KYOTO, Japan -- A new buzzword has emerged that is sweeping the world of Japan-lovers, taking its place beside geisha, anime, and sakura: kominka. Derived from minka, meaning "Japanese country house," the added syllable ko means "old." The emphasis is on age -- the older the better.
Life
Fueled by pandemic, Japan rediscovers allure of old houses
Wooden 'kominka' are beautiful and cheap, but restoration costs can be high
Traditional thatched dwellings in the village of Miyama, north of Kyoto. (Photo by Alex Kerr)
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