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
Plan your next Retreat at Kiyomizu House!
☆ STUDY ☆ RESEARCH ☆ LEISURE ☆
University Seminars & Clubs
Faculty・Corporate・Yoga
While the information on this page focuses on typical 2-night 3-day university seminar retreats, thanks to the flexible usage of this beautiful, historic building and local facilities, a wide range of groups can enjoy their custom-planned retreat.
Also a popular vacation home for
solo and couple travelers, as well as
a fun place for family and friends!
KIYOMIZU HOUSE: SPACIOUS, PRIVATE AND FUN!
Enjoy a private retreat in at a luxurious three-story traditional Japanese estate along the main road leading to Minowa Castle in Takasaki, Gunma. The current owners, Motoyasu and Renée Sawazaki, transformed this cultural asset into private lodging where students, faculty and professionals can deepen knowledge and connections.
For groups of 6 to 26, this facility is ideal for seminars, liberal arts or small sports clubs, faculty development and corporate training camps. Guests have exclusive use of the building, conference room, garden, terrace and parking area. With shopping, natural hot springs, Kyoto-style historic gardens and expansive park with recreational space as well as a sports arena and facilities all within walking distance, Kiyomizu House truly is a dream destination with easy access from Kanto and Kita-Kanto locations.
Renée and Motoyasu provide nurturing hospitality, and time meals to exactly coincide with the group's schedule. In addition, guests can store drinks, snacks, BBQ and nabe party supplies in the private kitchen and have access to it at any time. There is no curfew or limit to social time.
We look forward to welcoming you to this one-of-a-kind farmhouse turned seminar house in Gunma!
Learning is Better Together!
Greetings from the Owner
Hello! My name is Renée Sawazaki.
For nearly 30 years I was called "Sawazaki-sensei" by my university colleagues and students.
Now, I am known as the Mother of Kiyomizu House, and am delighted when my guests call "Renée-san!" when they need my assistance during their stay.
I am an American in my 50s who loves fun and beautiful things and people... Kimonos, traditional Japanese houses and crafts, pop music and Japanese students and teachers!
While driving to university one morning, I heard Taylor Swift's "Shake it Off" on the radio the day of its debut, and was so impressed that me and my students watched the video on the classroom's big screen. The message of being authentic and original in our individual expression really struck a cord. I gathered courage and, currently, instead of going to university, students and faculty come to Kiyomizu House to learn while connecting with each other in a serene, natural environment.
The topic of my master's thesis is international education, focusing particularly on how the environment affects academic success. Kiyomizu House boasts ideal traits for a place of learning. The natural wood, shoji, tatami and surrounding gardens breathe and energize. The comfort of futons, zabuton cushions, and kotatsu and zataku low tables allow the body to relax and the mind to be pliable. The efficient use of time and easy transition between meals, study, enjoyment and onsen baths allows for an overall optimal retreat.
Kiyomizu House was the largest sericulture (silkworm raising) estate in Gunma Prefecture, which is at the heart of Japan's silk industry. Unlike most sericulture farmhouses where the family lived on the first level, and the silkworms on the second, this estate is a one-of-a-kind massive structure where the first, second and third level were used for raising these delicate little treasures. The timber was gathered during WWII from the ring of mountain ranges that protect Gunma, and it was built by a team of master temple carpenters (miyadaiku) from Gunma, who were possibly the most skilled in all of Japan. Their legacy ended with the creation of Kiyomizu House in 1947, and the need for massive amounts of cocoons for spinning silk at the Tomioka Silk Mill UNESCO World Heritage Site ended in 1987. Now, it is up to us to preserve and use this masterpiece. To me, there is no nobler cause than to promote education and deepen interpersonal connections.
Quality education requires a comfortable environment, nutrition, nurturing, and opportunities for social interaction. I am delighted to be able to provide Kiyomizu House for these purposes.
Of course, it is impossible to accomplish this large-scale project alone. I work every day with my wonderful, hardworking husband. This project's pen name, MRS Gunma, stands for Motoyasu and Renée Sawazaki in Gunma. We are enjoying our unique contribution to education, and look forward to hosting many students and faculty for years to come.
🔻 Please scroll down to learn more about the facilities and our services.
Facilities
Kiyomizu House
Ideal Atmosphere for Study, Relaxation and Fun
Kiyomizu House's spaciousness and extraordinary woodwork and beams create the perfect environment for collaboration and creativity. Unlike hotels, where guests are separated into different rooms, Kiyomizu House allows for seamless transitions between eating, working together and sleeping, while allowing for maximum efficient use of time.
The architectural design incorporates the unique features of Gunma's iconic sericulture, or silkworm raising, facilities, and Kiyomizu is the largest of its kind. Sericulture halls are large, spacious areas, and the entirety of Kiyomizu was used as such. With this, the main part of the first floor features the unusual design of six large tatami rooms connected together to form a rectangle. The second floor with it's magnificent natural trunk-shaped beams has been remodeled into Western-style rooms while skillfully leaving these massive beams exposed. Demonstrating that they are still living through their production of sap, supporting guests' own vitality.
Nature Walking Tour around Kiyomizu House
Kyoto-style gardens, Thatched-roof water mill, Parks, Lake,
Onsen, Temples and More!
Detailed maps below refer to the numbers in the map above
Japanese Gardens
Free to enter at any time, this tranquil castle-style garden and samurai building adjacent to Kiyomizu House offers a peaceful reprieve and a rare experience that transcends space and time.
Water Mill
This is the last of over 30 water mills that functioned in the wheat-producing region of Takasaki. Soothe your mind by the sound of the rushing waters and be in awe of the wooden machinery that can be viewed by peeping through the windows of the mill.
River & Park
Lining the river that flows from Mt Haruna, these playgrounds, grassy fields surrounded by cherry trees and traditional candy shop offer an oasis of fun for all ages. The scenic views and river path make this an idyllic walk. Bring frisbees and balls from Kiyomizu and have fun with you companions.
Summertime Pool
For groups who plan their retreat during the hot summer month of August, cool off and enjoy a little break from your work in the neighborhood pools.
Onsen
What trip to Gunma would be complete without experiencing the healing mineral waters and saunas in a natural onsen?
Open from 7am to 11pm, with private rooms to enjoy meals, cedar baths and karaoke!
Kiyomizu provides eco cloth bags and towel sets, so just grab and go...plenty of room for treats from 7-Eleven or Aoki Drug Store.
Lake
Need some exercise during your stay? View plum trees as you jog up to the lake, stair climb up the lookout tower, and enjoy scenic views throughout the 2.6km loop trail around Lake Narusawa
Location
Kiyomizu House | 貸切お宿 きよみず邸 (Kashikiri Oyado Kiyomizu-tei)
707-2 Nishi-Akiya, Misato-machi, Takasaki-shi Gunma-ken
<By Train>
-
JR Takasaki Station
-
20-minute drive (11km) from JR Takasaki Station
-
27-minute bus ride from Takasaki Station West Exit Bus Stop #2, Bus towards Ikaho Onsen 伊香保線. Bus stop "Yotsuya | 四谷
<By Car>
-
Kanetsu Expressway, Maebashi Interchange: 22 minutes, 10km
-
Kanetsu Expressway, Takasaki Interchange, 30 minutes
Food!!
Staying well-nourished throughout your retreat is a key to success. We take feeding our guests seriously. Only well-balanced, high-quality meals allowed on our watch!
We provide catered breakfasts and lunches, and support dinnertime fun!
Popular dinner styles
❶ BBQ Party
❷ Nabe Party
❸ Private room with karaoke and meal service at the neighborhood onsen
❹ Catering with love and care by yours truly
Healthy Breakfast
Start your day off right with a
well-balanced Japanese breakfast.
Hot rice and soup, and a variety of main and side dishes provide plenty of energy to reach your retreat goals.
Hearty Chinese Lunch or Dinner
Gunma's international population makes enjoying high-quality cuisine a breeze.
Our local Chinese chefs never fail to please even our most discerning guests.
A delightful balance of flavors, and just the right amount means an eco-meal ... We have yet to throw any of these flavorful vegetables, meats and seafood in the waste bin!
BBQ Party
Our gas grills make grilling fast, fun and delicious! We set up and clean up the equipment so guests can focus on what's important: Enjoying time together!
Gunma is known for fresh and inexpensive groceries (about half the cost of shopping Tokyo)
Guests can walk to the neighborhood grocery store to get their supplies, and we are always happy to help drive heavy items for them.
Dinner at the Onsen
Enjoying a few hours at the neighborhood onsen for dinner, bath and karaoke gives our hard-working guests just the change of atmosphere and pace they need for an intensive reteat.
De-stress, rejuvenate and enjoy special times together.
Sample Retreat Plan for a University Seminar
(1) Seminar retreat plan ①
☆ 2 nights and 3 meals, 1 day use of conference room, 10am check-out
☆ 2 breakfasts・1 lunch・See dinner options below*
(2) Seminar retreat plan ②
☆ 2 nights and 4 meals, 2 days of conference room use, 4pm check-out
☆ 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches・See dinner options below*
(3) Exchange trip camp plan
☆1 night with breakfast・See dinner options below*
* Dinner Options
BBQ, hot pot party, private room with karaoke at nearby hot spring, bring-in, nearby restaurant, tourist spot, etc. Dinner can be ordered at the inn. ￥1,200/person (tax included)
⭐️ Up to 7 bedrooms: 4 tatami rooms, 3 western bedrooms
⭐️ Maximum 26 guests
⭐️ Groups of 6 or more
⭐️ BBQ equipment provided. Guests bring items to grill (Supermarket is a 10-minute walk
⭐️ Space for socializing and play: 2 living rooms, 2 dining rooms, table tennis room, covered terrace and yard
⭐️ Entertainment: WiFi, ping pong, indoor and outdoor play equipment
⭐️ Office and meeting equipment
⭐️ Neighborhood onsen, 9-minute walk, 7am~11pm (entry fee not included)
⭐️ Neighborhood Japanese gardens (free entry) , thatched-roof water mill, parks and river
⭐️ Local Japanese gardens and castle grounds (free entry) , parks, river, lake
⭐️ 20-minute walk: Minowa Castle grounds (free entry), Lake Narusawa
⭐️ Kiyomizu House is a 27-minute bus ride from JR Takasaki Station. The owners, Motoyasu and Renee Sawazaki always greet their guests and see them off at the bus stop that is a 3-minute walk away from Kiyomizu House. We look forward to having the opportunity to meet you there as well.
⭐️ → Check our calendar for availability
Sample Retreat Schedule
~ 2 Nights and 3 Days with Ample Work and Social Time ~
Day 1
Fun and Social Time
-
15:00
-
Check in. Greetings and house tour. Walking tour and shopping.
-
-
17:00: BBQ Time!
-
At Kiyomizu House's terrace
-
Grill Gunma pork and chicken, fresh vegetables, yakisoba, make onigiri. How about Gunma's traditional yakimanjyu on the grill?
-
-
19:00: Onsen Time!
-
Rejuvenate in the natural spring waters and saunas
-
-
21:00~
-
Enjoy quality social time inside Kiyomizu House. We provide games that are fun and easy for groups like UNO, Jenga, BINGO, balance games and more.
-
Day 3
Plan ① Fun in Gunma
Plan ② Continue Collaborative Work at Kiyomizu House
-
8:00: Breakfast time
-
Plan ❶
-
10:00 Socialize, play ping pong, badminton or other games in the yard until check out
-
-
Plan ❷
-
9:00~12:00 Work in the meeting room
-
12:00~13:00 Lunchtime
-
13:00~15:00 Work in the meeting room
-
16:00 Check out
-
Day 2
Collaborative work or studies at Kiyomizu House
-
8:00
-
Breakfast time
-
-
Morning and Afternoon
-
Work together in the meeting room or do field work in the area
-
Lunchtime at Kiyomizu House or off site
-
-
18:00
-
Dinner and karaoke in a private room at the neighborhood onsen
-
Hot spring bath and sauna
-
21:00~
-
Social time at Kiyomizu House
-
Fun in Gunma
Ideas for fun in Gunma before or after your stay at Kiyomizu House
-
ENNICHI by 1→10 indoor digital festival experience
-
Ikaho Onsen & Haruna (Lake, mountain & shrine)
-
Fruit picking
-
Traditional arts and crafts (Kirie, daruma dolls, kokeshi dolls)
-
Lake Narusawa and Minowa Castle grounds
-
Scroll down for even more ideas
Special Student Rates
~ As former educators, the owners of Kiyomizu House prioritize supporting education ~
⭐️ Complimentary meals when student groups stay at Kiyomizu House
⭐️ Students are welcome to bring drinks and snacks, and use the kitchen refrigerator and appliances.
⭐️ No limit to social time at night
⭐️ Complimentary use of meeting room and equipment
⭐️ Complimentary coffee and tea
⭐️ Complimentary use of BBQ and nabe equipment
⭐️ Bath towel, face towel, onsen bag, toothbrush and bath amenities included
⭐️ Free use of ping pong table, indoor and outdoor play equipment
⭐️ Free entry to neighboring Japanese gardens
⭐️ Same fees year round → No price increase for Saturdays, 3-day weekends or peak season
¥10,000/guest Not incl tax
< For extended use of the Facilities >
⭐️ For groups who want to use the meeting room until the late afternoon of checkout day, lunch is included and the additional fee is a "half-night stay" fee.
¥5,000/guest Not incl tax
Book Your Retreat
Hi! I'm Renee, a former university professor who renovated this historic building as a place to support small student seminar and club retreats. We decided when we started this project that the renovations and facilities would be 100% funded by those who used it. So, we rented it out as we were creating what we now consider to be lodging facilities of standards high enough to match the excellence of Japanese education.
What I like best about Kiyomizu House is that it is comfortable thanks to the woodwork's absorption of heat and the clean air from the timber that is still living and breathing. It's amazingly strong thanks to the brilliance of the temple carpenters, and may last for centuries to come if properly cared for and used. The massive and rare wooden structure of Kiyomizu House weakens if it is not used. So, we are very grateful for your patronage, and hope you have a fantastic time and create great memories at Kiyomizu House.
The above retreat plan is just a sample. If your group has different needs, please do not hesitate to contact me, the owner of Kiyomizu House, to coordinate a bespoke retreat and receive an estimate.
Owner & Operator of Kiyomizu House, and creator of this website: Renee Sawazaki (with my beloved, Motoyasu)
MRS Gunma = Motoyasu and Renee Sawazaki in Gunma
Sports Time!
