35 years ago, in Takayama, there were no English signs, no English maps, nor any large hotels

and no foreign tourists. At that time my parents bought an old farmhouse in Kamitakara village.

There were many rice and vegetable fields then,

It was surrounded by blossoming trees.

The house’s massive, 135 years old posts and beams were carefully taken apart and washed.

Then, they were reconstructed around an irori-a traditional fireplace and hearth-and became Minshuku Sosuke.

Sosuke is name of my great grand fathers'.My father named the house Sosuke.

10 years later,

Cynthia Menadue, wife of the Australian ambassador to Japan, spent 3 years in Japan during her husband’s stay,

and they had a good time traveling around the country.

When she returned to Australia, she started planning a “minshuku tour” by herself.

A minshuku is a traditional Japanese inn ; cheap and offer a glimpse of Japanese family life.

Cynthia Menadue’s minshuku tour was a tour of traditional Japanese life itself.

you can imagine, her guests had culture shock and the many unusual things

they experienced in Japan made their trip unforgettable

Consequently, her hand-made tours became popular among Australians.

Over the past 35 years, tourism in Takayama has expanded,

little by little. Now, in the 21st century, the name “Hida Takayama” is known all over the world.

There are English signs, maps and guide services throughout,

making it a convenient destination for foreign tourists and an exciting, international city.

Continuing in the style of Cynthia Menadue’s famous tours,

Minshuku Sosuke would like to offer visitors a chance to experience traditional Japanese life.

We are eager to preserve the 170 years old atmosphere of Minshuku Sosuke,

and provide traditional tours and experiences in old city Takayama, the “little Kyoto”.

Keiko Tamai(Director)April,2006.