1. Amanemu (アマネム)
Amanemu is a beautiful oasis situated in the Shima National Park. This beautiful villa is tucked away from the hustling city. It’s located on an isolate golf community with adjacent hotel nearby and a park with walking trails.
Suites
Aman hotels focus on minimalist design with emphasis on detail, so the architecture of the hotel, the bar, the infinity pool and the rooms are beautifully designed. Amanemu’s consist of 24 gorgeous suites. Each suite is crafted with Japanese timber and consist of lofty ceiling. Depending on the suite, you may enjoy the serene view of the garden or view of the calm Ago Bay.
Villas
If you have a bigger party, they have four two-bedroom Villas that feature private onsen, kitchen and powder room. Each Villa spreads across 4,036 square feet, providing generous space for relaxation.
Amam’s Philosophy
Amanemu is part of the Aman’s Chain. The Chain Amam’s Philosophy is that“guests should feel at home” so they don’t sign bills for any services or amenities. Their welcoming group of staffs will surely make you feel right at home.
Amanemu
2165 Hazako, Hamajima-cho, Shima-shi, Mie, Japan 517–0403
Phone: 65-6715-8855
Email: reservations@aman.com
https://www.aman.com/resorts/amanemu
2. Setouchi Aongai (瀬戸内リトリート青凪)
This small luxury hotel sits on top of a mountain on Japan’s smallest island, Shikoku. The whole hotel was re-designed by award-winning architect Tadao Ando. His main concept of “minimal luxury” can be seen throughout the hotel.
Rooms
Prior to the redesign, the building was a private residence with part of the estate open to the public as a museum. When Tadao Ando redesigned the building into a 7 room hotel he kept his signature minimal concrete building style. Their signature and most popular Aonagi suite have large marionette window providing a panorama view of the Seto Inland Sea. The hotel offers a range of amenities including: hot spring jacuzzi, a sauna, a dining room, two pools, and an art gallery.
Art
Setouchi Triennale is an art festival in Japan that brings millions of tourist from Japan and around the world to Setouchi islands. Throughout the hotel guests have the pleasure to enjoy minimal art by contemporary artist.
Setouchi AONAGI
794–1 Yanaidani-cho, Matsuyama, Ehime, Japan 799–2641
Phone: 89-977-9500
Email: yoyaku@setouchi-aonagi.jp
http://setouchi-aonagi.jp/en/
3. HOSHINOYA Fuji (星のや富士)
HOSHINOYA Fuji is Japan’s first “glamping” resort, adding some “glamour” to the standard “camping” experience. This fun resort is hid away at the base of Mt. Fuji, with one side facing lake Kawaguichi and the other facing Mt. Fuji.
Glamping
The restaurants and the cafes are designed to give guests the same glamping experience. They offer various activities from morning canoeing, star gazing to horseback hiking.
Cabins
From afar, the cabins looks like randomly stacked concrete blocks with big glass windows. Rooms are simply decorated, although there’s access to wifi, you won’t be finding a TV in your room. The large window in every cabin shows off the breathtaking view of the lake. Each cabin comes with a balcony that has a gas fireplace.
HOSHINOYA Fuji
1408 Oishi, Fujikawaguchiko-machi, Minami Tsuru-gun, Yamanashi, Japan 401–0305
Phone: 50–3786–1144
http://hoshinoyafuji.com/en/
4. Zaborin (坐忘林)
Zaborin is a paradise hidden in a private forest in the mountains of Hokkaido. The whole concept of this serene ryokan can be found within it’s name. Zaborin (坐忘林), a place amongst the trees to sit and to forget.
Design
This beautiful estate was designed by renowned Japanese architect Makoto Nakayama; combining traditional Japanese design with contemporary design. The attention to detail is exquisite even in the lobby.
Unique Villas
This small ryokan holds only 15 villas, each with it’s own unique design. Each villa consists of your very own private indoor and outdoor bath with spring water fed directly from the Zaborin onsen. The resort holds pride to the breathtaking unobstructed view that each villa gets. Although tucked away from the busy city, each villas comes with all the modern and luxurious accommodations.
Sleeping arrangements
Villas offer vary sleeping arrangements to meet each guests’ needs. Guest may choose from ‘Yoshitsu’ (western style beds) or ‘Washitsu’ (tatami with Japanese futon). If additional space is needed, some villas have an additional tatami mat room that can used as a second smaller room.
Cuisine
Aside from the breathtaking view of Mt. Yotei, Hokkaido’s “Fuji”, Zaborin is well known for their cuisine. Their meals are exquisitely prepared by their executive chief, Yoshihiro Seno. His emphasizes on “locality” means selecting the best seasonal produce and even gathering daily ingredients from the nearby woods for the menu.
Zaborin Ryokan
76–4 Hanazano, Abuta-gun, Kutchan-cho, Hokkaido, Japan 044–0084
Phone: (International) +81-136-23-0003 (Domestic) 0136-23-0003
Email: info@zaborin.com
http://zaborin.com/en
5. HOSHINOYA Karuizawa (星のや軽井沢)
HOSHINOYA Karuizawa is a luxury ryokan located just an hour from Tokyo, but everything around it reminds you nothing of the city. Located at the foot of Mt. Asama, it’s surrounded by nature. The dense forest tress combined with the gentle sound of the river, together they create a restful atmosphere for every guest to experience.
Rooms
Combing the modern comfort with traditional Japanese culture, some ryokan-style house are located along the riverside terraces. Each room has high ceilings and wide terraces offer a breathtaking view of the river and forests. The large windows are designed to bring in the crips fresh air of Karuizawa.
Thermal Baths
Hoshinoya is well known for it’s healing hot springs. Even non-hotel-guest travel there for one day visit. However there are certain hot springs that only hotel-guests can enjoy.
HOSHINOYA Karuizawa
Hoshino, Karuizawa-machi, Kitasaku-gun, Nagano, Japan 389–0194
Phone: (Reservation) +81–50–3786–1144
http://hoshinoyakaruizawa.com/en/
