Bob's house - Vacation STAY 42876v

The 'house' itself is a remarkable renovation of a traditional design. The mix of tradition and subtle modern detail is enchanting: e.g., the dark wood of traditional frames for sliding Japanese-style doors lit by stained glass lamps. The sleeping arrangements are full-on futon, arranged by Bob when we drove to the local supermarket. (You need a car to get to and around here, although there is a convenience store within walking distance of the house). We intended to buy food for an outside BBQ (facilities available, though you'll need to buy your own charcoal or bring it with you - along with towels). There's a post office in the hamlet, so perhaps you can use the Japan Post Bank ATM there (though, not on Sundays). Soon after handing us the keys, Bob - the nickname chosen by the cheerful Japanese house owner and (he told us) rafting instructor - introduced us to a family of four goats he keeps in a pen behind the house. Their occasional bleating gently accompanied an otherwise beautifully silent and sleep-ful night. There's a table and two chairs in a windowed alcove, ready for you if you want to have breakfast while watching the sun rising above the forested hillside on the opposite side of the valley. Note: In addition to a car, you'll need a reliable GPS system. Using Bob's phone number (landline) you can find your way up the various slopes from the main road to the hamlet where the house is located. Try to arrive in daylight and be met (perhaps, as we were) by a white cat just before the house. Then keep your eyes peeled for a small wooden sign at street level indicating 'Bob's House', with 'Bob's' written in katakana and 'house' as 家.