Featuring views of iconic Mt. Fuji, SARUYA Artist Residency in Fujiyoshida, Japan, provides airy, multi-use workspaces and relaxing, minimal rooms. Since 2017, the residency has offered artists the opportunity to utilize two studio spaces—one located within the main building and another just a three-minute walk away. And the stunning location simply speaks for itself!

As a small organization, the residency is mostly hands-off, allowing artists to structure their time and work whenever it suits them while still having access to support and the option to organize small exhibitions in the space. Residencies can span anywhere from 2 weeks to 3 months, and each resident has a private, traditional tatami room with futon beds and shôji, or paper doors. Common areas include an open-plan kitchen-dining room, bathroom, shower room, balcony, and rooftop with an unparalleled view of Mt. Fuji.

The resideny’s founder, artist and designer Tsuyoshi Yagi, also refurbished a Japanese house down the street into a hostel, employing traditional woodworking techniques combined with a contemporary aesthetic similar to the residency spaces. The hostel thrives alongside the residency program as a place to visit and relax. It also houses an art-centric library that residents are welcome to browse.

The residency fee is based on the room you choose, the length of your stay, as well as the number of people in your room. The base fee is 90000¥ (about $675) per month in summer and 105000¥ (about $775) in winter, and travel, art materials, food, and any incidentals are the responsibility of the residents. Applications for 2023 are open and are welcome from artists practicing across a range of disciplines.

All images courtesy of SARUYA.