ABOUT

Hi, I am YOSHIKO, the owner of Saraku.

I was born in January 1959, and raised in Minami, Osaka.

My first career after graduating from university was as an interior coordinator, and I worked as a freelance coordinator for residences and hotels for 15 years.
And then, I became a Japanese teacher as a second career, and still teach Japanese to international students at a university.

In 2019, I underwent a full renovation of my four-story home and embarked on my first major decluttering journey in life. I converted floors one through three into guest accommodations and rental spaces.
At the age of 60, I realized my long-held dream of starting a third career with the opening of the vacation rental ‘SARAKU’ and the rental space ‘Salon’.
I always envisioned a life where, as I grew older, I would prioritize interacting with people and fostering connections.
We thoroughly enjoy every day as owners, interacting with customers and providing heartfelt hospitality, together with my husband.

Our concept is to create a place where people say, “We never had a space like this before.
“Gather together,” cook a meal, eat, drink, talk, learn, play, stay overnight.

There’s nothing more joyful than seeing people enjoying and relaxing in a comfortable space where they can gather in various ways and where different kinds of people can come together.
I’m looking forward to meeting you!

I love traveling, and my husband and I have visited various countries. However, the flavors of each place, particularly those we tasted at restaurants recommended by locals, remain unforgettable to this day.

I was born and raised in Minami, Osaka, so I know a lot about the deep spots and delicious food in Osaka! For example, how to make “hirezake” (fin sake), buying the famous fugu at Kuromon Ichiba market and preparing it at home in a dish called “tetchiri,” takoyaki, okonomiyaki, udon, oden, and more. Feel free to ask for recommendations on any of these!

It’s a wonderful idea to offer foreign visitors the opportunity to experience traditional Japanese culture such as tea ceremonies and wearing kimono, which we’ve been familiar with since childhood. Introducing the charm of these cultural elements to people from abroad can contribute greatly to cultural exchange. Enjoy Osaka to the fullest!

Here is the reason bellow, why I started a guesthouse at the age of 60.
It’s a long story, but I would appreciate it if you could take the time to read it.

One day, the rain drummed heavily. Suddenly, water started dripping from the ceiling! It was a leak. This happened at my home in Osaka, a 30-year-old, 14-square-meter, narrow, four-story steel-framed building. There was no other option but to extend it vertically.

For four years, I hesitated to commit to the waterproofing work, which was said to cost millions of yen. “If you leave it as it is, it won’t last another 20 years,” said an old acquaintance at the construction company, looking at me incredulously.

There were only two decisions. Selling the house and moving into a condominium, or renovation. My husband, the tax accountant, grappling with the financing, made the decision with a single, squeezing word.

“Okay, let’s just renovate …….”

“If we’re going to do the construction, let’s go all out and do a full renovation, leaving only the framework. As a couple in our sixties, let’s install a home elevator and make it our ‘final abode’.”

Well, what kind of life would you like to lead here?

What came to mind was the American grandma I visited when I was twenty, introduced to me by my friend Kayo. I heard she welcomed students and travelers into her home regardless of nationality.

When my friends and I visited, she exclaimed, “Oh, you’re Kayo’s friends!”

As soon as we opened the door, Grandma welcomed us warmly. We chatted over her homemade cake for about two hours. Then, as if she had read our minds, she said, “I’m heading out, so make yourselves at home.” She opened the kitchen door and pointed, “Here’s the hot water, and the dishes are here. Feel free to use them.” After giving us a quick tour of the house, she said, “Well then, enjoy yourselves,” and left in her sleek red Camaro.

Forty years ago, when I was twenty, I was deeply impressed and inspired because opening one’s home to guests was unheard of in Japan.

I want to live a life like that grandma, cherishing connections with people and having a home where guests are always welcome. The plan for our “final abode” began with the longing I had at twenty. However, installing an elevator would come with its own costs. Then it hit me—turning it into a guesthouse would kill three birds with one stone. It fulfills our dreams, provides income, and grants my husband’s wish to work a fitting job until the end.

First, the residence will be downsized to the fourth floor. The first, second, and third floors will be open to people of all nationalities and ages. Each floor will be given a name, and we put pur dream into each room.

The 1st floor will be named “SALON” – a room where people can gather and enjoy tea together.
The 2nd floor will be named “ZEN” – a room where people can cook together in the kitchen, enjoy food, and also stay overnight.
The 3rd floor will be named “CHA” – a room where guests can enjoy a cup of tea in the tea room and also stay overnight.

“Salon Tea” will feature a large wooden table which up to 12 people can gather for seminars or classes. Additionally, I’d like to form a group called “Cha Hori Suppli” with those who gather here. As we reach middle age, there are so many “teachers” in various fields, whether it be work or hobbies. The term “Suppli” refers to “supplements”, with the intention of supplementing what is lacking for us, by teaching each other.

On the second floor, ‘ZEN’, I’ll invite my Japanese language students over for takoyaki or hot pot parties. The most memorable experiences abroad are when I was invited to someone’s home and spent time with their family and friends, eating the country’s cuisine. I want to ‘pay it forward’ to my students by offering them the same hospitality they’ve shown me.

In “Tea,” I will continue the tea ceremony that I have been practicing since childhood. Despite a long interruption due to busy work, I have always looked forward to enjoying tea leisurely in my old age. Listening to the faint sound of boiling water, my mind strangely settles. I want to offer this “silent hospitality” to our overseas guests.

Completed in December 2019.
“The final abode” is completed. Now, I have reached the age of that grandma, I’ve met in US. And now, the journey has just started.

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