A Journey Through Japan’s Oldest Road and the Five Elements
Return to Nature, Season, and the Senses
Along Japan’s oldest road, Yamanobe-no-Michi in Nara Prefecture — where ancient people once lived in harmony with nature, prayed, and returned to the earth — quietly stands the cofunia inn, rooted in this timeless land.
Our concept is centered on the five senses and the five elements.
There are four guest lodges, each inspired by one of these elements — wood, earth, metal and water — along with a shared dining space, the fire room, where the wisdom of herbs and fermentation come alive.
Listen to birdsong, inhale the fragrance of wild grasses swaying in the breeze, feel the warmth of the earth and the presence of water. Quietly, gently, these forgotten sensations return.
Live simply and attuned to nature, choosing your path while being guided by your own senses.
Return to the essence of living, reconnecting with the quiet strength that lies within.
Access
Address：1021 Kayo-cho, Tenri City, Nara Prefecture, Japan (Google Maps)
Transportation
Train:
25-minute walk / 7-minute taxi ride to cofunia from JR Nagara Station
Taxi:
Nagara Taxi: 0743-66-0088
Kintetsu Nara Taxi (Towa Office) : 0743-63-1131
The taxi fare from JR Nagara Station to cofunia is approximately ¥1,000.
Bus:
From Tenri Station (JR or Kintetsu), take the Nara Kotsu Bus (Platform ①) bound for Sakurai Station North Exit. Get off at Joganji Bus Stop. cofunia is around a 10-minute walk from there.
Parking Information
Parking lot address: 666-1 Kayo-cho, Tenri City, Nara Prefecture (Google Maps)
Note: When you drive to cofunia, please park your car in this parking lot and take a little walk to the inn, as we don't have a parking lot within the premises of the inn.
Before Your Visit
cofunia is located within a quiet rural village. Due to the nature of the property, and in order to help protect its original structure, we kindly ask for your understanding regarding the following points:
- All buildings are renovated traditional wooden houses, and are non-smoking throughout.
- The renovations preserve much of the original architecture, so you may encounter small steps or uneven flooring in some areas. Handrails are provided, but please be cautious.
- Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the premises. For cellular connectivity, reception may be limited depending on your mobile carrier or location.
Operating Schedule
The inn is closed on Wednesdays.
- We are also closed during August, January, and February.
- We are open approximately 180 days per a year. The schedule will be adjusted to meet the 180-day operation in December.
Our cafe’s operating hours: 10:00 AM - 2:30 PM on every Saturday and Sunday
Company
cofunia Inc.
Founded: September 29, 2023
Address: 1021 Kayo-cho, Tenri City, Nara Prefecture, 632-0042, Japan
Co-Directors: Chisato Maeda & Takumi Takano
Business Activities: Accommodation management, tourism services, event planning, and product development