After a pre-opening period starting in late July, Sousou Sanuki Shido (located at 1533-2 Shido, Sanuki City, Kagawa Prefecture; representative: Naomi Tsukamoto) celebrates its grand opening on December 26. The villa has been updated with renovation work and new furniture, creating a comfortable space with the Sousou-style Japandi aesthetic while continuing to showcase the local region.
The official website (https://sousou-oyado.com) has also launched on the same day.
Sousou Sanuki Shido has been reborn as a "Japandi-style villa" that preserves its impressive Japanese garden and carefully crafted late-Showa-period Japanese-modern architecture while renovating all rooms for domestic and international guests to enjoy.
Background of the Opening
A Japanese Garden Without Its Master
The Japanese garden features trees over 100 years old, including Babe trees (Quercus phillyraeoides) and black pine. The former owner of the estate had devoted many years to carefully cultivating the garden, shaping each tree into magnificent forms.
However, when the owner passed away, the estate was put up for sale. The magnificent Japanese garden, which requires considerable maintenance, was avoided by potential buyers looking for a standard residence. Without anyone to care for it, the garden would gradually deteriorate, making it even harder to find someone willing to take it on. The decision was made to revive it as a private rental villa before the garden fell into neglect, carrying on the former owner's dedication.
Japandi Style
The late-Showa-period Japanese-Western eclectic estate was built with carefully selected materials and was as attractive as the garden itself. Rather than limiting it to a Japanese-modern framework, the wood-heavy architecture seemed to naturally fit the Japandi style, which combines Nordic elements with Japanese aesthetics.
Japandi is a coined term referring to an interior style that fuses Japanese style with Scandinavian style. It represents the resonance of Japan's Zen-inspired "wabi-sabi" aesthetic with Scandinavia's comforting "hygge" spirit, creating a modern form of tranquility where serenity and warmth blend together.
The villa was renovated to combine design and comfort with a Japandi sensibility while preserving the Showa-era atmosphere and natural materials, aiming to create a private rental villa where everyone who stays feels comfortable, including domestic travelers, inbound tourists, and all guests.
The Meaning Behind "Sousou"
The name Sousou was chosen as a tribute to nature. The blue of the sky, the blue of the sea, the blue of plants and trees. How about escaping from your busy daily life, where you're constantly chased by time, and finding healing in a space where you can feel nature?
Peaceful pastoral landscapes, seasonal flowers and changing leaf colors
Sunset clouds and blue hour that change moment by moment
Fantastic lighting and starry skies
Refreshing mornings that make you look forward to waking up
Relaxing walks around the neighborhood offer priceless moments
Official Website (Make Reservations Here)
Sanuki City Shido, Birthplace of Hiraga Gennai
Sanuki City Shido in Kagawa Prefecture is a historic area that has prospered since ancient times, centered around Shido-ji Temple, the 86th temple of the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage. It's also attracting attention as the birthplace and hometown of Hiraga Gennai, an eccentric genius of the Edo period and popular character in the 2025 NHK Taiga drama "Berabou."
Nearby Tourist Attractions
Within a 15 to 25-minute drive, there are many famous udon restaurants, scenic spots, and museums and parks featuring artworks that make use of nature, fitting for Kagawa Prefecture, known for its art. The location offers no shortage of sightseeing opportunities.
Viewing the Calm Seto Inland Sea
Ogushi Peninsula, Aji Peninsula on the opposite side, and Yashima all offer attractive scenic views of the calm Seto Inland Sea and its many islands.
Travel Purposes Vary
Udon Tour
There are many famous udon restaurants nearby. Enjoy the differences between them.
Art Tour
Kagawa Prefecture, known for its art, has museums and parks with artworks that make use of nature scattered throughout. You can't visit them all in one day.
Pilgrimage
From the 84th temple, Yashima-ji, to the final 88th temple, Okuboji, this is a convenient base for pilgrims.
Golf Course Tour
There are four golf courses with ocean views nearby. You can even play golf multiple days with consecutive stays.
*Please check the website for details.
Looking Toward the Future of Forests
NICHIBI Furniture Adopted
The villa has adopted many furniture pieces from NICHIBI Co., Ltd. (Takamatsu City, Kagawa Prefecture), whose efforts to look toward the future of forests resonated deeply. The company provides stylish yet carefully crafted Made-in-Kagawa furniture, but they've also been working on sustainable forest management by focusing on previously neglected miscellaneous trees and olive wood, devising ways to turn them into furniture. Their efforts have been recognized, and they delivered 1,000 outdoor tables to the Expo venue.
Sanuki-Grown Hahaso (Oak)
The villa has introduced a dining set and nightstands made from Sanuki-grown hahaso (oak), as well as doors made from end-grain wood. Hahaso is a general term for acorn-bearing trees such as Konara (Japanese oak) and Kunugi (sawtooth oak), which were previously considered unsuitable for furniture. However, "oak wilt" damage is becoming increasingly serious nationwide, and using these trees actively contributes to keeping forests healthy.
Together with the Local Community
Gallery Showcasing the Region
The renovated gallery displays and sells crafts and other items that showcase the region. Featured items include Marugame uchiwa fans (Marugame City) where a single craftsperson handles all 47 processes from cutting bamboo, Shido geta clogs (Sanuki City) made from rare domestic paulownia, cardboard kits (Higashikagawa City) that captivate both adults and children, bath additives with the scent of udon broth (Kanonji City), and bath salt and hand cream containing bittern (Mitoyo City), all promoting the local area.
The renovated gallery now has transparent glass instead of frosted glass, offering views of the Japanese garden. Bonsai trees have also been arranged in the garden for enjoyment. Takamatsu City is a major bonsai production area, accounting for about 80% of the nation's pine bonsai market share, and "BONSAI" is gaining popularity overseas. If you like a bonsai, you can purchase it on the spot.
Future plans include handling bottled products from a Sanuki City seafood processing company and craft beer from Shodoshima.
Activities in Partnership with the Region
The following activities are offered in partnership with the region:
Shido geta workshop where you can create custom-fit clogs for your own feet through self-order customization.
Sutra copying experience and dharma talks combined, offered by the head priest of Entsu-ji Temple, a sub-temple of Shido-ji Temple.
Tea ceremony experience with authentic presentation in a non-everyday space prepared with ample time.
Seto Inland Sea cruises to enjoy the world-class beauty of the many islands, with cruise types to choose from based on your purpose.
Bodywork and stretching for serious athletes looking to improve their golf or other sports performance.
Agricultural experiences are being planned in cooperation with nearby farmers.
Fresh Sashimi and Breakfast Bento
For meals, you can cook in the fully renovated kitchen or enjoy fresh sashimi from a popular local seafood shop.
Breakfast features exclusive bento meals for villa guests provided by Goyashiki, a restaurant specializing in udon and kaiseki cuisine.
Grand Opening Memorial Campaigns
Gift Certificate Giveaway Campaign
To celebrate the grand opening, customers who make reservations through the official website from December 26 onward will receive a 1,000 yen gift certificate per person that can be used for purchases at the gallery (example: 6,000 yen for a group of 6). The campaign is valid for reservations completed by the end of March. Please take advantage of this opportunity to stay at Sousou Sanuki Shido and enjoy the special offer.
Winter Special Campaigns
The following campaigns are available for weekdays in January and February. Please inquire by email.
Seminar Retreat / Graduation Trip Campaign
Special plans for students' seminar retreats and graduation trips.
For groups of 4 or more students *Student ID must be presented. Faculty members are also eligible for seminar retreats.
Fridays: 6,000 yen per person (5,000 yen per person for groups of 6 or more)
Other weekdays and Sundays: 5,000 yen per person (4,500 yen per person for groups of 6 or more)
Winter Golf Support Campaign
Winter is prime golfing season! Special accommodation plans offered at great rates.
For groups of 4 or more *Golf clubs must be presented.
Fridays: 7,000 yen per person (6,000 yen per person for groups of 6 or more)
Other weekdays and Sundays: 6,000 yen per person (5,000 yen per person for groups of 6 or more)
Consecutive stay discounts: 15% off for 2 nights/3 days, 20% off for 3 nights/4 days.
Instagram Follower Exclusive Campaign
Special deals that apply to weekends and holidays too.
Check Instagram for details.
Instagram (Check for Special Deals)
Future Developments
Sousou Sanuki Shido will continue to update and improve after the grand opening, working to enhance activities in partnership with the region and promote information dissemination. The villa promises to remain a place where new discoveries await with each season, time of day, and activity you experience.
Access
By Car
2 hours 15 minutes from the Osaka area (Suita IC) (6 minutes from Shido IC on the Takamatsu Expressway)
37 minutes from Takamatsu Airport
35 minutes from JR Takamatsu Station
6 minutes from Shido Bus Stop (Express Bus)
*Two free parking spaces are available.
Please consult in advance if you need three spaces.
By Train
From JR Takamatsu Station to Shido Station: 16 minutes by limited express on the Kotoku Line, 31 minutes by local train + 6 minutes by taxi
Facility Overview
Basic Information
Capacity: Maximum 8 guests
Check-in: From 3:00 PM
Check-out: 10:00 AM
Parking: 2 spaces free *Please consult in advance if you need 3 or more spaces
Room Details
Spacious 106㎡ with all rooms renovated.
Dining Kitchen: Full kitchen with dishwasher and IH cooktop
Western-style Room 1: 1 queen bed
Western-style Room 2: 2 single beds
Japanese-style Rooms (6 tatami mats, 8 tatami mats): 4 futon sets
Facilities and Amenities
Wi-Fi (free)
Refrigerator, microwave, dishwasher, water server, IH cooktop, rice cooker, etc.
Drum-type washer/dryer
*Please check the website for details.
