Indulge in the luxurious blessings of Munakata. Enjoy a special moment of French cuisine, woven in a historic old house, with someone important to you.

On January 15, 2024, we opened "Auberge Quatre Saisons Munakata," a French country inn in Shirōmaru, Akama, the heart of Munakata City, Fukuoka Prefecture, offering a special time with your loved ones.

● Maisha - Naoto Hayashi's Old House and Gallery

This old house, boasting a history of 150 years, was the founding site of the local brewery, "Katsuya Shuzo." Naoto Hayashi, the owner, was captivated by the works of Tomio Mizuno, a painter known as Japan's Gauguin, whom he discovered during his time in Tanzania with the Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers. Hayashi owns over 100 of Mizuno's works and chanced upon this old house while searching for a place to display them as a gallery.

After significant renovations to the dilapidated old house and storehouse, it was named Maisha (meaning 'life' in Swahili) and officially opened in 2023. Our auberge also features works by Tomio Mizuno.

● The Birth of a French Auberge

The creation of our auberge began when Chef Hideji Uemura of the popular French restaurant "Yukiyaya" in Akama was looking for a new location. He was approached by Naoto Hayashi, which sparked his interest in this area. Consequently, Chef Uemura opened three establishments: the French restaurant "Quatre Saisons Munakata," the chicken grill "Sumiya Naie no Fumoto," and the café "Amber and Wheel."

Since 2019, we have been running "VILLA MINAWA," a one-group-per-day accommodation on Oshima Island in Munakata City (https://minawa.jp/). Hearing that Chef Uemura would open a French restaurant in this old house, we proposed the idea of a French auberge.

Our shared vision of enhancing Munakata's value led to the birth of "Auberge Quatre Saisons Munakata."

● Chef Hideji Uemura's Vision

One reason we wanted to start an auberge with Chef Uemura was his desire to elevate the magnificent value of Munakata through cuisine. Chef Uemura says, "I want to challenge new things, enhance the value of Munakata's agriculture and seafood, and the people and land itself. Good food naturally increases the value of Munakata and pride in its ingredients. My goal is to see how far I can bring out the potential of Munakata's ingredients through cooking."

Since 2019, we have been working to enhance the regional value of Oshima Island in Munakata City, strongly resonating with Chef Uemura's sentiments.

(From right) Chef Hideji Uemura and Manager Mika Yamamoto

● For Special Moments with Loved Ones

At Auberge Quatre Saisons Munakata, we provide dishes made from the finest ingredients of each season for family gatherings, memorable anniversaries, and enjoyable times with friends.

Our daily changing menu lavishly uses fresh ingredients from Munakata. Please enjoy a blissful time that satisfies your heart.

● Our Carefully Selected Amenities

The rooms are furnished with carefully chosen antique furniture, Ikeuchi Organic towels, and bath amenities from the Thai natural skincare brand "THANN," mindful of the natural environment. We hope the time spent in your room will be as enjoyable as the dining experience, and our staff welcomes you warmly.

● Children are Welcome

Usually, children might not be allowed in French restaurants, but our auberge welcomes dining with children. Baby cots are available in the rooms.

For children up to 6 years old, we offer a kid's menu with soup, chicken steak, bread, salad, etc., for 3,300 yen per child.

● A Special Experience with Rokujusen Water

Our auberge uses the water from Rokujusen spring, located at the foot of the mountain where the Munakata family's castle stood during the Warring States period and the founding site of Katsuya Shuzo. Dishes and drinks made with this water deliver the flavor and ambiance of bygone days.

We also offer a wood-fired Goemon bath in our garden. Enjoy a luxurious moment while experiencing the charm of old Japan.

Goemon bath at Rokujusen spring on the property ※ Shower booths are also available in the old house.

● The Historic Charm of Akama

Akama, said to have originated from Emperor Jimmu, the first Emperor of Japan, was named for an event during his journey from Hyuga to Yamato. A god, also known as the deity of Yasho Shrine, appeared on a red horse to lead the people, hence the name Akama (red horse), later written as Akama.

Throughout the Edo period to the early Meiji period, Akama Inn developed as one of the twenty-one post towns in Chikuzen Province and a hub for goods in the Munakata region.

Today, old houses with white walls and lattice windows remain in Akama Inn and Haracho. The birthplace of Sazo Idemitsu, founder of Idemitsu Kosan, is also preserved.

Sazo Idemitsu's Birthplace

Haracho

● Recommended Spots in Akama Inn

Sazo Idemitsu Birthplace The birthplace of Sazo Idemitsu (1885-1981), founder of Idemitsu Kosan. A man with strong love for his hometown, he contributed to the Munakata Taisha Shrine and regional development. He is the model for the novel "The Man Called Pirate" by Naoki Hyakuta.

Suga Shrine The local shrine of Akama Inn. Kifune Shrine, Sugawara Shrine, Water God Shrine, and Ebisu Shrine are also enshrined within. The Gion Festival is held every July, and the Ebisu-za in December.

Hashiguchiya An early Meiji period building, formerly a general store, and a candle mold maker.

Hanauta Coffee A shop retaining the ambiance of the Edo period, offering heartfelt roasted coffee.

grin time A charming and cute miscellaneous goods store.

● Recommended Spots in Haracho

Nakamura Kenichi & Takuji Brothers' Birthplace Museum The birthplace of the Nakamura brothers, Kenichi and Takuji, prominent painters in Japan, has been converted into a museum.

Antique Art, Rakushi Rakusha Built in Taisho 4 (1915), it displays and sells antiques from Western and Japanese sources collected from all over Kyushu.

Toretore Plaza Kanoko no Sato A direct sales center for local agricultural products. Offers fresh vegetables, fruits, flowers, and processed agricultural products harvested every morning, including some rare vegetables.

● Access to the Auberge

Address: 4-17-4 Shirōmaru, Munakata City, Fukuoka Prefecture *Please note that navigation systems and Google Maps may not always show the correct location. In such cases, entering "Auberge Quatre Saisons Munakata" in Google Maps will provide the correct location. If the address "4-17-4 Shirōmaru, Munakata City, Fukuoka Prefecture" does not appear, please enter "4-17-5 Shirōmaru, Munakata City, Fukuoka Prefecture" instead.

About 4 minutes by taxi from JR Akama Station

About 1 hour by car from Hakata Station (The auberge has a private parking space available)

Our staff at Auberge Quatre Saisons Munakata are ready to assist you as concierges to enrich your stay. We look forward to welcoming you.