station, JR Yamatoji Line Official Website: http://ikaruga-biyori.com/

10. Asuka Yuri no Sato Morajuku (Asuka Village, Nara Prefecture)

The “Asuka Yuri no Sato Morajuku” is a private villa hidden in the rice fields of Asuka Village, Nara Prefecture, where the ancient atmosphere is still deeply felt. Originally an 80-year-old traditional Japanese house, it has been renovated to preserve beams and pillars to the maximum extent while renovating the corridors and verandas, creating a space that combines charm with comfort.

To fully enjoy the sounds of birds, insects, and the wind, the villa deliberately does not have televisions or audio devices that produce sound.

There are a total of three rooms, and it can accommodate up to six people. Check-in is at 9 AM, and check-out is at 4 PM the following day, allowing for a stay of up to 31 hours, making it one of the attractive features. Spend time at Morajuku while feeling the original scenery of Japan preserved in Asuka Village, a World Heritage site.

Basic Information Price Range: ¥44,000 – ¥1 room/1 night Address: 35 Rai, Asuka Village, Takarazuka-gun, Nara Prefecture 634-0108 Access: Approximately 5 minutes on foot from Toyoura Bus Stop, Asuka Kanko Bus Asuka Chugu Line Official Website: https://asuka-yuri.jp/

Conclusion

A private villa where you can enjoy a luxurious time without worrying about your surroundings. Opting for a leisurely stay without visiting tourist spots can be an excellent choice for your next vacation. Why not savor a delightful escape from the ordinary with your loved ones during your upcoming break?