貸切お宿 きよみず邸＆みつ葉邸 by MRS Gunma ☎️ 070-3172-2110 （家主: 澤崎）
Kiyomizu House & Mitsuba House: Retreat & Vacation Homes in Gunma, Japan
Live Like Nobility
Kiyomizu House & Mitsuba House
Traditional Vacation Estates in the Heart of Japan
Perfectly positioned for a getaway from Tokyo, Gunma is known for its healing onsen, glorious nature, silk heritage as well as a thriving modern industry as the home to corporate headquarters, world-class facilities such as Takasaki's international convention center, arena and theater.
Tokyo families and friends choose Gunma as their vacation destination as it is only a 1-hour Shinkansen ride away. With lots of fun activities to do and beautiful places to visit, just drive up or rent a car and explore natural and cultural sites, relax at spas or fruit orchards and enjoy attractions, adventure sports and art.
Kiyomizu House & Mitsuba House, unique historical villas right in the heart of Gunma, offer a level of traditional quality that surprises even their most discerning Japanese guests.
These elegant vacation homes are family-owned and run by a Japanese & American couple who love helping guests have a wonderful time at their home and in the area.
Scroll down to learn more, and do not hesitate to contact the owner, Renee Sawazaki, if you are interested in a stay.
For detailed photos and information, click to the web pages on each property. The pages are in Japanese, please please turn Google Translation on.
CONCEPT
"Socializing and connecting" is our goal for the experience we provide our guests. We always keep this in mind as we continually improve our lodging services and facilities.
Even though the modern Japanese elegance of Mitsuba House is quite a contrast to the Japanese folk essence of Kiyomizu House, for both we choose decor that is inviting, comfortable and practical.
It is our goal to have our guests have all the detailed amenities they may need while having iconic Japanese traditional arts and household goods in every part of the house. Whether our guests live in Japan or have traveled from overseas, we want them to feel immersed in Japanese culture during their stay and leave feeling a little closer to traditional Japan.
Family-Friendly
As parents who love to travel, we know the challenges and have set up amenities and playthings to make a family vacation fun and relaxing.
Gunma prefecture is known in Japan for hard-working women. As local families value enjoying recreation together, our region offers plentiful options for
fun for all ages.
Kiyomizu House
Silk & Castle Heritage Estate
Stroll to gardens and onsen. 90min from Tokyo.
About Kiyomizu House
Immerse yourself in a rejuvenating stay at the beloved wooden monument, Kiyomizu House, located in the scenic region of Gunma. As Napa Valley is to San Francisco, Gunma is to Tokyo ー A lush area one-hour from Tokyo Station via Shinkansen where guests can enjoy mountains and valleys, healing onsen spas, fruit-picking and hands-on cultural activities.
This historical vacation home provides a spacious interior and yard, comfortable atmosphere, amenities at guests’ fingertips, and service with a smile. Ideal for fun with family or friends, for a corporate, academic or wellness retreat, or for a solo traveler’s respite, Kiyomizu House offers personalized hospitality for your bespoke vacation.
The first level of Kiyomizu House has a country kitchen with appliances, cookware and tableware, 24h access laundry room with washer and gas dryer, bath and shower room, two bidet toilets and a men’s bathroom. There are six connected tatami rooms that can be used as living areas or bedrooms, surrounded by a traditional wooden corridor for sunroom-like relaxation space. Fluffy, double-padded futons encompassed by natural wood make for a restful night. On the second level, from an exterior entrance, there is a living room with a coffee and tea bar and mini refrigerator, two bedrooms with a total of six beds, sitting area, shower room, vanity sink and bidet toilet, and optional meeting room. Guests choose either use of the first level only, or both first and second level. Regardless, the property is private and only one booking per night is accepted. There are two covered terraces with patio furniture for up to 24 guests, and parking for up to 10 vehicles. Complimentary WiFi, TV, ping pong, a variety of indoor and outdoor games, and more. Groups can enjoy services such as BBQ and nabe parties, delivered meals and catering, laundry, meeting room and equipment. Complete information and request form sent to guests after booking.
About the Neighborhood
With a neighboring castle garden, thatched-roof watermill and mineral water spa, guests find themselves in a quiet, fairytale-like atmosphere. Walk to a variety of shops, restaurants and supermarkets to eat well and mingle with locals. Venture a little farther to ride a gondola up a Fuji-shaped mountain and view its reflection on Lake Haruna, stroll up a 1400 year-old path to be greeted by a waterfall at the entrance to an ancient mountain shrine, paint a Kokeshi doll as a personalized souvenir, or shop at a mall to view the latest in Japanese trends, fashion and technology.
Mitsuba House
Elegant Estate near the resort areas of
Isobe Onsen & Karuizawa
Elegant Estate near the resort areas of Isobe Onsen & Karuizawa
We welcome you to Mitsuba House, a classic Japanese villa near Isobe Onsen, Mt Myogi & Karuizawa. Our area is known for spas, scenic drives, mountain shrines & family recreation.
We renovated this temple-style villa for comfort and vacationers' enjoyment, while maintaining the original exquisite woodwork.
Our home offers:
○ Spacious tatami rooms and a western master bedroom
○ Family-friendly amenities, WiFi, laundry, parking
○ Well-stocked kitchen & dining room
○ BBQ terrace with mountain views
< About the Property >
Welcome to Mitsuba House!
Our guests have 100% private use of the entire home and property, with daily housekeeping offered by us, the owners and hosts~Motoyasu & Renee Sawazaki, for guests who stay multiple nights.
Here are some details about our home and its area:
Mitsuba House (みつ葉邸) sleeps up to 12 guests
Built in 1977 as a luxury vacation home in the historical resort town of Isobe Onsen, along the Nakasendo.
We completely remodeled it in 2016 while retaining the original marble, woodwork, roof tile and stucco walls.
Rooms
Spacious 144m² interior (1550ft²). Modern kitchen, bath and laundry room, 2 toilets.
Amenities
Full of all the comforts and amenities guests could want during their vacation, with special attention to the needs of families with infants, children and elderly.
Garden and terrace with mountain views
Gas BBQs for grilling rain or shine. Year-round enjoyment with an outdoor heater for chilly-weather grilling.
Sleeping arrangements
○ Double-padded futons in 3 tatami rooms and a king-sized bed and crib in a bedroom.
○ Extra large pillows, blanket and air mattress available
Entertainment
○ TV, Free WiFi
○ Picture books (English & Japanese) , board & card games, indoor and outdoor toys.
Heating / Cooling
○ Winter
・4 electric wall heating units. 2 portable electric heaters.
・3 heated tables (Kotatsu)
○ Summer
・4 electric wall air conditioning units
・1 portable fan
Rooms & furnishing
○ 12 rooms/spaces
○ Self-Catering: Plenty of cookware and dishes. Tea/coffee station.
○ Dining/Living room: Table for 6, high chair, sofa, TV, coffee table, buffet
○ 3 tatami rooms & 2 sunrooms
○ Western bedroom: Large room with hardwood flooring: Wardrobe, king-size bed and adjacent toilet.
○ Bath, shower area, amenities and bath toys. Nearby Isobe Hot Springs (4 min drive) and other local spas
○ Laundry room: Washing machine, gas dryer and detergent.
○ Two separate toilet rooms
○ Spacious entry
○ Yard / Parking area: 370m². Room for parking for cars, vans, mini-bus, etc. in front and side of house.
○ Terrace: Covered gazebo. Tables and chairs for 12. Grass and parasols. View of mountains and Japanese gardens.
< The neighborhood & local sightseeing >
○ Leisure, recreation and sightseeing within a short drive/taxi ride.
○ 1h Shinkansen to Tokyo. Car rental & free parking at station (20min)
○ Isobe Hot Springs (1.5km): Free onsen foot bath. Hot springs & sand spa. Restaurants. River.
○ Day trips by car in Gunma & Nagano: Karuizawa Prince ski & mall (40min); Hiking & Myogi Shrine (10min); Lake Usui; Train & nature museums (15min); Safari Park
MRS Gunma hospitality
Kiyomizu House & Mitsuba House
are one-of-a-kind historical sites built by affluent families and transformed into elegant and comfortable vacation homes which offer spacious living and garden areas for families and groups to socialize, relax and enjoy their vacation in Japan.
Located in Gunma one hour north of Tokyo, a family-friendly region full of onsen spas, art, culture, recreation and thriving industry.
Read on to learn more about these historical vacation homes.
BOOK A STAY
Please understand that we only accept direct bookings from residents in Japan. For our overseas guests, we ask that you book through your preferred online travel agency. You can find Kiyomizu House in Takasaki, Gunma and Mitsuba House in Annaka, Gunma on Expedia, Airbnb, Hotels, Booking.com and other travel sites.
MEALS
Our vacation homes are well-equipped for self-catering & have lots of fun supplies for group meals: BBQs, electric hot pots, takoyaki makers and more. Like a B&B, we cook Japanese-style breakfast per request. We can suggest local markets, eateries, restaurants and make reservations.
We also provide delivery and set up service for Japanese-style breakfast.
House Manual
Our vacation homes provide expat and inbound guests a wonderful opportunity to experience staying in a traditional Japanese home.
We have created a manual to help you prepare for your stay. If you have any questions or concerns before or during your time at Kiyomizu House or Mitsuba House, the owners and hosts, Motoyasu & Renée Sawazaki, are always available for support
Eating at Your Vacation Home
Meal options at
Kiyomizu House and
Mitsuba House
Catered Meals
Leave the meal preparation to us!
Healthy Japanese options
Vegan and vegetarian friendly
Self-catering
Guests can enjoy the use of the kitchen, dining room, living rooms and terrace for preparation and eating.
There is plenty of cookware, tableware, flatware and condiments for ease of eating at your vacation home.
The owners have spent years collecting beautiful Japanese and American tableware from the Showa era (1926~1989). With the comfortable atmosphere they have crafted, they hope their guests feel more like family than guests.
BBQ & Nabe
Parties
Kitchenware
Appliances
Large refrigerator & freezer, gas range, microwave oven, toaster oven, rice cooker, coffee maker, kettle, and more.
Enjoy an indoor nabe hot pot meal, or BBQ on the terrace any time of year!
Cutlery
Dinner forks, dinner knives, butter knives, chopsticks, chopstick rests, curry spoons, Chinese spoons, dessert forks, coffee spoons, children's forks, children's spoons
Tableware
Large collection of tableware, for both Japanese and Western meal styles: Large and small plates, bowls, partitioned plated for BBQing and more
Drink supplies & Glassware
Kettle, tea pots, iced tea containers, water purifiers, mugs, coffee cups and saucers, teapots, teacups and saucers, plastic children's cups, outdoor plastic mugs, glasses, beer glasses, wine glasses, ice buckets and tongs, and more
Cookware
Pots, lid, mixing bowls, strainer, kitchen knives, cutting boards, peeler, scissors, ladles, spatula, whisk, bottle opener, can opener, wine opener, measuring cups & spoons, saran wrap, aluminum foil, toothpicks and more.
As these are historic wooden homes, we ask that all frying and grilling be done outside on a gas grill that we are happy to set up for you.
Other kitchen supplies
Dining trays, luncheon mats, trivets, potholders and more
Eating at home or in the neighborhood
Gunma is known for delicious fresh fruits, vegetables, eggs, chicken, pork and noodles ~ It is a wheat-producing region, so if you love udon and soba, Gunma is the place to go for your handmade noodles fix. Gunma is also known for its fantastic pasta and pizza restaurants. So, there is a little something for everyone's tastes. Since most people work, eateries, restaurants and convenient stores abound and serve wholesome food at reasonable prices. Gunma residents often eat at the local onsen spas. Imagine ending a long workday with a rejuvenating mineral bath and steam sauna, and being served a homestyle dinner while lounging in sleepware ~ That's life in Gunma.
For casual eating at your vacation home, guests can easily have take-out, bentos, BBQ, hot clay pot, and other meals at the villa.
For guests who want a private vacation home, but do not want to prepare all their meals or eat out, the owners offer catered breakfast and are happy to help guests order take out meals. See below for details.
Grocery Shopping
Gunma's moderate climate and lush plains protected by a ring of mountains make it ideal for fruit and vegetable farming.
Gunma is best known for plums, peaches, nashi pears, persimmons,
konnyaku (konjac), leeks, cabbage and wheat.
Pork, chicken and egg farms with ethical practices abound in the foothills.
Each season provides tasty and healthy options for all.
For guests who want Costco treats, there is a store by the highway exit with easy access for our guests who are driving from the city.
If guests have a specific Costco request,
the owner can pick it up for you before your arrival.
Grocery Shopping near Kiyomizu House
There are three supermarkets, one drug store/grocery store, a 7-Eleven and a Lawson convenience store within a 10~15 minute walk. In addition, there are two 100 yen shops (Daiso and Seria), a household goods store (Sanki) and two bento shops (Torihei Chicken and Hokka Hokka Tei), and even a coffee shop (Sprocket and Coffee https://goo.gl/maps/iEpMUtWzHnMzskCaA) all within walking distance.
① Fressay is the closest supermarket and most popular among our guests as it has very good quality meats and vegetables. Daiso is located in the same building. (9am-10pm) https://goo.gl/maps/mGjfq3GBNUgmcGXD7
② Torisen is Renée's supermarket of choice as it's prices are reasonable and she appreciates their eco practice of putting local meat in bags instead of on plastic or styrofoam trays. They also have a nice bakery, Purariné, in the store. (9am-10pm) https://goo.gl/maps/WNJepNP55LPF11t29
③ Coop, a large supermarket popular in Japan for its healthy foods and original products. This store is located in the Harunamo Shopping Center that includes Seria 100 yen shop, Sanki household goods and clothing shop and Torisen chicken bento shop. This new center opened in 2022 along a major road that will eventually (by 2029?) link the UNESCO World Heritage Tomioka Silk Mill and Maebashi, the capital of Gunma. (9am-10pm) https://goo.gl/maps/1m6qAHt6J8EjjV8D8
④ Kusuri no Aoki, although a drug store, surprisingly has a decent selection of vegetables, meat and other grocery items at the lowest prices, even for things like yakisoba, milk and yogurt. Located across the street from the neighborhood onsen. (9am-10pm) https://goo.gl/maps/AqEKSQhkDEtqFVrD8
⑤ Hokka Hokka Tei, bento take out (9am-9pm) https://goo.gl/maps/CwemurQWp8bsjjN28
⑥ Torihei, chicken bentos. Gunma is known for farm-fresh chicken, and this shop is the largest and most popular in the region. Take out only, but their restaurant is located in the nearby Aeon Shopping Mall. 10am-8pm https://goo.gl/maps/1m6qAHt6J8EjjV8D8
⑦ 7-Eleven, Japan's iconic convenience store, located next to the neighborhood onsen. (24h) https://goo.gl/maps/qgwh8mz2H67VJCpZ6
Interesting shopping within a short drive
① Aeon Shopping Mall, 2-level indoor mall with a department store, lots of shops, restaurants, a food court and arcade. （17min drive, 10am~9pm） https://goo.gl/maps/ThGZxaaREWkiZJ8S8
② Kakujyo Fish Market, for sushi lovers, this is the best for take-out. （30min drive, 10am~7:30pm, but the earlier the better）https://g.page/kakujomaebashi?share For guests interested in eating sushi out, we recomment Uobei, where your order is delivered fresh on a shinkansen conveyor belt (20min drive, 11am~9:15pm) https://goo.gl/maps/DiZL6zxjHXgyD3Ch9
Grocery Shopping near Mitsuba House
There are two supermarkets, two produce markets, one drug store/grocery store, three 7-Elevens (one in each direction) and a Lawson convenience store all within a 10 minute drive.
① Yaoko is the fanciest supermarket, and a little more pricey for Gunma, but our guests love it because it's still a lot cheaper than Tokyo! Very nice selection of everything, and has a bakery too. Route 18. About 10 min
https://goo.gl/maps/AcffU8NZoZyPiPux9
② Beisia Mart is smallish, has all the basics, and is the closest supermarket. On Route 18. About 5 min
https://goo.gl/maps/37UdyXch9rBVFMYD6
③ Kusuri no Aoki, although a drug store, surprisingly has a decent selection of vegetables, meat and other grocery items at the lowest prices, even for things like yakisoba, milk and yogurt. On the road heading out from Megumi-no-Yu onsen. Next to a 7-Eleven. About 5 min
https://goo.gl/maps/NiPHhEUpJknFtorNA
Happy shopping and meal time!
Next....to explore the region of Gunma, known by Japanese as the retreat area outside of Tokyo laden with onsen resorts and surrounded by a ring of mountain ranges, the Jomo Sanzan ~ three mountains of Myogi, Haruna and Akagi.
Not only is Gunma at the geographical center of Japan, but it also at the economic heart of Japan, with headquarters and manufacturing plants of major corporations. Being masterfully interwoven in the pristine nature of this region, a visitor would never guess what a robust economy Gunma has and what a key role it has played in the Japanese and international economy for hundreds and thousands of years.
Gunma is also known as region where almost all women work. Being key to the success of the silk and textile industries, women are respected and can be seen in all industries today.
The history of Kiyomizu House and Mitsuba House reflect the hard working and humble affluence of the region. Both were created by prominent families who played key roles in major Gunma industries. It is our pleasure as the current owners to continue the legacies of these two lineages and offer these estates for guests of all walks of life and interests to enjoy.
Explore Gunma
The land of hot springs, fruit and traditional arts
Renown for exquisite hot springs and mountains, hands on cultural experiences and fruit orchards, compliment your stay at the iconically Japanese Kiyomizu House and Mitsuba House with fun and relaxing activities off-the-beaten-path.
Browse through Gunma's official tourism website "Visit Gunma"
and contact Renée Sawazaki, owner of Kiyomizu House and Mitsuba House and former academic in tourism for advice on curating your dream Japanese cultural vacation.
When she is available, she is always happy to guide her guests around and ensure they have an incredible, immersive experience in the aspects of Japanese culture that matches their interests.
Mitsuba House
⭐️ Located on the edge of the quaint, historical riverside onsen village along the Nakasendo Trail: Isobe Onsen, where the iconic
"onsen mark ♨️" originated.
Eat hot-off-the-grill healthy waffers made from the essence of the hot springs at a local factory.
And, no need to get undressed to enjoy the onsen foot bath just next to it.
Detox in your yukata in one of Japan's most exquisite hot spring sand bath spa
Savour homestyle noodles made from locally-sourced wheat.
⭐️ Sip coffee while soaking in the magnificent views of the rugged Mt Myogi and Mt Asama from your private terrace, then drive 10 minutes to explore a magificent mountain shrine, hike along a historic railway path through breathtaking nature, passing by a lake with iconic Japanese vermillion bridges, beholding Japan's tallest arched brick bridge on your way through the windy Usui Pass towards the charming resort village of Karuizawa known for its world-class shopping, museums and stunning nature. Hike though the volcanic park on Mt Asama and view stunning waterfalls before heading back to your private villa, Mitsuba House.
This is just the tip of the possibilities of how to enjoy time in this region that offers seasonal fruit-picking and flower viewing, visits to silk mills, master craftsmen (and women!) atteliers, family-friendly amusements and more!
Kiyomizu House
⭐️ Famed as the largest and most exquisite of Gunma's iconic timber sericulture, or silkworm, farmhouses, Japanese historians, architects and guests alike stand in awe of its massiveness and masterful craftsmanship of the temple carpenters, or miyadaiku, many of whom have said they have never seen anything like it.
A stay in this glorious building at the entrance of one of Japan's top-100 ranked castles just begs for visitors to pass on other major sightseeing spots and spend a few days soaking in the glory and culture of this quaint castle town that rarely sees tourists...Walk to a Kyoto-style garden, thatched roof mill, museum, castle grounds, lake, river, cherry tree gardens and more.
With a view of the city lights of Takasaki, the city at the hub of Gunma, an hour outside of Tokyo, at the main curve in the entrance road to the castle that samurai used stategically to make their approaching enemies take longer to travel, you can imagine going back in time 500 years, and be brought back to the present with the flashing lights of the zooming Shinkansen bullet train. Guests have described their stay at Kiyomizu House as "transcending space and time".
⭐️ Located at the foothill of Mt Haruna, famous for it's picturesque lake reflecting Mt Haruna-Fuji which can be climbed through a sasa-bamboo path or gondola, 1400 year-old mountain shrine and the beloved Ikaho Onsen town with its iconic shop and hot-spring lined staircase. Fans of the 1990's anime and manga, Initial D, appreciate having a large, private parking lot at Kiyomizu House for their sports cars and enjoying retracing the mountain pass roads of Haruna (fictional name "Akina" in the story) and meeting up with other fans at local spots in nearby Shibukawa that were featured in the manga. After a day of mountain exploration, guests can enjoy local cuisine, shopping and arcade-fun at the huge mall just a 12-minute drive
⭐️ For those who want to dive into Japanese arts and crafts, Kiyomizu House's neighborhood and vacinity offers amazing choices, each being at the top of their field and famous at a national level:
- Kokeshi doll making - Daruma doll painting - Paper cutting "kirie" art & workshop, silk museum & crafts - Teracotta "haniwa" artifacts, kiln workshop and king's tomb visit.
⭐️ For enthusiasts of Japanese festivals who can't make it for that once-a-year event, you can enjoy a fun-filled indoor festival experience.
For visitors seeking a reprieve from the crowds of the big cities and Golden Route hot spots riddled by over tourism,
a stay at Kiyomizu House and/or Mitsuba House is the perfect choice.
We look forward to seeing you soon!