Between Forest and Sky
Discovering Whispering Bamboo at PlanetDAO’s second location.
In the quiet hills of Hayama's Kamiyamaguchi area, surrounded by the gentle rustling of bamboo, the PlanetDAO team and community recently had an opportunity to connect with our second property—the Bamboo Forest House. We gathered on May 1st, starting our adventure and exploring the property from golden afternoon light into the mysterious darkness of night, using all our senses to truly connect with the place.
The Journey Begins
Approaching the Bamboo Forest House feels like a mini-adventure. The steep path winds upward, guiding visitors through a green expanse of bamboo stalks that stretch across 7,000 square meters of lush forest. This natural sanctuary surrounds a traditional Japanese house that has stood for over a century, holding the local stories of past generations.
Our small expedition included Tamaki Nishimura, our founder, Monika Sadkiewicz, our community manager, along with local Hayama members from the attaka team, DIY experts, the property's architect Sara, and several co-owners. Nine of us in total decided to stay overnight. Some brave souls camped under the night sky and next to the local frogs, while others unrolled sleeping bags within the historic walls of the house.
Discovering Hidden Treasures
Our exploration began with bamboo shoot hunting—both to harvest ingredients for our meals and to clear paths through the dense growth.
As we ventured deeper into the property, we discovered the remains of traditional "tanada" rice fields (terraced agricultural platforms) that once cascaded down the hillside and now appear as grass-covered stairs.
These tanada remains revealed something unexpected: a possibility of a breathtaking view of Mount Fuji in the distance, as Masaki-san was cutting the weeds to make a path for us. Standing on this historic agricultural site, we felt a deep connection between the property's past and its future potential in the hands of the PlanetDAO community. The tanada, so quintessentially Japanese that they've inspired local specialties like tanada ice cream, represent another layer of cultural heritage included within our forest sanctuary.
Night Falls, Ideas Rise
As darkness descended, our exploration continued by flashlight, revealing the property's different character after sunset. We gathered around a crackling campfire, its warm glow lighting up faces deep in conversation about possibilities and dreams. We shared tea, coffee and snacks, while getting to know each other.
The night was peaceful, the absence of urban noise allowing for clear thinking and genuine connection.
Morning arrived with nature's alarm clock. We all woke naturally to the harmonious chorus of birds and frogs, their songs gradually growing louder as dawn brightened the forest. Over a simple onigiri breakfast, we jumped into animated discussion, sharing observations, ideas, and visions for this special place.
The Challenges and Possibilities
The Bamboo Forest House presents both challenges and opportunities. While we successfully restored electricity just before our stay, the property currently lacks plumbing and gas infrastructure. The steep access path requires careful navigation. Yet these challenges only deepen our appreciation for the authentic, off-grid experience this sanctuary offers.
The expansive land holds tremendous potential. During our brainstorming session, numerous ideas emerged for how to honor and use this space while preserving its natural beauty. While we're keeping specific plans close to our hearts for now, as nothing has been set in stone, we're committed to maintaining the integrity of the bamboo forest while creating outdoor activities for our community to enjoy.
Looking Forward
Our team is now gathering all the insights from this immersive overnight experience. Soon, we'll share these thoughts with our Bamboo Forest House co-owners to continue the collaborative conversation about this property's future.
This brief but meaningful stay reinforced what makes PlanetDAO's approach to community-owned spaces so unique. By experiencing the property firsthand, sleeping under its roof, cooking with its bounty, and breathing in its atmosphere—we've gained a real understanding that will guide how we care for this remarkable place.
Our overnight stay at the Bamboo Forest House reminded us of something essential: when people come together—whether locals sharing their knowledge of the land, team members contributing their expertise, or global co-owners investing their trust and sharing ideas—we create possibilities that no individual could achieve alone. This fusion of local wisdom and global community opens doors to perspectives we'd never discover solo or in isolation. As we continue to shape this bamboo sanctuary, it's this collaborative spirit that will transform a century-old property into something truly extraordinary for generations to come.
Stay tuned for more updates on the Bamboo Forest House and chances to experience this magical place for yourself. The journey of transforming this historic property into a community treasure has only just begun.
Thank you for reading and being a part of it.
PS More updates from our stays at the properties coming up!