Elderly Japanese Women Live in the World’s Most Enchanting Retirement Home

Nestled among the trees in Shizuoka—a rural prefecture aptly nicknamed “Japan's Riviera”—is a tiny commune of curious cottages. Far from a campsite, these tent-like dwellings comprise Jikka, a charming retirement home designed by Toyko-based architect Issei Suma. The teepee-like design mimics the surrounding mountainous landscape while offering modern comforts inside—perfect for those who've spent their lives laboring, and are looking for more relaxation.

Jikka was initially created for two retirement-ready women in their 60s—one was a social worker and the other was a cook. Constructed of concrete and timber, the 100-square-meter site is equipped with a kitchen, dining area, shared bedroom, guest room, and bathroom. There's even a wheelchair-accessible, spiral-shaped pool for residents to relax in. In addition to accommodation, the complex also prepares and delivers meals to the senior population of the surrounding community.

Beautiful, functional, and charitable, Jikka is the perfect retirement retreat.

This charming retirement village in Japan was designed by Issei Suma.

issei summa retirement village in japan for japanese women

issei summa retirement village in japan for japanese women

issei summa retirement village in japan for japanese women

issei summa retirement village in japan for japanese women

issei summa retirement village in japan for japanese women

jikka retirement village in japan for japanese women

jikka retirement village in japan for japanese women

jikka retirement village in japan for japanese women

jikkaretirementhome10

jikkaretirementhome11
Issei Suma: Website
via [MatadorDezeen]

All images via Takumi Ota.

Kelly Richman-Abdou

Kelly Richman-Abdou is a Contributing Writer at My Modern Met. An art historian living in Paris, Kelly was born and raised in San Francisco and holds a BA in Art History from the University of San Francisco and an MA in Art and Museum Studies from Georgetown University. When she’s not writing, you can find Kelly wandering around Paris, whether she’s leading a tour (as a guide, she has been interviewed by BBC World News America and France 24) or simply taking a stroll with her husband and two tiny daughters.
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