Japan in the Galilee

Japanese B&B, luxurious and especially luxurious...

Japan. For years it was my big and unrealized dream - to visit this amazing country. A mysterious and fascinating land, full of extreme contrasts, imbued with the magic of dramatic history, sophisticated art and rich tradition.

Well, a few days ago I did spend some amazing hours in Japan, and believe it or not - without buying a ticket, flying a plane or even leaving the borders of my Galilean homeland. My Japanese experience took place at the "Japan in the Galilee" holiday home - and as you probably already guessed, you can too.

At the foot of the Galilean mountains, in the new Paki'in, in a picturesque area full of green nature, blue skies and fresh air, Shimon and Kyoko built a completely unique guest house. On the tip of the fork: a hot mineral water pool with a waterfall and nearby - a cold water pool with a waterfall, a traditional Japanese shower, a shiatsu chair, a beautiful Japanese garden, a low tatami bed and the list goes on...

The idea of establishing "Japan in the Galilee" naturally came from Kiyuki who saw the place as an expression of the rich tradition and culture of her old homeland. In order to be precise and meticulous (in the Japanese way), she used professionals who specialize in Japanese-style design and construction, including a master carpenter who worked for seven whole years in Japanese temples, where he acquired a complex skill in working with wood.

Already in my first steps, while standing at the entrance gates of "Japan in the Galilee", illuminated by smart lighting for drivers and pedestrians, I was amazed at the huge complex that opened before me: a rounded building surrounded by a huge balcony and surrounded by a courtyard with gray garden stones and a lovely Japanese garden. In the garden you will find a typical statue for placing "Toro" incense (which Kyoko brought from her grandfather's yard). The entire complex is surrounded by a wall that turns the place into a real fortress (guests of the place are given an electric remote control to open the gate).

Upon entering the house, guests take off their shoes and receive stylish Japanese slippers. A long hallway leads to a spacious living room. Immediately caught my eye was a low dining table under which there was a niche for inserting the legs. In winter, feet are warmed with a special blanket located at the bottom of the table.

Another element that "catches" the eye - a Japanese ceiling lamp with three lighting levels. Also in the living room - a cinema system with a 42-inch LCD screen and a modern, well-equipped kitchen (which includes, among other things, beautiful sets of utensils from Japan and pots for cooking).

The design in "Japan in the Galilee" is refined, minimalist, sophisticated. The use of calm pastel colors with touches of stronger tones and straight geometric shapes creates a breathing, quiet and accurate space. The particularly thick insulation of the walls and roof allows maintaining a comfortable and uniform temperature, the combination between the cool ceramic floor and the warm red cedar wood creates balance and harmony in the design.

A Japanese-style sliding door opens to the yard and a cool water pool with a wall waterfall. But the experience of refreshing yourself in the water should start in the additional, warm pool which is in the room next to the living room and has special mineral water. Both pools have jets that activate a jacuzzi.

Another experience - a traditional Japanese bath (first you wash your body in the shower room and then enter the bath cast in the ground). To complete the experience of body pleasures, a low quality massage chair is at your disposal in the living room (just please, try not to get addicted).

Two different style bedrooms are offered to the couple. You can choose a traditional room with a low tatami bed, recommended for those looking for a deep and quality sleep. In this room there are some interesting unique elements: a cube cabinet (consisting of different layers), windows and a sliding door with rice paper, a Buddha statue and a classic Japanese painting. For more conservative guests, an additional bedroom is offered, in a modern Japanese style. The bed here is higher and extra large. On the bed - stylish dressing gowns (according to the guests' measurements) and an extra pair of slippers. Here too you will find a modern LCD TV.

The bathroom gets special attention: beautiful Japanese ceramics with a real gold finish(!), a unique wooden faucet, a heated electronic toilet and more...

A wide balcony surrounds the house and is a comfortable and pleasant space, closed from the wind and protected from the sun. The railing that surrounds the balcony is another example of Japanese construction - without iron nails. The balcony equipped with an Asian hammock and designed seating areas faces a view of Lake Montfort, Kfar Wardim and the Galilee mountains.

Another word about the special host of "Japan of the Galilee" - Kyoko, a charming woman who lives in Israel with her husband, Shimon, and 4 children. Kyoko has extensive knowledge not only of Japanese art and culture but also of Jewish tradition. She will meet you in her beautiful kimono, serve you a delicious sushi dish and will be happy to tell you about the traditional way of life in Japan.

"Japan in the Galilee" - here is not only a lovely place for a wonderful and pampering vacation, but a unique opportunity to go through a unique, educational, enriching and developing experience. In addition to the luxury, luxury and indulgence that are abundant here, you may be exposed to an ancient and intriguing culture that will add a lot of interest to your next romantic vacation.

View: the Galilee mountains, Montfort