About Kobatoya
Asukecho, a Shukubacho (posting village) that bridges Mikawa and Shinshu from Edo period, is also recognized as a “road to carry salt”.
Kobatoya is located inside a beautiful village scape of Aichi prefecture’s first traditional architecture preservation district.
Originally a restaurant loved by the villagers, it is now renovated into an inn with modern design and materials or techniques from Asuke.
Why don’t you come and join us to explore Asuke’s history and its present time?
About our logo
Kobatoya’s symbol is inspired by Asuke city/family crest “Mukaibato”, meaning “two pigeons facing each other”.
Our logo shows two pigieons overlapping, to express new people interacting and sharing time with each other.
It is designed with a mix of modern nuance and a base of traditional Japanese text font “Myochotai”. These demonstrate Kobatoya owner’s strong and unwavering mind towards her passion and traditions, as well as her warm and socially active personality. Kobatoya is made of Japanese architecture called “Nagaya”, which is a traditional single row house.
About owner Tomoko Torii
Tomoko Torii is from Hekinan city, Aichi. She moved to Tokyo after graduating high school, experienced organic farming in Canada, and moved to Asukecho Toyota city in 2007. In Asukecho, Tomoko runs her café “Rojiura no Cafe Banban-dou”, a café with original curry rice and desserts; opens a store “Miyakoichi” which sells local artists’ work; sells hot chocolate with marshmallows at a “Momiji festival (maple leaves festival)” in autumn; and sells Amazake at a pergola. She loves exciting activities, delicious food, and cats.
About the architecture
Kobatoya once was a udon noodle restaurant, and was beloved by the people in Asuke as “Komatsuya”.
This has renovated to a place where people can stay and enjoy café, hoping to bring new waves and influence to the village.
We have left the outlook of “Komatsuya” in order to keep Asuke’s historical atmosphere.
We have also built a glass front door to enjoy the scenery from inside, and have placed Noren (a traditional Japanese fabric partition) to give a safe and comfortable feeling.
The materials used inside Kobatoya are items gathered from local areas. The floors and parts of furnitures are made of cedar wood grown in Toyota city. We have collected materials and artworks from handworkers in Sanshu Asuke Yashiki, located 12 minutes away from Kobatoya. The handworkers have a history of making these materials and art works in the medium altitude mountainous areas.
Woodturning
Using potter’s wheel, Woodturners make wooden items, trays, and rice bowls. The Abemaki lamp shades in Kobatoya are also made by woodturners. They are located in the library section, workspace, and stairs. By shaving and drying raw wood, we get natural curves, and create a one and only appearance. Enjoy a slow and relaxing time, underneath a light with a feeling of tree’s warmth.
Bamboo crafts
Asuke is known for a place where bamboos grow, and bamboo crafts were loved by children in Asuke throughout the history.
At Kobatoya, we decorate pendant light at the entrance’s open ceiling, which is made of narrowly cut bamboo strings. With detailed techniques from the past, and by folding bamboos’ skin into the shades, we were able to create a design of warm light and calm texture.
Charcoal
Kobatoya’s modern-like wall painted by plaster, which we call “Shikkuinuri” in Japanese. A powder of charcoal is added in the plaster, giving a mysteriously delicate feature. Mountain villagers burnt charcoals in the winter, and this was a very significant activity in order to maintain healthy woodlands. Charcoals control humidity, and they are helping to make Kobatoya more comfortable.
Washi
Washi making was a job for farmers in Asuke during the winter.
Washi made in Asuke is called “Mikawa morishita Washi”, which is made of pure paper mulberry. These type of Washi are sturdy, and are used for Shoji (Japanese sliding doors), Bangasa (Japanese sturdy umbrella). You will see wallpapers made by Washi in the rooms of Kobatoya, all non-artificially colored. We hope you enjoy finding how each Washi has different texture as a handmade craft.
Postal code: 444-2424
34 Shinmachi, Asukecho, Toyota city, Aichi, Japan
Tel: 080-5762-9152