Under his company DOSO inc, Yagi Tsuyoshi opened Saruya in 2015 as a standalone guesthouse to offer travelers an authentic experience that embraces the offbeat charm and imperfections of Fujiyoshida. The unique blend of traditional Japanese architecture and modern design sensibilities, creates an atmosphere that is both nostalgic (think Showa-era charm) and refreshingly contemporary (all the comforts of modern accommodation.)
Housed in a beautifully renovated 90-year-old building, the careful restoration process included preserving original elements like wooden beams and incorporating period-sourced windows which resulted in a space that embodies the concept of “perfect imperfection”.
Guests can expect a thoughtfully considered experience, from the tatami rooms with individual futon beds and gorgeous local linens to the shared spaces with locally hand-picked teas, all designed to foster a strong sense of community. What sets Saruya and Yagi san apart is their dedication to creativity and desire to express the local region. Since Saruya, Yagi and team have developed an art residency, a cafe called FabCafe Fuji (their vegetarian lasagne is worth the trip alone), several other smaller inns, and a biannual textile festival. He shared a little more about himself, Saruya, and Fujiyoshida.
── What name do you give to your job?
Difficult and good question… It is a job of finding new perspectives and discovering yet undiscovered features of the region; creating and managing opportunities for people to experience them; and ultimately contributing to the development of the region. I really just feel like it’s what the definition of citizen is so I’m comfortable just calling myself an active citizen.
── What attracted you to Fujiyoshida in the first place
I wanted to be able to feel nature in everyday life and be somewhere that had a decent population yet where you could experience just the right amount neighbourli-ness. There are also many vacant houses here which we thought could be leveraged to provide opportunities for young people.
── You have so many lovely products like Herbstand, Tenjin Factory, and Watanabe Textiles. Is this element of hospitality important to you and why?
We like to find individuals who contribute new value to the region and introduce them to our guests. Saruya seeks to act as a bridge between the creators and the visitors to the town. Moving forward, we hope to introduce more creators who are committed to the region’s culture and nature, fostering a sustainable cycle.
In other words, it is crucial to create and sustain local tourism. How we shape the townscape is influenced by the passion and expertise of the people, which in turn forms the town’s character.
── What is next for you and Saruya?
The pace of change in the region is accelerating, and older buildings are disappearing. We place great importance on how to renovate while preserving the unique beauty that comes with the passage of time in these buildings. By expanding our three core services, we hope to attract like-minded people who resonate with our vision and cultivate cultural interest in the area.
As a new initiative, we envision creating a space where people with a passion for culture can gather nightly to engage in meaningful conversations about life and the arts. This would be a place where individuals can explore deeper topics, fostering intellectual and cultural exchanges. Additionally, we are considering creating a compost station to recycle food waste from local businesses, such as restaurants and fish markets. Our goal for the next decade is to build a place where the people can learn from each other.
For those wanting to experience this true local spot, you can find out more at https://saruya-hostel.com/. For more pieces on interesting places to stay throughout Japan that are helping to shed light on Japanese culture and community.