Minshuku Okukawairi – The Yokoyama Family
When we arrived at the inn, we heard a voice say, “Please come in and make yourself comfortable.”
Inside the living room, a bear hide and animal skulls were displayed, giving a glimpse into a very different world. As we waited, a sunburned man with a serious expression appeared. He was the fourth-generation Matagi hunter.
At first, he seemed reserved and spoke little. But later that evening, he proudly showed us TV programs he had appeared in, and the atmosphere quickly warmed.
We spoke with the Yokoyama family, including the fourth and fifth generations of this Matagi lineage, and the cheerful wife who supports them.
A Mountain Inn Run by a Matagi Family
At the foot of the Iide Mountains in Oguni Town, Yamagata Prefecture, stands Minshuku Okukawairi.
Welcoming guests with warmth are the members of the Yokoyama family.
Ryuzo, the fourth-generation Matagi, has a sun-tanned face and a strong presence. Beside him is his wife, Naomi, whose gentle smile leaves a lasting impression. Their eldest son, Taku, has decided to carry on the family tradition, and now visits with his own family.
This inn attracts many repeat visitors throughout the year who come to see them.
Ryuzo has deep knowledge and experience as a Matagi and is frequently featured in the media.
Today, he works alongside his son Taku, the fifth generation, as a father-and-son Matagi team. Together, they enter the mountains to hunt bears and wild boar. However, what they do is not simply hunting.
Living in Balance with Nature
“They have their lives, and we have ours. What matters is learning to live together.”
Ryuzo’s words reflect a deep respect for nature and a strong sense of gratitude for the lives they take.
This philosophy has been passed down to his son Taku.
Facing the Meaning of Life and Food
Taku says, “I think it’s a loss if you’ve never seen the moment when a living creature becomes food. People today don’t truly understand what they’re eating.”
His words challenge us to rethink the connection between life and food, something that is often overlooked in modern society.
Ryuzo’s life has been shaped by both rural and urban experiences.
When he was in fourth grade, he moved to Tokorozawa in Saitama with his parents, who worked away from home. After high school, he trained in a Japanese restaurant. At the age of 21, he returned to his hometown and opened this inn.
His gibier cuisine, using skills learned as a Matagi, gradually gained popularity and brought in more guests.
A Life Built with Family
At the age of 30, Ryuzo had a life-changing encounter. He met Naomi, who was working at a nearby inn.
They married and were blessed with two children.
Today, the family works together to run the inn while also managing farming, raising local chickens, and continuing their Matagi activities.
Their days are busy but fulfilling, filled with the joy of living in harmony with nature.
A Place Where Tradition and Life Come Together
Okukawairi is more than just a place to stay.
It represents a way of life rooted in coexistence with nature, the passing down of tradition, and strong family bonds.
Visitors can experience the warmth of the Yokoyama family while discovering the rich culture and wisdom of Japan’s mountain communities.
Reading their story is just the beginning.
Stay with the family, share a meal, and experience life in the mountains.
