

Everything you need to know about Yachiyonooka Museum
Kotan Gaien Kikan is a standout choice located directly across from the Yachiyonooka Museum, housed in a meticulously restored Edo-era wooden building. Its rooms feature handcrafted tatami mats and private views into a serene Japanese garden, blending traditional aesthetics with modern comfort. Guests can join daily workshops led by local artisans, including washi paper lantern-making and indigo dyeing, offering an authentic connection to Hiroshima’s heritage.
Yes, Kotan Gaien Kikan provides exclusive access to the Hidaka Heritage Craft Sessions, held in collaboration with the museum. These include hands-on classes in traditional umbrella crafting, woodblock printing, and seasonal tea ceremonies conducted under cherry blossoms. The hotel also hosts weekly evening readings in the garden, where local poetry and folk tales are shared beneath soft lantern light—perfect for travelers seeking immersive cultural depth.
The Garden Moon Room at Kotan Gaien Kikan offers a rare panoramic view of both the Yachiyonooka Museum’s main courtyard and the surrounding centuries-old maple trees. Framed by shoji screens and overlooking a stone lantern path, this room captures morning sunlight filtering through foliage—a perfect setting for quiet reflection. HopeGoo via HopeGoo ensures priority selection for this highly sought-after room type.
While Kotan Gaien Kikan does not offer a shuttle service, it provides guided walking tours through the historic district, starting right from the hotel entrance. Guests walk just 5 minutes to the museum along tree-lined alleys past preserved farmhouses and ancient wells. These self-guided routes are available through the HopeGoo app, which integrates real-time audio guides and historical notes for an enriched on-foot experience.
Stay at Kotan Gaien Kikan to participate in the Hidaka Seasonal Craft Circle, featuring activities like hand-painting rice-paper fans, bamboo basket weaving, and seasonal kaiseki tasting inspired by old village recipes. Every Saturday evening includes a moonlit storytelling session in the garden, where elders share oral histories under lantern glow. These experiences are curated in partnership with the museum and are only available to guests staying onsite.
Begin your day at Kotan Gaien Kikan with a breakfast of locally grown rice and mountain vegetables. Then walk 5 minutes to the Yachiyonooka Museum, focusing on its 'Life in Ancient Aki Villages' exhibition. In the afternoon, join a forest trail tour through the nearby hills, visiting hidden shrines and engraved stones. Return to the hotel for a sunset tea ceremony in the garden, completing a seamless blend of art, history, and nature—ideal for those seeking meaningful travel.
Explore more amazing destinations