Open-Air ASHIYU: ELEMENTAL LUXURY

The crackling of the fire, the scent of herbs. Soak in the living heat and indulge in the elegant ritual of outdoor play.

What is the Open-Air ASHIYU at INASHIKI NEST?

A special time for the five senses: surrender yourself to the fire, the water, the scent, and the sound.

In the quiet garden of a nostalgic Japanese house, the flickering flames meet the fragrance of herbs. By the time you arrive, the fire—lit several hours earlier—has been gently warming the water, building a soft, deep heat.

The Wood-Fired ASHIYU (footbath) is more than just a way to warm your body. Listening to the crackling wood and watching the dancing flames, you experience the passage of time as the water, heated by the power of nature, gradually blends with your skin. This is a form of “play” and a “ritual” to harmonize the mind and body.

It is the beginning of an essential “no-asobi” (outdoor play)—a time to release yourself from the daily routine and reclaim your true senses.

The Freedom Only a Footbath Can Provide

We chose the “footbath” style so that anyone can easily and slowly enjoy refreshing outdoors. It is gentler on the body than a full-body bath, so you won’t feel overheated or exhausted. Without the hassle of changing clothes, you can sink into a garden chair for an hour or two with a cup of herbal tea. Whether you enjoy a lively conversation with loved ones or savor the quiet silence, the choice is yours. Women can also enjoy this experience comfortably without worrying about their physical condition or schedule.

Crafted by Time and Handwork: “Living Heat”

The source of this experience is the powerful yet warm energy released by wood grown locally, split by hand, and dried for over a year. Hours before your arrival, the host begins to tend the fire, slowly “nurturing” the water. The water, heated solely by natural force, is surprisingly soft. This “living heat,” finished through the host’s careful “Himori” (fire-tending), gently unravels the body’s tension the moment you soak your feet.

Essential Luxury for the Five Senses

The soothing rhythm of crackling wood, the scent of freshly picked herbs, and the touch of the wind on your cheeks. The smell of the fire, the breath of the plants, and the warmth of the water overlap to create an atmosphere found only here. Your sight, hearing, smell, and touch open naturally, leading you to a time where you feel the “now” with your body rather than your mind.

This is a complete “extraordinary” activity created by natural materials and handwork. Immerse yourself like a child at play, converse quietly, or simply gaze at the flames and water.

At INASHIKI NEST, we invite you to “Unravel your heart through fire, water, and scent.”

A supreme refresh where your senses slowly awaken.

We look forward to meeting you in our quiet garden.

Benefits of ASHIYU

Fresh Herbal Tea

Process & Guidelines

Please send us a message through Airbnb when booking your stay to request the Open-Air ASHIYU experience.

For those interested: Wood-splitting Experience

While the host prepares the fire in advance (as it takes about 4 hours), you are welcome to try splitting wood or sawing it to length if you wish.
*This is entirely optional.

Information

Reservations

Preparation takes approximately 4 hours to ensure the “perfect condition” for your arrival.

• Strict Punctuality: Please ensure you arrive on time.

     *Clean-up: The host will handle all cleaning the following day.

Safety & Cancellation Policy 【Most Important】

For safety reasons, we will cancel the session immediately—including on the day of—if there are strong winds or an official Forest Fire Warning.

Using fire outdoors during a warning is prohibited by law and subject to heavy fines.
This decision is made to protect the safety of the local community and our guests. We appreciate your understanding.

Click here for more details on Official Forest Fire Warnings. ( Japanese only)

Clothing & Belongings

• The scent of wood smoke will cling to your clothes. Please wear something you don’t mind getting dirty.

• We strongly recommend wearing loose pants that can be easily rolled up above the knee, or shorts.

     *Towels and outdoor slippers (L-size)are provided.

Field Rules

• Authorized Fuel Only: Please do not burn anything other than the provided firewood and old bamboo.

• Child Safety: Some parts of the heater reach high temperatures. Please ensure adults accompany and supervise children at all times.

• Fire-Heater Use: Cooking on the ASHIYU fire heater is prohibited. For BBQ, please rent our “BBQ/Bonfire set” or bring your own equipment.

Booking & Payment

The Wood-Fired ASHIYU is by reservation only.

As the experience is subject to weather conditions, please message us when booking your stay on Airbnb.

Payment is to be made in cash on the day, only if the experience can be held.

Experience a quiet moment embraced by fire, water, and scent.

We look forward to welcoming you.