ABOUT AND MISSION

The name Akitsu comes from an old Japanese word for dragonfly — a quiet symbol of strength, presence, and always moving forward.

Akitsu is a guesthouse and shop in a traditional kominka-style farmhouse, tucked away in a small woodcarving village in Shiga, Japan.

Staying at Akitsu is an opportunity to experience a different pace — a chance to escape and unwind from the busyness of life. To breathe fresh mountain air, put your feet in an ice-cold stream. To wake up late, to the smell of fresh coffee. To take it slow.

It’s a reminder that efficient isn’t always best — sometimes the slow path is the better path. Well-made, lasting, imperfect.

The store offers a mix of vintage Japanese goods, practical everyday items, and slow-made wares that blend Japanese and Australian design. Everything is chosen for how it feels — how it’s made, how it lasts, and how it fits into a quieter rhythm.