Restoring Heritage: Exploring a Renovated 100 Year-Old Traditional Home turned Hotel

[@suzettecalleja3122]

I stayed at a traditional Inn 1979. I slept on futons and they were amazing, they are not like the ones made here in the States which are terrible. The buildings were absolutely BEAUTIFUL. Thank you for bringing us along. I truly miss Japan.

[@TokyoLlama]

I agree, a good futon in a ryokan can be amazingly comfortable. Hopefully you can visit again soon.

[@polar3553]

@@TokyoLlama😂我差点以为是中国传统建筑，当看到白色灯笼时才知道这里是日本

[@465maltbie]

Wonderful looking place, old homes should never be museums, they need living spirits to thrive. Glad to see the family took the steps to save and put this one to new use. Sorry to hear the local government did what governments do best, drag their feet. :D Enjoy your weekend, looks like the fence project will be an interesting one. Charles

[@TokyoLlama]

Thanks Charles, seems like a few things had to fall into place for this to get done. I imagine there are quite a few projects that have stalled or never got started due to a lack of will somewhere along the chain. The fence project will be interesting but a lot more things to do first!

[@rawframeshandcrafted]

Stunning property! It’s great to see these old Japanese residences rejuvenated and not loosing their charm

[@astralbody]

Absolutely beautiful buildings and garden. I love the gates and the wall. The woven cedar ceiling is drool worthy!! Getting away from it all sounds so nice! Glad to see a beautiful estate brought back and to make memories again. Thank you so much for these videos! Cheers!!

[@TokyoLlama]

Loved that woven ceiling and stone/tile floor in the doma. Thanks very much for watching!

[@Jordan-inJapan]

“We opened in August, 2019.” Well, that was some fantastic timing. 😓 Seriously though, that place is gorgeous. I’m sure that once things open up again here, it will be an attractive choice for international tourists.

[@TokyoLlama]

Yeah, very unfortunate, hopefully next year things will open up a bit.

[@steadholderharrington9035]

Kind of reminds me of when the Bomba Energy Drink line was about to hit the marketplace for the first time in North America back in September of 2001, with their iconic, grenade-shaped bottles and pull-pin caps on top. How was Bomba supposed to know that 9/11 was going to occur 4-days before their introduction to the public? (I was working for a drink distributer at the time and we had literal trailer-loads of the drinks, warehoused and prepped for mass-distribution across central Canada). 😅😅

[@Jordan-inJapan]

@@steadholderharrington9035 OMG that is hilariously bad timing.(Not funny at all for the people launching that drink line, of course.)

[@steadholderharrington9035]

@@Jordan-inJapan Wasn't funny for us. We had that stuff in our warehouse, taking up space, long past the expiration dates on the bottles before a resolution was found. (hint: Bomba lost out big time, me and four other spent three months emptying out the contents of the Bomba bottles and returning the bottles for the deposits; not exactly fun and we were sick of the sight of Bomba by the time we were done).

[@Jordan-inJapan]

@@steadholderharrington9035 Ouch.

[@Nynke_K]

I think this is about the fourth time I've seen Iizukatei featured online and it always looks great! It was really interesting to hear Natalie give a bit more background information about the property and herself, too. And I'm curious to see where you'll be building a wooden wall in your garden!

[@TokyoLlama]

I’ll link the others above. I deliberately avoided watching the others as wanted to do my own thing, and not be influenced by other videos. I may watch them now! By the way I wish I could build a big gate somewhere too…

[@ronsmith1364]

@@TokyoLlama Moon Gate in a surprise nook or corner but, with full sun.

[@Mindy56743]

What a beautiful home. I really like how it was made over without being remade.

[@Tastychronicles]

Beautiful property and neighborhood. The ornamental window , ceiling, and screens design are very unique. They did a great job converting the place into a hotel. I love that it's now a cultural heritage building. Best way to preserve history.

[@TokyoLlama]

Yes, they’ve done a great job and gone to a lot of effort to get it to where it is today.

[@edmund6392]

I absolutely love your choice of filming/editing for this episode. Instead of just following her around the property and asking questions with the camera pointing at both of you, you instead incorporated the voice over as you showed us the place and the surroundings. A lot of youtubers do not understand how effective this method is. Thank you!

[@DisgruntledPigumon]

It is sooo wonderful to see these “gentle” renovations being done, rather than the Tokyo style of destroy and compact. Just a great video. I hope to stay there someday.

[@Jordan-inJapan]

Yeah, I thought that garden wall was pretty impressive looking too. IF I had a garden worthy of such a wall, I would be tempted to put one of those in as well. (As it is, we went the other way, and took our fence out all together. I suppose our garden WILL be the fence…assuming I put one in at all!)

[@DoctorEbot]

Hey. Ever get a video of that loft up?

[@Jordan-inJapan]

@@DoctorEbot No. But thanks for reminding me how slow I am. 😆 (OK, I kind of mention it in my last upload. But I haven’t really shown it properly yet. Soon!)

[@Rickarrrd]

Great house! My favorite feature was the fence. The large gate and the roof all around it looks amazing. Good stuff Jaya, till next time.

[@TokyoLlama]

Yes, the fence caught my attention straight away. I'd love a gate like that, maybe I'll try making a mini version!

[@Anthony_D_Wallace]

Beautiful editing and lighting.

[@TokyoLlama]

Thanks!

[@martenlundin]

Nice details, the gate, the floor and ceiling in the genkan and the floor board corners at 5:03 👌 Bit too many western style furnitures for my taste but since its used as a hotel that makes sense.

[@TokyoLlama]

Yes, I loved the floor board corners too. Wish I’d done it in my house now!

[@briangarrow448]

Beautiful. Interior and exterior views are delightful. I have lived most of my life next to the temperate rainforest of the Pacific Northwest and have an affinity for Japanese gardens. It must be the use and placement of moss that does it for me. All jokes aside, a gorgeous place to enjoy the quiet. Well done.

[@Funskier67]

Japanese homes like this, always seem so tranquil. The original design and features seem to feel modern when paired with each other. Thank you for the tour of this beautiful home.

[@Kamaru_is_Asian]

Japanese architecture is really beautiful, very pleasing to look at, and at one with nature, I really like it 🏯

[@averagelurkercommentssometimes]

what a beautiful, beautiful place! would be lovely to stay in a place like this, enjoy both culture and history and modern comforts at the same time

[@cindylineburg6418]

Just fabulous that so much of the original building has been preserved! Well done!

[@thesaxman]

Another fantastic video, you are always constantly improving your content and skills..really hitting your stride now! Gambattee ne!

[@brucetownsend691]

I had already been wowed by this house>hotel conversion when watching the video by the Tabieats guys when they stayed a few months ago. I was pleased to experience a very different tour coming to it the second time around.

[@entwinedmar]

I’m so glad you took the time to show this place as many foreigners visiting Japan can have the opportunity to look for it. I’m fascinating with the structure, so unique. As you said, the family must be so proud to see the legacy of what was once a family place. Amazing! Greetings from Canada

[@TokyoLlama]

Yes, it's a beautiful structure, I'm glad the family thought to preserve it rather than let it decay.

[@28naveenator27van]

There's something so relaxing and picturesque about Japan. I wish I could visit to enjoy the countryside. Thanks for this visit to the boutique hotel. Do they have a on site kitchen that makes the set meals or do they farm it all out. The meal looked so delicious. Yum. Really loving these extra videos of you doing thing not related to your own renos at home. That's not to say I don't love your reno vids . Thanks for all the ones you've upped/.

[@paytruce6228]

This place looks like it coud be in a period movie. It is so well kept and maintained. Thank you for the tour.

[@januzzell8631]

Beautiful - and loving the chill music too - just what I needed today

[@WolkeYume]

What a lovely video! I love the idea of making a hotel out of the old house and have people stay there instead of just leaving it to fall apart over time. And the family that used to own it can still visit, it's a win/win!

[@TokyoLlama]

Yes, would be good to see more projects like this - hats off to the family for being proactive about it.

[@nancynewlin]

Beautifully done re-purposing of an historic property to give it a new life. And thanks for making this video of it.

[@SinghAaditya]

Love these impromptu travel videos! Keep it coming 👍

[@TokyoLlama]

Thanks, will mix them in when I have the chance.

[@trajanparker]

I enjoy your Videos so much. So nice to see you branch out with new and " other" content. So interesting. I am so in love with Japan. Thank you for all the fun and more than that , interesting videos. Please Keep them coming!

[@TokyoLlama]

Thanks, appreciate the kind words!

[@CurtdWar]

Wonderful Video mate! Stunning old place, really well shown off by both of you.

[@TokyoLlama]

Thanks very much!

[@Aiko2-26-9]

What a stunning property, beautifully restored. Thank you for taking us along on your visit.

[@delven121]

Very beautiful home. Something I would like to find with Akiya and move my family back to Japan.

[@greenchilli6660]

Absolutely beautiful property and amazing how much effort was put into making sure they keep the original spirit of the houses

[@TokyoLlama]

Agree, it's a fine balance but I think they did a great job.

[@SvenHoffmann-d5w]

Unglaublich schön. Ich bin sehr bewegt. Ich kann es für mich kaum in Worte fassen. Allein beim anschauen kamen mir die Tränen.... Ich hoffe eines Tages Japan besuchen zu können. Dann möchte ich unbedingt diesen Ort selber sehen...

[@c.w.3750]

Can’t wait! I love when Tokyo llama uploads

[@TokyoLlama]

Thanks, hope you enjoy it!

[@lynetteclauser3551]

I found the garden gorgeous and love that the way it is an integral part of the residence whether standing on inside or the outside of the new windows.

[@Warrenaldrich]

I loved this video. It was well done with great history and beautiful showing of lovely Japanese architecture and also furniture and design style.

[@anjurobins5602]

What a beautiful site! Im so happy to also know that the previous owners like the new renovated place. The gardening work and all those wooden details are magnificient. Thank you for showing it! Definetly keeping it in my interesting points map!

[@TokyoLlama]

No worries, hope you manage to visit there sometime!

[@irminschembri1081]

Timeless, elegant, peaceful, beautiful......arigato Nippon and Tokyo Llama .

[@philiphema2678]

Hard to believe any family could leave such a beautiful complex as this, although I understand the changing fortunes. I'm happy to know that this property has historical preservation societty protections. So lovely. Thank you.

[@Saraseeksthompson0211]

I hope more ppl preserve these beautiful homes. They have such architectural relevance and are pieces of history. So beautiful

[@lindyashford7744]

Thank you for giving us the opportunity to see this beautiful place. I was instantly struck as you walked around by the beautiful fence that had as much attention to detail as the buildings. The wood was beautiful. I also really liked the side gate. Inside some of the ceilings were also very beautiful. I love the care taken with detail, no fuss but just quality every direction you look and so harmonious. I really did enjoy watching this video very much.

[@TokyoLlama]

Glad you enjoyed it, really is a beautiful property.

[@Skipperau]

This home , now a boutique hotel is beautiful. The gift boxes were a total surprise, as it was your dinner.

[@Lord_Verge]

Beautiful architecture, truly appreciate the work put into showing these great locations.

[@annwilliams6438]

How absolutely stunning. The city did brilliantly well putting this hotel together….

[@pennyarts886]

Japan architectural, heritage, their interior design and even food and everything. Their work is fine, delicate and with lots of thoughts in it. These are always my favorites and I am a big fan as i am in this profession before. East meet west design is the trend but it's last. Minimalist and zen gives you a peace of mind out from busy city vibe. In fact the pebble stone with cement or cracked glass tiles with cement for bathroom or the entrance ,not only easy to diy but also stands out away from the horizontal and vertical application of wood strips on the wall or doors and windows.

[@brendanbang6636]

We are all rich by been able to stay here. This is what renovation is all about retaining the best of the spirit and characters while updating to suit modern sensibilities. Congratulations.

[@Beecozz7]

Really beautiful, so glad people care about preserving the gorgeous buildings and landscaping. It seems so peaceful.

[@zakkvanish3668]

"It would be a tad chilly." 😂I think, that's an understatement. It looks lovely, really!

[@mohamednazri961]

omg when the night comes and with all the lighting, the garden look so amazing

[@tardismole]

Not only beautiful, but respectful. And so peaceful, too.

[@tinekejoldersma]

Beautiful. I admire their patience with the local government. And then COVID hit. Darn. All and the gate and fence are stunning, made without one screw to withhold strong winds. That garden is indeed an example for you, the grass always looks greener elsewhere, Tokyo Llama XD Do you have a bamboo/stone dripping feature in your garden? Thanks for showing us

[@TokyoLlama]

Ha, I should have used that “grass is always greener line” in the video. I’m planning on a “shishi odoshi” in my Japanese garden for sure.

[@webbtrekker534]

What a lovely old home. Thankfully it has been given a second life. So simple yet so elegant. Thank you for showing us this.

[@TokyoLlama]

You're welcome, thanks for watching.

[@vahultman860]

That is lovely. Thanks so much for showing this hotel. I wish so that I could someday see it in person. What a wonderful way to preserve and share such a beautiful piece of history.

[@Red-ct6wx]

Thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to see more of your beautiful country and your culture ❤️

[@en8718]

WoW.... I am going to the hotel's website NOW !!! This will definitely be on our check list when we go outside of Tokyo. Thank you for sharing !

[@debrawondergem1528]

That was mesmerizing…. I almost didn’t blink. What a beautiful place, thank you for sharing. Hugs from sunny Arizona 💖😎💖

[@Jasiwardas]

Shinichi and Satoshi just were there, too.. 😊 nice place!

[@michaelcherry8952]

So beautiful! What a great idea to reuse the house in this way. The renovation was so sympathetically done . Everywhere you look is something wonderful. Thank you for taking us along on your vacation. What a great place for a relaxing break. It's wonderful how much of the original house has been preserved while still making it viable as a modern hotel.

[@TokyoLlama]

No worries! Thanks for watching.

[@ironichumorist]

beautiful property and a lovely host. i must also appreciate the craftsmen who restored and updated the property to such a lovely state.

[@TokyoLlama]

Yes, it's a pity they didn't any videos or more photos of the renovation as I wanted to show more of that process.

[@etherdog]

Always great to see Natalie again! TabiEats, and Sean and Nami, also featured this property, but you gave a lot more in-depth information about the architectural detail and gave Natalie much more biographical detail. Thanks, too, for mentioning your other channel--subscribed!

[@TokyoLlama]

Thank you!

[@melissareid640]

Wow. You're home must bring you so much pride. This place is beautiful but you're home is a private residence; the work you've done is exceptional. That is what I took from this video. Also provides tourists the experience! 💗🙏💗

[@TokyoLlama]

Thanks very much, yes that’s true. The hotel does have a similar style to our house.

[@kardelen3504]

I don't know if I'll ever have the pleasure of visiting Iizukatei myself but I feel refreshed just watching the video! Beautifully shot and narrated, thank you so much!

[@TokyoLlama]

Thank you, glad you liked it!

[@ninkonge5913]

Wow beautiful home and beautiful background music

[@nish221100]

I've seen another video featuring this inn, but I really like the way you showcased the architectural details. Thank you very much!

[@TokyoLlama]

Thank you!

[@ponzu_guy]

This was a great video - the hotel was so beautiful! The fence immediately caught my eye too, and I'd be super excited to see videos about you taking that on for your garden.

[@JAY-wn2hr]

Awesome video, I would love to see similar stuff in the future!

[@TokyoLlama]

Thanks, I’ll mix in a few like this with my own home renovation progress. I’m interested in seeing what others do, also can get ideas for myself…

[@tylerbayes4774]

What a spectacular place. And yes that wall is amazing. Really like it that wherever you go, you'll take inspirations and ideas to add to your home.

[@TokyoLlama]

Yes, definitely keen to see what others do to get new ideas for my place.

[@RichieRouge206]

What a beautiful, calm place. And the garden lit up at night is magical.

[@jeanhawken4482]

Absolutely gorgeous, the food is something else. Wow

[@dalethorp3687]

So peaceful and beautiful. Thank you for your choice of music.

[@TokyoLlama]

You're welcome.

[@willbass2869]

Natalie is a charm. Seen her in other vids. I like these occasional side trips. Nice vignette of rescued/repurposed housing. Wonderful the original owners saw fit to hand it off for a new existence. Looking forward to see if/how you adopt anything garden related to your home. Thanks for the ride along.

[@TokyoLlama]

Thanks for watching, hope to work on the garden next year.

[@firesoldier3051]

here we go again! its like your uploads match my schedule perfectly lol

[@TokyoLlama]

That's the goal!

[@BenjiSun]

really lovely renovation of the old house and the kura.

[@ianmiller9183]

Thank you for sharing. Such a stunningly beautiful place and so calming. The only problem would be not wanting to leave. 100 years old and still making wonderful memories within its walls for generations to come.

[@TokyoLlama]

No worries, yes, good to see the estate was put to good use.

[@galas455]

What an amazing place, thanks for the great tour. The lady who spoke about the property was very articulate telling the story of the property.

[@christopherwenker4772]

great video, especially fitting with your japanese renovation theme on youtube. seems like a great niche, would love to see more japanese renovated estates

[@lioness77alfar]

Looks so beautiful and peaceful to stay there, thank you for sharing.

[@kgal63]

Thank you for the tour of the beautiful home/hotel. It was lovely.

[@victorlui5955]

Hi! Glad to see another video Tokyo Llama. 😊

[@balesjo]

A beautiful renovation of a heritage home.

[@douglasnorth4703]

Breath taking all of it . Great share.

[@ModernARQ]

Looks absolutely beautiful!

[@markweber8532]

Thank you for sharing. This was so interesting to learn about the history and what they have done with the property to honor its history.

[@TokyoLlama]

No worries, thanks for watching.

[@julesoyler4306]

I truly love all your your videos, thank you for sharing this beautiful place and its architecture. I especially enjoy you sharing your woodworking. Have a great week ahead!

[@TokyoLlama]

Thanks very much! I'm working on part of the wood deck at the moment so hope to show that soon...ish.

[@glennmcgee1729]

Exquisite detail in many elements of the structures and grounds, requires me to take pause and appreciate the architecture of the old with the new. Thanks for taking me on your vacation.

[@TokyoLlama]

No worries, thanks for joining us!

[@marcryvon]

Oh what a beautiful place and buildings ! I deeply love alll the traditionnal details throughout every corner inside and outside. I imagined and realized our back garden for the last 37 years vaguely inspired by the Japanese culture and style. Seeing this magnificient garden surprises me that I was not so off the mark ! 😊 What is missing is a proper gate and covered entrance. I shall look after it come next spring ! 👍

[@TokyoLlama]

I love the Japanese gates and fences. Certainly adds to the garden if you can build one.

[@susannahallanic1167]

Thank you for sharing. It's interesting watching your videos. Calming and learning about Japanese culture is just a wonderful combination.

[@TokyoLlama]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@melaniekeeling7462]

Delightful! Glad you were able to get away and enjoy yourselves.

[@RAZGR1Z]

Fascinating video! I like how you're branching out your content. There's a big niche market for these kinds of videos and I'm all for it.

[@TokyoLlama]

Thanks, appreciate the positive feedback!

[@Niriixa]

Gorgeous place!! It's wonderful the family home gets to live on this way, the modern and traditional blend together soo well.

[@waltereikrem]

its SO cool how the production value goes up so much by every video! but still keeps it calm, relaxing and informative

[@TokyoLlama]

Thanks a lot!

[@mollylysowski6656]

So truly grateful I found your utube from watching sundai what a stunning place it’s on my list to visit warms my heart there bringing places like this back to life for others to enjoy

[@TokyoLlama]

Awesome - thanks! And thanks to Sundai too!

[@isiseungella4688]

Stunning place. Tyvm for the invite

[@ausmartin1]

Sweet 🤗 a real experience ofJapanese culture, so nice they kept it alive and can share 🤗

[@gint5414]

This was a wonderful video. What a beautiful place with such heritage. I now can’t wait to see what structure you will recreate for your garden! 🪴

[@TokyoLlama]

Thanks. Looking forward to working on the garden (next year).

[@thedivineenergy]

*My soul comes here as a place of joy and grace. 💗*

[@littlsuprstr]

It looks stunningly modern with fresh wood and new glass.

[@islandblacksmith]

beautiful place...and a lovely roofed wall/fence, it caught my eye right away too...

[@mayalynn]

What a gorgeous property! So glad you got to visit. Thanks for taking us along!

[@TokyoLlama]

No worries, thanks for watching!