About Asobi Lodge
We first arrived in Japan — Hamish from New Zealand in 1997 and Nora from Australia in 1998 — and built our lives in Kyoto City, Japan. But the beauty of Kyoto extends far beyond its city. In 2005, a friend tipped us off about a unique property on the Tango peninsula. One visit was all it took. We knew this coastal spot, with its clear waters and quiet roads, was where we wanted to be. We moved here, raised our daughters, and embraced a more local way of life in Japan.
Restoring the Old Kimono Factory
In April 2015, one of the local residents asked us if we would buy the old kimono factory building across from our house. The building was in terrible condition and falling apart. We politely declined his offer. However, after seeing asking price, we felt compelled to accept. This would mark the beginning of a very long and challenging project. The building was almost in ruins! But we saw the potential. Over the next few years, we stripped the building back and rebuilt it piece by piece. Today, after much effort, Asobi Lodge stands as a warm, welcoming, and comfortabnle estate. It blends the original timber details with modern Japanese style.
Discover the Unspoiled Beauty of the Tango Peninsula
Within 15 kilometers of the lodge, you’ll find a landscape perfect for exploring—smooth coastal roads, rugged mountain trails, and places to swim, cycle, or simply relax. The Tango peninsula, just a few hours from Kyoto, Osaka, and Kobe, remains refreshingly unspoiled, with forests, hot springs, and a dramatic coastline of beaches and volcanic rock.
Our village, Asobi-cho, has a long history of fishing and weaving the famous Tango Chirimen silk. Many looms have fallen silent, but a quiet revival is underway. Visitors now come seeking calm, nature, and authenticity. Asobi Lodge is part of that revival, offering a chance to slow down, enjoy fresh local food, and reconnect with the simple pleasures of rural Japan.
Asobi-cho: Honoring Traditions in a New Era
Book at Asobi Lodge Now!
Come and stay at Asobi Lodge. Join us for a unique Japanese experience by the sea, complete with the comforts of a carefully restored guest house and apartment in a region of Japan that few have the opportunity to explore.