Aoba-an | Private Japanese Villa by the Sea

Entire guesthouse in Takahama, Oi District, Japan

  1. 6 guests
  2. 2 bedrooms
  3. 8 beds
  4. 1.5 baths
Hosted by Todd トッド
  1. 10 months hosting

Listing highlights

At-home gym

The yoga mat and free weights are ready for workouts.

Exceptional check-in experience

Recent guests gave the check-in process a 5-star rating.

Ocean and beach views

Soak up the views during your stay.
Aoba-an is a private seaside villa reserved for one group at a time. Tatami and hinoki rooms open to tranquil gardens, and a restored kura invites quiet evenings and shared moments.

For two night bookings, one traditional Wakasa breakfast can be arranged from our local ryokan partner (please inquire) — a gentle beginning to unhurried days between Mt. Aoba and the sea, minutes away.

Beautiful, private, and calm — for solo travelers, couples, and small groups seeking rhythm, not crowds.

The space
The Guest House at Aoba-an offers a private, quiet stay blending Japanese tradition with modern comfort. It includes two distinctive sleeping rooms and a connecting lounge, each with views of the surrounding gardens and Mt. Aoba. Designed for travelers who wish to slow down and rest deeply, the spaces balance privacy with the warmth of a shared retreat — all reserved for one group at a time.


◾️The Hinoki Suite

Ideal for couples or solo travelers, and accommodating up to 5 guests with futons, this spacious suite combines two Western beds with a generous sitting area/library. An adjoining tatami annex provides space for yoga, meditation, or additional bedding. The suite includes a private bath and toilet, garden views, and tea and coffee service.

◾️The Sakura Room

An elegant tatami bedroom overlooking both the inner garden and the kura side of the property. Up to 5 futons can be arranged on high-quality tatami mats. A small deck faces Mt. Aoba, and a private sink area with nearby toilet ensures comfort and convenience.

◾️The Washi Lounge

Connecting the two bedrooms, this relaxed lounge overlooks the inner garden and is ideal for movies, games, or quiet conversation after a day exploring Takahama.



Shared Spaces (for guests, host and local gatherings).

Guests also enjoy access to the wider property:

The Kura – A restored two-story space for music, art, remote work, meetings, or quiet evenings by the maki stove. Typically 7am to 10pm

The Main House – The Moriyama tatami room can be booked ahead of time for meals or yoga, the horikotatsu dining room for relaxed gatherings, and a kitchen for light meal preparation up to 10pm.

Gardens & BBQ Terrace – Expansive outdoor areas for morning coffee, afternoon sun, or garden BBQs, which we can help arrange.


From garden meditation to evening conversations around the horikotatsu, the natural flow between guest house, main house, kura, and gardens makes Aoba-an suited to both quiet reflection and meaningful exchange.

For stays of two nights or more, a traditional Wakasa breakfast prepared by our trusted local ryokan partner can be ordered (please inquire at booking for seasonal pricing) — a simple, seasonal welcome to the rhythm of this coast.

We are also happy to assist with additional meals, from garden BBQs to bento arrangements or traditional multi-course dinners through local partners.

Guest access
Your group will have exclusive use of the Guest House, accessed through its own entrance from the courtyard garden. This includes:

• The Hinoki Suite
• The Sakura Room
• The connecting Washi Lounge

The guest house provides two toilets, separate sink areas, and a full private bath within the Hinoki Suite.

In addition, you may use selected spaces in the Main House:

• The Moriyama Tatami Room (for meals or gatherings can be booked)
• The horikotatsu dining room
• The kitchen for light meal preparation up to 10pm.

The restored two-story Kura is shared and available for your group’s use, and the outdoor BBQ area may be arranged in advance. The gardens are open for your enjoyment.

Aoba-an’s hosts reside in the main house on the property and are available if needed, while respecting your privacy throughout your stay.o

Other things to note
For groups larger than 6, please message us in advance to discuss suitability.

Artists-in-residence or guests planning a retreat-style stay are welcome — we’re happy to help shape your visit.

◾️Pricing

Rates are based on 2 guests, with adjustments for additional guests. Discounts are automatically applied for stays of 2 nights or more.



◾️Location & Setting

Aoba-an sits at the foot of Mt. Aoba in the quiet Mitsumatsu area, slightly apart from the center of town. Ebisu Beach and the coastal path are just a 2-minute walk away. Nabae Beach — popular with surfers — is also nearby.

Cafés, Mitsumatsu Station, and a convenience store are within walking distance. By car, it’s about 7 minutes to Takahama Station, Umikara, and local supermarkets. Wada Beach is 10 minutes away — close enough to enjoy, yet far enough to keep Aoba-an peaceful.

This setting makes Aoba-an an ideal base for cycling, walking, or climbing Mt. Aoba, offering both access and separation.



◾️Facilities & Access

Guests have access to the Kura (7am to 10pm). A washing machine, drying area, and full-size refrigerator are available in the shared kitchen. The kitchen may be used for light cooking (no deep frying) until 10pm.

A traditional Japanese breakfast can be arranged with advance notice. Prices adjusted seasonally.

Parking for cars and bicycles is available on the property, along with secure storage for outdoor gear, SUPs, and surfboards.

Evenings are quiet after 10 pm. Aoba-an is not a party venue, but a place for rest, shared meals, and time in nature.



◾️The Experience

Aoba-an invites you to slow down — to reconnect with nature, community, and yourself.

For those curious about the deeper stories of this place, we share reflections, walks, and local history through our website and published writings.

Each stay becomes part of the ongoing rhythm of life here in Takahama.

Registration Details
M180055517

Where you’ll sleep

What this place offers

Bay view
Courtyard view
Shared beach access
Kitchen
Wifi

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Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 8 reviews.

Guest favorite
This home is a guest favorite based on ratings, reviews, and reliability

Overall rating

  1. 5 stars, 100% of reviews
  2. 4 stars, 0% of reviews
  3. 3 stars, 0% of reviews
  4. 2 stars, 0% of reviews
  5. 1 stars, 0% of reviews

Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars for cleanliness

Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars for accuracy

Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars for check-in

Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars for communication

Rated 4.9 out of 5 stars for location

Rated 4.9 out of 5 stars for value

Guest reviews mention

Where you’ll be

Takahama, Oi District, Fukui, Japan

Aoba-an is located in Mitsumatsu (三松), a quiet coastal village in Takahama on Wakasa Bay. The area sits between the sea and the mountains of Mt. Aoba, creating a peaceful landscape of rice fields, small temples, and traditional homes and inns.

The village is ideal for walking and cycling, with quiet roads leading through farmland, shrines, and along the coastline.

Several beaches are nearby:

• Ebisu Beach — just a short walk away. A calm local beach ideal for swimming, paddleboarding, and relaxed mornings by the sea.
• Wada Beach — about 10 minutes by bike or car, widely considered one of the best beaches in North Asia and awarded the international Blue Flag for water quality and environmental standards.
• Nabae Beach — a few minutes away and popular with surfers when the waves come in.

Nearby you’ll also find:

• Wakisaka Park — a small seaside park great for families and children
• Aobayama Herbal Village — just up the hill, with gardens and hiking trails into Mt. Aoba
• coastal walking paths and quiet cycling routes through the countryside

Public showers and toilets are available at the beaches and park areas.

This is a place where guests can enjoy the sea, explore the mountains, and experience the slower rhythm of rural Japan.

Meet your host

Host
8 reviews
5.0 out of 5 average rating
10 months of hosting
My work: Former professor
I spend too much time: Designing and building spaces
A former professor turned retreat host, restoring a historic seaside home in Takahama. Inspired by the Zen traditions and Saba-kaido heritage of this coast, I work with a small local team — and trusted inn partners and chefs — to welcome guests into the bounty of Wakasa Bay. At Aoba-an, we offer thoughtful stays shaped by land, sea, and the people who have lived here for generations.

Co-hosts

  • 美葉

Host details

Response rate: 100%
Responds within a few hours
To help protect your payment, always use Airbnb to send money and communicate with hosts.

Things to know

Cancellation policy
House rules
Check-in: 3:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Checkout before 11:00 AM
6 guests maximum
Safety & property
Exterior or entryway security camera present
Carbon monoxide alarm
Smoke alarm