MUJI renovates 100-year-old traditional japanese home into minimalist airbnb

new MUJI BASE in Kamogawa City, Japan

Renowned for its natural and minimalist products in household goods, apparel, and more, design brand MUJI has also ventured into the worlds of architecture and interior design. Joining its lineup of rental homes in Japan, like Plain House (see designboom’s latest coverage, here), the brand introduces a serene dwelling in Kamogawa City, Chiba Prefecture, near Tokyo. The century-old house has undergone a makeover, showcasing MUJI’s distinctive minimalist touch, and is now open for bookings as Muji Base Kamogawa on Airbnb.

all images courtesy of Airbnb

The 100-year-old traditional Japanese-style house is based on the theme of a modern, free lifestyle that incorporates Western elements and a Japanese satoyama lifestyle. The home beautifully blends modern updates with its original charm, creating a balance between contemporary living and the natural surroundings. MUJI’s signature clean aesthetic adorns the entire interior space, complete with a selection of their products.

Nowadays, lifestyles and workstyles have been changed drastically. Though you can choose to live and work anywhere you want, having a place where you want to go back again and again always gives you peace of mind. If you had those places everywhere in Japan, you would fill your heart with happiness and MUJI BASE can be the one for you. There are no excessive services. You just spend your days at MUJI BASE, feeling at home, and blend in with the unique lifestyle of the local community. During your stay, you will develop a rich sensibility and learn a variety of life wisdom. To create your own local “bases” across Japan is the vision of MUJI BASE.

Noda Print Studio designed the fusuma, which was designed by Shuhei Gumi, a craftsman company, and has an image of the nature of Kamogawa. The Kamogawa River in Chiba Prefecture is home to the Oyama Senmaida, the closest terraced rice field from Tokyo, and the countryside that can be called the original landscape of Japan. Located between the deep mountains and the flatlands, the satoyama lifestyle still exists where many creatures such as trees, flowers, and birds live right next to them. In order to fully enjoy the nostalgic local life, a community life base was created with experiences to enjoy “food and agriculture”.