In Ano-o, Nishiyoshino-cho, Gojo City, Nara Prefecture, the historic Hori Family Residence stands beside the clear waters of the Nyuu River. Also known as the Former Imperial Residence of Ano-o, this nationally designated Important Cultural Property preserves the memory of the Southern Court during Japan’s Nanboku-cho period, when rival imperial courts competed for power in the 14th century.
Once a residence where emperors of the Southern Court are said to have stayed, the property now combines its remarkable historical heritage with modern hospitality. Visitors can experience its atmosphere through accommodation, dining, and café facilities while enjoying the natural beauty of this quiet mountain village.
According to historical tradition, Emperor Go-Daigo stopped at this residence in late 1336 after being driven from Kyoto by Ashikaga Takauji. While traveling toward Yoshino, he was warmly welcomed by Hori Magotaro Nobumasu, a local warrior and landholder.
The Hori residence later served as a temporary imperial residence for four emperors of the Southern Court: Emperor Go-Murakami, Emperor Chokei, and Emperor Go-Kameyama, following Emperor Go-Daigo’s visit. For approximately 40 years, the property was closely connected with the political and cultural history of the Southern Court.
A substantial wooden gate at the entrance bears a plaque reading “Ano-o Imperial Residence.” The inscription was written by Yoshimura Torataro, a samurai and strategist associated with the Tenchu-gumi uprising in the final years of the Tokugawa shogunate. Standing quietly in the countryside, the residence remains a powerful reminder of a major turning point in Japanese history.
The Hori Family Residence was designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan in 1979. Its main house features an irimoya-style roof, combining a gabled and hipped design, with a thatched covering. The building underwent repairs and alterations during the early Edo period. Tiled lean-to roofs extend along its western and northern sides.
The house is believed originally to have had two stories and a gently sloping gabled roof covered with wooden boards or cedar bark. Inside, the main entrance opens into a spacious earthen-floored area, followed by rooms with a slatted ceiling. The raised-floor living area on the eastern side is arranged around a traditional four-room layout, with two additional rooms at the rear.
The residence is considered one of Japan’s oldest surviving traditional houses. Extensive dismantling and restoration work was carried out in 1998, with the aim of preserving the building while respecting its original architectural character.
In 2003, a traditional Japanese flag and materials related to the Tenchu-gumi uprising were stolen from the property, but they were subsequently recovered and preserved. The residence is opened to the public on selected occasions in spring and autumn, with visits available by reservation.
The place was originally called Anafu. According to local tradition, Emperor Go-Murakami later changed the name to Kanafu, written with characters expressing the hope that the Southern Court’s aspirations for legitimacy and eventual unity would be fulfilled. Following the reconciliation of the Northern and Southern Courts in 1351, the name is said to have been changed again to Ano-o, written with characters associated with celebration and fulfillment.
The pronunciation gradually returned to the form closer to the original name after the Meiji period. The place name itself has thus become part of the historical story, reflecting the hopes and changing fortunes of the Southern Court.
The history of the Hori family is traditionally traced back to the Jokyu War of 1221. Fujiwara no Tansen, a senior Buddhist cleric associated with Kumano, is said to have joined the forces of Retired Emperor Go-Toba at the Battle of the Uji River. After the defeat, he settled in this area and adopted the surname Hori.
The current head of the family is said to be the 29th generation descended from Tansen, representing more than seven centuries of connection with the land. The residence is therefore not only a historic building but also a testament to the continuity of a family and its community through changing eras.
The archaeologist and historian Hamada Kosaku (1881–1938) also visited the Hori residence as a boy. In an account published in the journal Rekishi to Chiri (“History and Geography”), he recalled the family’s warm hospitality. This tradition of welcoming guests remains an important part of the residence’s appeal.
In April 2019, the historic property began a new chapter when it was renovated and reopened as HOTEL & Cafe Restaurant KANAU. An Edo-period rowhouse building within the historic property was adapted into a private rental accommodation, allowing guests to enjoy an entire building in a setting rich in history.
The interior has been equipped with modern comforts, including Wi-Fi. An upright piano is also available for guests to play, creating a distinctive opportunity to enjoy music in a historic Japanese setting.
The accommodation offers a range of options, from room-only stays to plans that include dinner. Guests traveling with pets are welcome, and the property has a dog run equipped with lighting for evening use.
The riverside along the Nyuu River provides opportunities to enjoy the outdoors, including playing in the water and having a barbecue. The surrounding area also offers activities such as rafting and canyoning on the Yoshino River, trekking, and snowshoeing in winter.
Located approximately an hour and a half by car from central Osaka, KANAU makes an appealing base for travelers seeking a combination of history, outdoor adventure, and a peaceful countryside retreat.
The restaurant makes use of ingredients from Nara Prefecture, with a particular focus on Italian cuisine featuring local game meat known as Nara Gibier. Roasted venison and wild boar are among the specialties, offering guests a chance to appreciate the flavors of the surrounding mountains and forests.
Dining in a building with a history stretching back centuries turns a meal into a cultural experience. The café offers a more leisurely atmosphere, where guests can relax while looking out over the garden and historic architecture. Surrounded by greenery and the quiet of the village, it is an inviting place to slow down and enjoy the scenery.
The Hori Family Residence and HOTEL & Cafe Restaurant KANAU can be reached by car in approximately 20 minutes from the Gojo Interchange on the Keina-Wa Expressway. Nara Kotsu buses on the Gojo–Nishiyoshino route also serve nearby stops, including Ano-o Nokyo-mae and Ano-o Wada.
The Hori Family Residence preserves the memory of the turbulent Nanboku-cho period in a tranquil setting beside the Nyuu River. At KANAU, this historic legacy is combined with modern comforts, warm hospitality, regional cuisine, and opportunities to explore the surrounding countryside.
Whether you are interested in Japanese history, traditional architecture, outdoor activities, or distinctive local food, a visit to Ano-o offers an experience that goes beyond ordinary sightseeing. Here, you can connect with the past, relax in nature, and enjoy a memorable stay in a place where history and hospitality come together.