Meeting Christopher

It was time for our Zoom meeting, and not long after, we were greeted by a warm and welcoming gentleman.

Meet Christopher, an entrepreneur, guesthouse owner, and ambassador for Ibaraki, Japan. From the moment the call connected, his enthusiasm was evident, setting the tone for an engaging and insightful conversation.

We started off with a friendly exchange of greetings.

“Good morning! How are you today?” I asked, adjusting my screen to get a better view.

“Good morning! Doing well, thank you. And yourself?” Christopher replied with a smile while exuding the energy of someone who genuinely enjoys connecting with people.

Introduction to Christopher’s Background

 

Christopher, originally from the UK, first came to Japan as a fashion model. His fascination with Japanese culture and the warmth of the people inspired him to stay. However, modeling was never his end goal.

“I came to Japan as a model, but after a while, I wanted something more sustainable. That’s when I opened an English school — English Language Mansion — ELM. I wanted to keep the name plus we live by the beach and it just kind of grew from there. The name stuck.”

Prior to settling in Japan, he lived in Thailand where he managed a hostel in Bangkok for seven years, catering to students and tech professionals.

“Thailand really taught me the value of hospitality. People go out of their way to make you feel welcome.”

The Journey into Entrepreneurship

 

In Tokyo, Christopher opened a bar, managed international share houses, and even ran a kindergarten. However, during COVID, he found himself stranded in Thailand for a year and a half. During this time, he lost his properties in Tokyo. That setback, while difficult, sparked a new beginning.

“In the countryside, they need you. If you have a good idea and you’re not just there to take, people will help.”

Christopher moved to Kita-Ibaraki and began building from scratch.

“Out here, I’ve been able to start over. I’ve got 2,000 square meters now, and I’m building Elm Resort — a place where people can relax, do BBQ, hike, fish, ride horses — just enjoy life.”

Now, he owns six properties and even a mountain. He’s licensed to operate heavy machinery and boats, making it easier to expand his offerings and handle property renovations himself.

“You might think you’re getting the house for free, but there’s a lot of hidden costs. Septic systems, converting Japanese-style bathrooms to meet code, fixing roof leaks, getting proper fire equipment installed. And the paperwork. It’s a lot.”

The Guesthouse Business: Elm on the Beach

 

Elm on the Beach, located in Kita-Ibaraki City, is one of Christopher’s most prominent properties. “Elm comes from my old English school — English Language Mansion — back when I was in Tokyo. I wanted to keep the name alive, and now it’s right by the sea, so ‘Elm on the Beach’ felt perfect.”

The guesthouse offers a unique, homey experience. “It’s not just a place to sleep — we want them to go home happy. We do breakfast properly: baked beans and Cumberland sausage imported by my parents in the UK, fresh eggs from our chickens. Guests check in and we give them six eggs.”

Ghosty, the family’s Malamute, has become a local icon. “We have a dog – Ghosty – and people come just to walk him on the beach.” The guesthouse is also pet-friendly and accepts international volunteers through platforms like Workaway and Helpx.

Activities include BBQ nights with local Wagyu, horse riding, surfing, shrine visits, hiking to LED-lit frozen waterfalls, and excursions to nearby art installations and museums. “Pretty much every staff in the local tourism spots knows me,” he shared.

He actively collaborates with the Tenshin Memorial Museum of Art and TeamLab’s “Hidden Traces of Rice Terraces Hot Spring – Izura.” These partnerships allow guests to access exclusive cultural experiences. He’s been helping promote the area and frequently sends guests to visit these sites.

Christopher also partnered with Ai Tech Farm to launch a brand of fresh cage-free eggs called “Tamaran.” Sold locally for 200 yen per six-pack, the eggs reflect the guesthouse’s ethos of care and connection. Ai Tech Farm helped design the label, which features elements inspired by Elm on the Beach and Christopher’s family.

Guest Testimonials

Guests who have stayed at Elm on the Beach often describe their experience as unforgettable, highlighting the warm hospitality, unique activities, and serene atmosphere. Here’s what some of them had to say:

• “Elm on the Beach is by far the best hotel I stayed so far in Japan. They don’t just provide accommodation; they provide a FULL experience. The host Chris and his wife Asami went out their way and invited me to their home. They gave me the warmest welcome and prepared a special shabu-shabu dinner for me. It really makes me feel like home.”

• “Elm on the Beach is a serene getaway with stunning ocean views. The highlight is Chris, the incredibly welcoming host, who goes above and beyond to make guests feel at home.”

• “Even though it was a same-day reservation, they happily accommodated me! The owner is from England, but he speaks Japanese very well, which surprised me! It’s a private house, so even we with small children were able to relax and have fun as a family without having to worry about other people around us!”

Christopher’s Local Impact and Media Presence

 

Christopher’s dedication to community engagement hasn’t gone unnoticed. He has been featured in three national TV shows, local newspapers, YouTube interviews, and radio programs. One of his interviews was even featured in a local Japanese newspaper that highlighted his success as a foreign entrepreneur revitalizing Kita-Ibaraki.

Watch his TV appearance here

He was also appointed as an official Ambassador for Ibaraki Prefecture and regularly attends startup events and tourism association meetings.

His relationships with local businesses, museums, and tech farms have allowed him to create collaborative ventures that enrich both guests and the local economy.

Expanding Ventures and Looking Ahead

 

Christopher’s future vision includes creating Elm on The Beach Resort — a larger facility where people can unwind, attend events, and even host weddings.

“I’m not just trying to run a guest house. I want to build a community hub, Elm Resort.”

He also collaborates internationally, working with contacts in Thailand and the Philippines. His aim is to eventually franchise his business model to other regions.

A crowdfunding campaign on Campfire is underway to support these expansion efforts.

Lessons for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

Christopher shared several tips for foreigners hoping to start a business in Japan:

• Learn Japanese. “Being able to speak Japanese is one of the main things that got me where I am right now.”
• Understand hidden costs. “You might think you’re getting the house for free, but there’s a lot of hidden costs… like septic tanks and bathroom upgrades.”
• Offer real value. “We take care of our customers, and we make them feel at home, away from home.”
• Build trust locally. “In the countryside, they need support… if you have a good idea, they’re there to help you.”

He also recommends financial planning for anyone interested in rural entrepreneurship. Knowing how to navigate the costs, time, and regulations involved in renovating akiya (abandoned homes) is key.

One thing is certain: Christopher isn’t just building guesthouses. He’s building bridges, forging paths, and creating spaces where people from all walks of life can come together.

 To learn more about Christopher and his resort, you may visit his page here.

Final Thoughts: What’s Next for You as an Entrepreneur?

Have you ever considered starting your own business in Japan’s countryside?

What would you do if you had the chance to renovate an abandoned house and turn it into a thriving guesthouse?

If Christopher’s story inspires you, take the next step. Whether you’re dreaming of starting a guesthouse, working remotely, or just craving a lifestyle change, rural Japan might be calling your name.

Want to know more? Reach out to us for resources and advice.

Or share this article with someone who dreams of living and working in Japan!

 

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