Bed and Craft Tategu-Ya, Toyama

Inami, once an independent town on the northern central coast of Japan and now part of the city of Nanto, boasted a proud heritage of woodworking artisanry. This is due in large part to the local Betsuin Zuisen-ji temple — constructed mostly of wood — which was a locus of activity thanks to its habit of being rebuilt again and again, more and more elaborately each time, following its frequent destruction by fire. Bed and Craft, a boutique hotel amidst artisan’s workshops, provides guests with the opportunity to not only stay in picturesque Nanto, but to take up woodcarving. A collection of six historic buildings, from carpenter’s shop to restaurant, provide a place to rest and relax in a traditional Japanese environment. Guests are urged to embrace the opportunity to try their hands at carving their own keepsakes from a memorable getaway.