What is KOMINKA
Welcome to the world of Kominka, where the essence of Japanese craftsmanship and natural materials unite to create a truly remarkable living experience. These traditional Japanese houses arecalled Kominka, constructed using techniques passed down through generations of skilled artisan carpenters, utilizing exquisite vintage beams that serve as a defining characteristic of Kominka's aesthetic.
Stepping into a Kominka, you will instantly feel a sense of rejuvenation in this unique space. Our Kominka seamlessly blends the solidity of tradition with the convenience of modern living.
Every corner of a Kominka showcases exceptional attention to detail, meticulously executed by Japanese professional designers and artisan carpenters who infuse their expertise into every aspect of the building.
We invite you to visit our Zen House Kominka, where you can delve deeper into the captivating world of these extraordinary Japanese homes.
Discover the timeless charm of Kominka - a traditional Japanese house infused with history and culture. Immerse yourself in a world of rustic beauty and modern comfort as you enjoy your vacation. Embrace the serenity of Japan's architectural heritage and create cherished memories in this elegantly preserved dwelling.
Zen House Kominka is a sanctuary for you--A peaceful retreat where you can pause, breathe, and reconnect with yourself. Step away from the daily rush and into a space designed for deep rest, reflection, and renewal.
It goes back to the summer of 2021...
Some of you asked how we discovered Kominka Collective—a nonprofit dedicated to preserving and relocating Kominka houses.
I first connected with Kominka Collective when they invited me to perform a tea ceremony at their Lostine Kominka on a beautiful summer day. At the time, the structure was still under construction—just pillars on a plywood floor with a roof. Yet, with tatami mats, shoji screens, a byobu, and ikebana flowers, the space was already infused with Kominka’s unique charm. The serenity left a deep impression on me.
Kominka Collective has two headquarters: one in Lostine, Oregon (just 15 minutes from us) and one in Aichi, Japan (only 4 minutes from where I was born and raised). It feels serendipitous that these two places—both remote—became the organization’s bases, out of all possible locations in Japan and the U.S.
One year later, another twist of fate brought us together again. A buyer for a Kominka studio in Portland, OR, had to back out, and Kominka Collective reached out to us. At the time, we were in the midst of a Japanese-style tea room project that had started as a tiny home but had taken an unexpected turn, leading to a significant loss. Their offer came at the perfect time.
The Kominka studio is an ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit), built in a modular fashion to streamline the U.S. permit process. It originally had no power or plumbing, but we expanded it by incorporating an entire second-story of a Kominka house—rescued just before demolition. This project beautifully integrates modern design with sheer tradition, proving what’s possible when vision and passion come together.
Watch how Zen House Kominka was built blending the traditional Japanese carpentry and western building methods.
Videos: © 2024 Kominka Collective
Experience Ultimate Serenity
The Japanese Tea Ceremony at Zen House Kominka
Immerse yourself in the tranquility of authentic tea ceremonies, where ancient rituals unite with the art of mindfulness. Watch Mae's testimonial here in the video.
“Thank you so much for a beautiful experience. I truly felt so honored and brought to tears several times. To watch the detail and presence in each little moment brought tingles to my body. Such grace, beauty, and tranquility."
Tera, OR