Experience Japan's Countryside at Tsubaki Tei 椿邸, a Century Old Traditional Japanese House
Tsubaki Tei 椿邸
A century-old Japanese farmhouse in the mountains of Setoya, restored as a countryside guesthouse by our family.
About Tsubaki Tei
```Tucked beside an old shrine in the Setoya valley, Tsubaki Tei is a traditional Japanese farmhouse with over a century of history — recently renovated as a place for visitors to slow down and experience life in the countryside.
The house has tatami floors, wide windows facing the surrounding mountains, and the kind of quiet that only comes from being deep in the countryside. "Tsubaki" is the Japanese name for camellia — the same plant family as tea — and a flower traditionally used in Japanese tea ceremony.
This is not a hotel. There is no front desk and no room service. What you get is something rarer: a real place, in a real village, with a family nearby who is happy to share it with you.
```
The Space
```Tsubaki Tei accommodates up to 6 guests. The house has two double beds (which can be pushed together) and four futon beds across two additional tatami rooms. Shoes are removed at the entrance — slippers are provided.
The kitchen is fully equipped with a fridge and freezer, electric stove, microwave, Balmuda toaster, electric kettle, and all the utensils and cookware you need if you'd like to prepare your own meals. We provide single-use cooking basics like salt, oil, and soy sauce for short stays. For longer stays, please pick up your own — there are shops near Fujieda Station and we're happy to stop on the way.
Since we're a tea farm, we provide our own organic tea for you to enjoy during your stay. All ceramics on the shelves are by local artists.
Two bicycles are available for exploring the valley.
```Pricing & Booking
```Tsubaki Tei accommodates up to 6 guests. Pricing varies by season — check availability and current rates on our Airbnb listing.
```Practical Details
```Check-In
From 12:00 PM. Latest arrival by 9:00 PM. We personally greet every guest and give you a tour of the house. We'll also have tea ready for you.
Check-Out
By 12:00 PM. Please leave the kitchen tidy if you've used it, and gather used towels in one spot. We can help arrange a taxi or give you a ride to the nearby bus stop.
Onsen
Setoya Onsen Yuraku is just a few minutes away. Open Tuesday–Sunday, 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM, ¥650/person. A wonderful way to end the day.
Getting Around
Two bicycles are provided for exploring the valley. For anything further out, you'll need a car or taxi.
Experiences
```We offer a complimentary tea field tour with tasting during your stay — just let us know when you'd like to go. With advance booking, we can also arrange a range of experiences through our local network.
Tea Leaf Tempura Dinner
¥3,000/person
Make fresh tea leaf tempura with dinner at the farm.
Chai Workshop
¥2,000/person
Learn to make chai using our organic black tea and spices.
Countryside Village Experience
¥5,000/person
Full-day experience with lunch at a 250-year-old farmhouse. 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM.
Seasonal Farm Harvest
¥10,000/group per hour
Fig picking in summer, shiitake harvesting in winter, seasonal vegetables in other months. Subject to availability and weather.
Tatami & Yukata
~¥5,000/person
Mini tatami mat making and traditional yukata dressing. Approximately 2 hours.
Ceramics
¥1,040/person
Make your own bowls, plates, or cups at Fujieda Pottery Center. Finished pieces take about 2 months to fire and ship.
Availability varies by season. Please let us know what interests you when you book and we'll arrange everything. The earlier you plan, the better.
```
Dining Nearby
```There are several small restaurants tucked into the valley. Most are open for lunch only and some require reservations.
Handmade soba. The satoyama dinner course (¥5,000, weekdays only) is worth a special trip.
Handmade soba in a quiet countryside setting.
Vegetarian buffet. A local favorite.
Getting Here
```Tsubaki Tei is located in the Setoya valley, about 30 minutes from Fujieda Station by bus or car.
By Bus
Take the Fujieda-eki Yuraku Line (藤枝駅ゆらく線) from the North Exit of Fujieda Station to the Nakayama (中山) bus stop — about 28 minutes. This is a municipal community bus that does not appear on Google Maps. We'll send you the current schedule after your booking is confirmed. The fare is paid in cash when you exit — coins only, so please have change ready. We're happy to pick you up from the bus stop. The last bus arriving at Nakayama is 7:01 PM on weekdays and 6:53 PM on weekends.
By Taxi
From Fujieda Station, about 20–30 minutes and roughly ¥3,000–5,000. Taxis don't cruise this area, so you'll need to call ahead or use the GO or Japan Taxi app.
By Car
Head north from Fujieda Station on Route 32 (Setoya Road / 瀬戸谷街道) into the mountains. The address is 1325 Takisawa, Fujieda City, Shizuoka 426-0134 (藤枝市滝沢1325). Free parking is available on-site.