Annex Building: Kitchen, Dining, Bath & Sauna

The kitchen, dining room, bath, and sauna are located in our annex building.

Traditionally, thatched-roof houses in Miyama did not have water facilities inside the main house.
This was not only for practical reasons, but also based on a deep cultural way of thinking.

We believe that a thatched-roof house is a sacred space — almost like a temple.

In the past, bathrooms and toilets were considered “impure,” and therefore were not placed inside the main house.
The main house was where families gathered, where the hearth burned, and where life was protected.
It was a place meant to remain pure and calm.

At Hotaru-an, we respect this traditional philosophy, and for that reason we chose to place the water facilities in a separate annex building.
It is our way of preserving the spirit of Miyama’s thatched-roof culture while still providing modern comfort.

A Dining Space for Many Purposes

The dining area in the annex is not only for meals.

In the past, weddings for groups of around 30 guests were held at Hotaru-an.
This dining space was used for wedding receptions and garden parties, creating unforgettable memories.

Today, it can also be used for meetings, small seminars, and other gatherings.

In some cases, larger groups have rented multiple houses, gathered here for dinner with a private chef, and then stayed overnight in separate buildings.
It is a unique style of stay that Hotaru-an can offer.

A Bath Made Entirely of Noto Hiba Wood

The bathtub and interior walls are richly made with Noto Hiba (Japanese cypress), filling the room with a gentle natural fragrance.

The moment you step into the bath, the scent of wood surrounds you, and your body and mind begin to relax.

This is not simply a bathroom — it is a place to restore yourself through warmth, silence, and nature.

Private Sauna & Cold Plunge Bath in an Open-Air Space

At the back of the bath room, a large glass door opens into a semi open-air space.
There you will find a private one-person sauna, as well as a cold plunge bath.

Enjoy the contrast of heat and cold, surrounded by fresh air and the quiet atmosphere of Miyama.
This is a deeply peaceful experience — not luxury in a flashy sense, but luxury as stillness.

We hope this space will become one of the most memorable parts of your stay at Hotaru-an.