Restoring Homes, Preserving Stories
Satoyama Stays began with a simple idea: that old homes deserve a second life.
Our founder is a Scotland-trained architect and craftsman who first came to Japan drawn by a love of snowboarding, mountains, the changing seasons, and the unique character of rural communities. Living and working in the Japanese Alps revealed something that can be found throughout the countryside: beautiful traditional homes sitting vacant, their stories at risk of being forgotten.
Many of these houses were built to last for generations. They reflected the craftsmanship, materials, and way of life of the communities that surrounded them. Yet changing demographics and an ageing population meant that more and more homes were being left empty.
Rather than seeing abandoned buildings, he saw opportunity. An opportunity to preserve local architecture, support local tradespeople, and create places where visitors could experience a deeper connection to Japan’s mountain villages.
Restoring Homes, Preserving Stories
Satoyama Stays began with a simple idea: that old homes deserve a second life.
Our founder is a Scotland-trained architect and craftsman who first came to Japan drawn by a love of snowboarding, mountains, the changing seasons, and the unique character of rural communities. Living and working in the Japanese Alps revealed something that can be found throughout the countryside: beautiful traditional homes sitting vacant, their stories at risk of being forgotten.
Many of these houses were built to last for generations. They reflected the craftsmanship, materials, and way of life of the communities that surrounded them. Yet changing demographics and an ageing population meant that more and more homes were being left empty.
Rather than seeing abandoned buildings, he saw opportunity. An opportunity to preserve local architecture, support local tradespeople, and create places where visitors could experience a deeper connection to Japan’s mountain villages.