About YAMO STAY

家を守る

A Future Where Old Becomes Beautiful
Turning Oldness into Charm

YAMO STAY is a hospitality brand that transforms vacant houses into spaces of new value.

We rediscover the quiet charm hidden in the passage of time—what some may call “aging”—and bring it to life through thoughtful design and ideas. Each stay is crafted in harmony with the local nature and culture, offering guests an experience that feels both rooted and refreshing.

Through these stays, we hope to inspire new perspectives and discoveries—and to help create a future where vacant homes become shared resources for everyone.

The Four Pillars of Our Hospitality

Here are the four core principles we value in creating our stays.These ideas will also be reflected in YAMO Nagiso, opening in Nagiso Town, Nagano Prefecture, in July 2025.

1. Finding Vacant Homes Is a Treasure Hunt

We see vacant houses not as problems, but as hidden treasures. By uncovering their potential and giving them new purpose, we connect them to the future as valuable assets.

2. Enhancing What Already Exists

We carefully observe what is already there—preserving what’s good and bringing out its best. Through design that balances old and new, we highlight each home’s unique character and create spaces that feel both authentic and comfortable.

3. Creating Together with the Local Community

We work closely with local craftspeople and residents to bring out the charm unique to each region. The expertise of local professionals adds depth and warmth to every YAMO stay, making each experience truly special.

4. Gardens Rooted in Nature

We honor the native landscape and create gardens that blend with the surrounding environment. Our gardens reflect the natural rhythms of the seasons and offer moments of beauty and calm throughout the year.

Message from the Founder

There are moments when something that’s been right in front of me suddenly comes into focus—just because I’ve shifted my perspective.When that happens, it often stays with me. It becomes a memory I treasure.

What I want to offer through YAMO is that kind of experience.A stay that feels like a personal treasure hunt—something that gives you new ways of seeing the world, inspires new values, and maybe even becomes a small step toward reimagining vacant homes not as social problems, but as shared potential.

Personally, it’s been journeys—into vast landscapes, into unfamiliar cultures—that have carried me through life.That’s why I want to create travel experiences that can bring happiness to someone else. I believe vacant homes are resources. Assets. And by changing how we look at them, we can begin building a new future—together.

Let’s go treasure hunting—together!

YAMORIBITO

Nurturing the Future with Every Hand

At YAMO, everyone involved in our projects is called a YAMORIBITO—a word inspired by “yamori”, the Japanese gecko, and “ie wo mamoru”, meaning “to protect a home.”This name reflects our belief that each person—no matter their role—is essential to creating the stays we envision, working together with shared purpose and care.

Ayaka Yamada

CEO / Chief Architect

I love to travel, and that passion led me to start designing and running my own stays. It brings me joy to hear guests’ impressions of the spaces I’ve created, and I feel incredibly fulfilled when I can reflect those voices in future designs! I hope your time with us becomes a special part of your journey.

Jinichi Totani

COO / GIS Analyst / Design sales

After graduating with a degree in Geography from Nihon University, I founded YAMO STAY with a desire to create spaces that draw out the best of each region through thoughtful design. My background in geography and love for hands-on renovation (DIY!) help me shape stays that leave a lasting impression. I spent 14 years at NTT East, and as the youngest in a musical family, I also play jazz bass.

Yumiha Yamada

CDO / Visual Desginer

I graduated from Joshibi University of Art and Design, and now work as the visual director for all of YAMO Inc., including YAMO STAY. As the founder’s younger sister, I focus on expressing our team’s thoughts and intentions in a way that feels natural and uplifting. My goal is to create visuals that spark curiosity and connect warmly with everyone who visits. I hope you enjoy every little detail we’ve prepared!

Minami Nakagawa

Customer Support・Cleaning・SNS

Born in Hyogo Prefecture, in charge of customer support and cleaning. Having worked in apparel and cafes in my previous job, PC work was also my first challenge, but now I welcome juniors and staff rely on me more often. I find the greatest fulfillment in my work through interactions with customers. Please let me talk with you a lot and help make your stay at YAMO the best memory!

Megumi Endo

Photography・SNS・Cleaning Leader

Born in Ito City. Utilizing over 10 years of experience in hotel cleaning, at YAMO I work on staff support and "creating comfortable spaces". On SNS, I work as a dedicated photographer capturing moments of travel and delivering them to everyone. Likes and comments are also encouraging, so please connect with us on SNS!

Yoshinao Ito

Web Engineer

As a web engineer, I was in charge of implementing this website. I focused on building a site that is easy to use and effectively conveys the charm of YAMO. My hobbies are snowboarding and photography. I hope your journey with us becomes a memorable one.

We’re also supported by many others behind the scenes. This page will be updated as our team grows.