So much time on vacation is spent in accommodation, sleeping, eating or recharging in between adventures
or travelling. We’ve put together some unique places to rest your head and transport suggestions that will
mean you are enjoying an immersive Japanese experience every minute of the day. From high speed luxury
rail, to reclaimed manor houses, glamping under the stars or floating aboard accommodation Guntu, you’ll
know exactly where you are, whether you are resting up, or getting from A to B!
Here are some suggestions:
Moonlight Dining
Bathe in moonlight under a transparent dome in Chubusangaku National Park. Here is glamping at its best.
This eco-friendly glamping dinner experience brings Japanese cuisine to the wilderness at Norikura Star and
Moon Restaurant in Shinshu, Nagano Prefecture. Deep in the Japanese Alps, guests will feast on a multi-course
dinner planned by one of Tokyo’s top chefs, Chisako Hori. Enjoy Shinshu’s best: wagyu beef, soba and more –
plus wine and craft beer.
Rest at an Inn Once Owned by Nobles
In the heart of snowy Minami Uonuma in Niigata Prefecture is Ryugon, a stately ryokan consisting of a
refurbished traditional manor once owned by nobles and wealthy merchants. The inn takes pride in Niigata’s
unique Snow Country culture, highlighting local specialities and holding cultural experiences for guests. Each
room has a rotenburo open-air bath on the terrace that faces the gardens. Lie back and relax in the soothing
onsen waters as you enjoy the views.
Relax in Minimalist Luxury
Setouchi Retreat Aonagi was designed by world-renowned Tadao Ando as a complement to the Elleair
Matsuyama Museum of Art. Relax in minimalist luxury in one of the seven spacious suites or take in the view
from a hot spring jacuzzi overlooking the picturesque Seto Inland Sea from the mountain outlook. The hotel
features pools, spa and an art gallery but the minimalist design allows the views to be the hero along with
fresh local produce featured in the traditional multi-course kaiseki Japanese dinner.
Japanese Tradition Merges with Modern Styling
Behind a traditional sukiya-zukuri façade in Kyoto’s Gion district, Sowaka offers a luxurious blend of classic
and modern styling. The hotel effuses ethereal elegance throughout its luxurious space combining nostalgia
with modernity. Once across the stone threshold, be transported to an oasis of calm. Relax in one of
Sowaka’s 23 individually designed rooms, and listen to the gentle breeze that blows through the green and
tranquil courtyard. Sowaka provides guests with various exclusive opportunities to experience
Kyoto, including tours of shrines and temples not usually open to the public, as well as hands-on cultural
experiences. Alongside its naturally furnished rooms and private courtyard garden, the hotel also serves as
the dining room for the award-winning La Bombance restaurant.
Stay on a Sleek Award-Winning Ship
Sail the Seto Inland Sea in style, aboard the award-winning Guntu. A floating luxury hotel featuring 19 woodpanelled cabins and cosy common spaces designed by renowned architect Yasushi Horibe. The vessel offers
spectacular views from its spacious panoramic terraces. The ship resembles a Japanese ryokan that blends
into the gentle scenery of Setouchi. On board, enjoy a bespoke dining experience, a cosy six-seat sushi bar
with a view of the sea, Japanese confectionary at the lounge, communal baths with hinoki cypress bathtubs,
saunas and gym.
The Ultimate Luxury Train Experience
Get the ultimate train experience on the luxurious Train Suite Shiki-shima that provides luxury
accommodation, designer observation spaces and lounges furnished with local crafts and artworks from each
region of eastern Japan. Fusing Japanese and Western design, the spacious train features several suites,
including a split-level room with a cypress bath. The Train Suite Shiki-shima offers the ultimate in hospitality
with a menu curated by acclaimed chef, Shigeru Sato.
Private Jet Service
Pick up a bento box for the flight and enjoy the flexibility of opting for a private jet. Both JAL and ANA offer
convenient services that will have you skiing in Hokkaido in the morning and surfing in Ishigaki before dinner.
Just choose your destination and schedule!
For more information go to https://www.japan.travel/en/au/
