The Attic of OBATAKE – A Dreamlike Space Under the Thatched Roof

At OBATAKE, we installed a new staircase leading up to the attic and transformed what was once simply a storage area into a comfortable room where guests can spend time and relax.

Stepping into the attic feels like entering another world. Surrounded by the inner structure of the thatched roof, the space has a mysterious, almost magical atmosphere, offering a sense of calm that is difficult to describe.

Even on rainy days, the attic remains surprisingly quiet. Although rain may be falling outside, the sound is softly absorbed by the thick thatch above, creating a deep silence. It is a perfect place for reading, meditation, yoga, or simply enjoying time in your own way.

Originally, the attic of a thatched-roof house was used as a storage space for kaya (thatch). The grass was harvested in autumn and stored in the attic to dry until spring. Once it was fully dried, the family would carry it up into the attic together.

It was a demanding task. Dust would rise into the air, small debris would scatter everywhere, and the work required great physical effort. The attic was not a space for living, but an essential part of maintaining and protecting the house.

In fact, it is quite rare in Miyama to find an attic that has been renovated into a space where people can actually spend time. The attic of OBATAKE is a special place where you can feel the history of a thatched farmhouse while quietly reconnecting with yourself.