Once world travelers, this backpacker couple has now planted roots in the quiet mountains of Tokuji at Kominka Yamane—a beautifully preserved traditional Japanese home. Living a semi-self-sufficient lifestyle, they grow their own rice and vegetables while balancing creative design work and a popular "Kawara Soba" food truck. What started as a single guest room in their historic family home has evolved into a private cottage just steps away. Their warm, worldly personalities draw guests from across the globe to this soulful retreat, where many return time and again to reconnect with the landscape and the inspiring, heritage-filled way of life they’ve created.