Director Yasujiro Ozu`s VillaMugeisou
Mugeiso is a thatched-roof mountain villa located near Tateshina Shinyu Onsen.
In the 1950s, Director Ozu, through his close friendship with his longtime collaborator, screenwriter Kogo Noda, began making frequent visits to Tateshina, where he immersed himself in creative work. Mugeisou, which served as his workspace, was also where he interacted with his close friends in the film industry. Actors Keiji Sada and Chishu Ryu, along with director Kaneto Shindo, were among those who gathered there to engage in spirited discussions about their film.
Ozu and Noda would often visit Shinyu Onsen while working on scripts and developing ideas. His collection of diaries about Tateshina contained accounts of the two relaxing in the hot springs, occasionally staying the night and entertaining guests.
Director Ozu, who loved Tateshina, declared that the water, sake, and air at his villa, Mugeisou, are all delicious. During the film festival, it is open to the public free of charge.
Director Yasujiro Ozu relaxing at Mugeisou
Before dinner... A tour of Mugeisou
Director Ozu used Mugeisou as both a workspace and a venue for entertaining fellow members of the film industry. In addition to a staff-guided tour, you can also gather around the hearth-keeper here to welcome guests, and listen to stories about Director Ozu and his circle of friends.
Limited to one group per day
Mugeisou Special Dinner
Yasujiro Ozu, one of Japan’s most celebrated film directors, brought to the world numerous masterpieces, including Tokyo Story, a depiction of familial love. Director Ozu spent time in Tateshina, located in Chino City, Nagano Prefecture, with his close friend, the screenwriter Kogo Noda. There, he used Mugeisou as both a creative workspace and a place to entertain fellow members of the film industry.
At Mugeisou, enjoy an exclusive special dinner, limited to one group per day. Here, in a traditional Japanese-style home, relax and experience the essence of Japanese hospitality while reflecting on life in Tateshina, Nagano Prefecture, which so deeply captivated Director Ozu.
Location
From Tateshina, it’s about a 1 hour and 20 min drive to Matsumoto Castle, and roughly 1 hour and a half by car to both Karuizawa and Narai-juku. In addition, Haneda Airport is around 3 hours away by car, while Chubu Centrair International Airport can be reached in about 3 hours and 30 min.
Another recommendation
Yubae Room, favored by Director Ozu
This is the Yubae Room, where Director Ozu preferred to stay while at Tateshina Shinyu Onsen. Recreated based on the testimony of a former employee who knew the room at the time, it offers a gorgeous view of the sunset, and is named after a film by Ozu about family. It is spacious enough for three generations of your family to relax.
Information
- Period
- Late November to mid-April
- Capacity
- One group per day (up to four guests)
- Age requirement
- Elementary school age or above
- Meals & Accommodation
- 《 Dinner 》Special dinner at Mugeiso
《 Accommodation 》Tateshina Shinyu Onsen
《 Breakfast 》Japanese-style breakfast at Tateshina Shinyu Onsen
Access
When coming by car
Free parking lot
Sufficient parking space is available. Please feel free to come by car.
When coming by train
Free shuttle bus
Free shuttle bus service is available daily from the East Exit of JR Chino Station. Buses run twice a day, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. Please contact us in advance if you wish to use this service.
Contact
For official reservations, we will arrange a time to communicate.
Please share your preferred dates and the number of participants using the inquiry form.
Fields marked with an asterisk (*) are required.
Gallery
*All photos of Yasujiro Ozu and Kogo Noda were provided by Akiko Ozu, niece of Yasujiro Ozu and Office Oz representative; Hideyuki Nagai, nephew of Yasujiro Ozu; and Michiko Yamauchi, granddaughter of Kogo Noda.