2026/03/31

A New Japanese-Inspired Dovetail Log Home Project Begins in Spring 2026 -「Dovetail Log Cabin in Ashinoyu」

In April 2026, Hearthstone Home will begin construction on a new dovetail log home project in Ashinoyu, Hakone, Kanagawa Prefecture.

This project, titled “Dovetail Log Home in Ashinoyu” is being planned as a unique residence that may blend the tradition of American dovetail log home construction with selected elements of Japanese living culture and design, depending on the final design direction. Set in one of Hakone’s historic hot spring areas, the home is planned to take full advantage of its special environment, where mountains, natural hot springs, and timber architecture come together.

The project site is located at an elevation of more than 875 meters, surrounded by the clear mountain air of Hakone. Ashinoyu has been known since the Edo period as one of the historic “Seven Hot Springs of Hakone” and still retains the quiet atmosphere of Japan’s traditional hot spring culture.

Surrounded by the outer rim of the Hakone mountains, the area offers constantly changing seasonal scenery. Mist, light, wind, and mountain views create a different atmosphere each time you visit. Away from the noise and pace of the city, Ashinoyu is a place where people can truly relax, making it an attractive villa and retreat destination for both Japanese and international residents.

For this project, we will use the EASTRIDGE “NIPESOTU” series, a single-story dovetail log home built with large-diameter Japanese cedar logs.

EASTRIDGE uses square logs made from Japanese cedar, a native wood species of Japan. The standard log size is 150 mm thick × 300 mm wide, giving the home a strong and substantial presence. These large-section logs provide not only structural stability but also a sense of security, warmth, and permanence as a home.

Design Sample – Traditional Japanese “和(Wa)”

A Dovetail Log Home Considering Japanese Design Elements

The owner is currently considering the final design direction, including whether the home should lean more toward a Japanese-inspired style or a more traditional American log home style.

At this stage, the project is being planned with the possibility of incorporating Japanese design elements, while still respecting the character of the American dovetail log construction method. The final balance between Japanese and Western design will be carefully decided through the design process.

Whether the final appearance becomes more Japanese-inspired or more American in character, the goal remains the same: to create a log home that feels natural in the mountain environment of Hakone and comfortable for long-term living in Japan.

Hand-Hewn Logs with the Character of Aged Timber

All structural logs will feature a hand-hewn finish, designed to recreate the character and texture of old, timeworn logs.

The irregular marks, subtle shadows, and natural surface variations created by handwork give the logs a depth that cannot be achieved through standard machine processing. In the deep forest setting of Hakone, this finish will help the home feel as though it has already been shaped and matured by time.

When combined with Japanese interior elements, the hand-hewn texture will bring out the natural beauty of the wood even more strongly, creating a warm and timeless atmosphere.

A Porch with Natural Hot Spring Water and a Hinoki Outdoor Bath

One of the most distinctive features of this home is the porch area, where natural hot spring water will be brought into the residence.

The plan includes an outdoor bath made from hinoki, Japanese cypress, placed on part of the porch. From this space, the owner will be able to enjoy the mountain air, the scent of wood, the warmth of the hot spring, and the peaceful atmosphere of Hakone.

This area brings together two very different but highly compatible traditions: Japan’s bathing culture and the warmth of a log home.

Although the space will have the special feeling of a high-quality vacation rental, it is being designed first and foremost as part of a private residence. Comfort, usability, and everyday livability are all important parts of the design.

A Home for the Next Chapter of Life

This project was envisioned by an owner currently based in Singapore and Indonesia, who plans to spend a peaceful retirement in Ashinoyu.

After a long international career, the owner wanted to return to the essential comforts of Japanese nature, hot spring culture, and the warmth of a timber home. The design reflects a desire to live quietly and thoughtfully, surrounded by natural materials and a slower rhythm of life.

The home is planned not only as a villa for short stays, but also as a potential final residence in the future.

Rather than being designed as a temporary escape or a space for short-term enjoyment only, this dovetail log home is being created as a place to slowly receive and support the next chapter of life. It combines the strength and character of log construction with the calm beauty of Japanese design.