〒672-8061 91 Tenjin, Shikama-ku,Himeji City

Sanyo Electric Railway 18-minute walk from Shikama Station.

       

From Himeji Station North Exit, platform 1,
SHINKI BUS bound for Himeji Port.
3-minute walk from Shikama Tenjin bus stop

About John`s House

In medieval times, Shikamaku Tenjin was the town where the Kitamaebune ship owners lived. These ships would take trade from Himeji, through the inland sea and out to Northern Japan and return with a wealth of products and goods.

This house sat quietly waiting in this area with a rich past to be found by an Aussie named John who loves Japanese history, castles and festivals. He was so lucky because this house is close to all these things!

As well as being close to Himeji, it’s close to the public transport that will take you to Osaka, Kobe, Okayama and beyond or by ferry to Shikoku or the islands of the inland sea.

We recommend a round trip to Shodoshima! John and his wife, Masami, were lucky enough to gain a `connected relationship` (the Japanese concept of “goen”) with this machiya※1 and set about preparing a minpaku※2 for everyone to stay in. We hope you can gain your own “goen” with this place.

1. A machiya is a style of traditional Japanese house found in towns. It’s usually narrow and runs the length of a block. You can see many machiya in Kyoto and other parts of old Japan

2. A minpaku is similar to a `bed and breakfast` somewhere to stay the night but not a dedicated facility like a hotel or ryokan
More Details
01

Relax and feel the history of this machiya

This machiya is built entirely from wood and dates from the second half of the 19th century.

To meet the legal requirements to run accommodation we`ve strengthened some of the walls against an earthquake but otherwise the other parts of the house have been restored so that you can see their original condition and enjoy the experience of a traditional Japanese home.

You`ll probably find it different from the airtight and carefully engineered houses of today but we have deliberately made it this way for you. You might also see a few little traces of Australia added as well!

02

A perfect place just for you

We think there are many different types of people who will want to stay in this house, people who want to experience the stillness and quiet and get away from crowded tourist traps, people who want to get in contact with Japanese culture, people who might be unsure of what exactly they should do in Japan or with their holiday and need a link into Japan!

Please feel free to get in contact with us with any questions or concerns in either English or Japanese so we can help you find the perfect stay for you.

03

Recommendations for cyclists

We have prepared an area to park bicycles undercover within the facility. You can rest assured that you can safely keep your precious bicycle on site.

However, there is no parking available for a car or motorcycle. We kindly ask for your understanding in relation to this matter and take this into account when making a booking.

04

Shikama is a really convenient location

The bus from Himeji station to the Shikama-Tenjin bus stop takes 15 minutes and the house is less than a 3 minute walk from the bus stop. Also within a few minutes walk is a shopping mall and convenience store. Himeji station is also a bullet train station, so you can get anywhere in Japan very quickly.People on bicycles who want to make their own route can go by ferry to Shodo Island or Shikoku! The ferry terminal is just over a kilometer away.

Himeji has many seasonal festivals. At the start of summer there is the yukata (a light cotton kimono) festival and in autumn the daibasashi festival comes right past the house!

05

No smoking policy

Because this is a building made from wood, the biggest worry that we have is a fire.

Around our house are many similar old wooden buildings that are constructed with adjoining walls.

Also the smell of tobacco lingers in the room, especially because of the traditional materials used. To protect this traditional township, we cannot accept bookings from smokers.

ABOUT US

John Howlett

Introduction

I like the Japanese culture, history, people and way of life.

For a long time I had fun studying these things that I love and thought that it would be nice to share my love of Japan with others.

Hobbies and interests

Although I like everything Japanese, my most favorite thing is castles. They aren’t just pretty, they are full of history and strategy in their construction and design.

What do I like about Shikama

Every day, right before my eyes I can see history but live in an extremely convenient place.

I enjoy the modern Japanese living lifestyle while enjoying the beautiful old township.

Masami Howlett

Introduction

I`m John`s bride!

I`m waiting in this machiya in Himeji for people to come and quietly rest during their trip or to have a good chat about life or your interests.

Hobbies and interests 

My husband, travel, craft and cooking.

What do I like about Shikama?

Although it’s a little away from the centre of Himeji and quiet, the public transport makes this place really convenient,

It`s close to the sea and fresh fish and vegetables are easy to get.

Special activities just for guests

・Cooking classes
・Strolling Himeji
・Yukata GO! (Summer only)

For those guests who would like to take advantage of these opportunities, when making your reservation, please contact us for details. You can also ask any questions through our Instagram account.

READ ME
Requests from the inn

John`s House is in a residential area. For the safety of everyone, including guests and neighbours we have some special rules. We ask for your co-operation in this.

This accommodation facility shares walls with neighbouring houses, so we ask that whilst in the facility or in the vicinity, that you refrain from loud noises such as using raised voices, or playing music and refrain from smoking.

Although this is a renovated building it is still old and retains many of the features of the original construction, such as steep and narrow staircases and many stepped areas and low ceilings, please be careful and understand the current situation.

To assist in ensuring no issues arise in the facility, only those booked and staying in the facility may enter. (This includes other family members, acquaintances or people that you may wish to invite in for any reason).

Care of valuables Please take responsibility for your valuables. We cannot take any responsibility for these items.

We ask that you don’t upload photos of the interior of the facility to social media as these photos cannot be controlled once uploaded and may spoil the experience of staying for future guests, however, please feel free to take photos in designated areas of the facility.

There is no car park at this facility nor is there any timed, paid parking closeby. We ask that you come by public transport or bicycle to this facility.

There are many children and elderly people living close by. There are many narrow one way roads. We ask that even those coming by bicycle lower their speed and be careful. Also, if you wish to take a walk through the area please be aware that it may be hard to distinguish private property from public areas, so make sure not to enter any privately owned, gardens, buildings or other areas.

We also cannot accommodate pets.

If you cannot abide by the above requests you may be refused accommodation.

Amenities

The Bathhouse has shampoo, conditioner, body soap, hand soap, cotton buds and a hairdryer. There isn't toothbrush sets, makeup remover or skin care products.

Facilities

There is reverse cycle heating/cooling, a mini kitchen, electric kettle, refrigerator, living room, bath (with shower), a bicycle parking area and WIFI. The kitchen has tea and coffee, so feel free to take advantage of the drinks.

Check in/Check out

Check in  4pm
Check out 10am

Please make sure to contact us in advance to confirm your arrival time. As we don't have anywhere to store baggage sent in advance of your arrival we can`t accept unaccompanied baggage on your behalf.

Terms and Conditions

Please read the following before making a booking

RESERVE

Please make your reservation here.
As we are a minpaku and not a ryokan, our days of operation are restricted by law, please check to make sure that we are open before trying to make a reservation.

INFORMATION

〒672-8061 91 Tenjin, Shikama-ku,Himeji City

Sanyo Electric Railway 18-minute walk from Shikama Station.

       

From Himeji Station North Exit, platform 1,
SHINKI BUS bound for Himeji Port.
3-minute walk from Shikama Tenjin bus stop