Traditional Houses: A Living Philosophy of Harmony
The first thing that captures the hearts of visitors to Shigaraki-no-Sato is the traditional Japanese house nestled within the landscape. The thatched roof, the warmth of earthen walls, and the touch of timeworn wooden pillars—all evoke a nostalgic yet refreshing sense of wonder.
This old house is not merely a relic of the past. It is the crystallization of Japanese traditional architecture, built using blessings from nature such as trees, soil, bamboo, and straw that lived for many years in the local region. In summer, it invites the breeze; in winter, it draws in the sun—embodying the wisdom of living in harmony with nature rather than resisting it.
It was Okada Mokichi who once said, “To live a simple life in accordance with nature, just as it is, is the way of a truly civilized person.” He taught that listening to the ways of nature is essential for health and for life itself. The traditional house in Shigaraki-no-Sato is a dwelling that embodies this very spirit. The idea of humans living in alignment with nature is expressed in the house itself.
Now restored, this traditional house serves not only as an office but also as a place for gatherings. By preserving the original materials while adapting gently to modern life, it has been revived as a living space, not a relic of the past. It stands as a hopeful bridge between tradition and the present.
When spending time here, one feels the pace of time slow down. The crackling of firewood in the hearth, the sensation of bare feet on wooden floors, the gentle sound of rain on the eaves—all these quiet moments awaken the senses. In them lives the gentle relationship between humans and nature.
Okada Mokichi said, “If you leave things as they are in nature, you don’t need to add anything impure.” This teaching applies not only to agriculture but to dwellings as well. A home built from natural materials, without going against the forces of nature, is what truly heals both body and soul. The peaceful expressions on the faces of those who stay in these houses are proof of that.
More than just a building, the traditional house of Shigaraki-no-Sato is a place that conveys a philosophy of living. Where soil, trees, and people breathe together, grow together over time—that way of living may offer hints for future homes and serve as a gift to the next generation.
