Kumano-Bettei Nakanoshima
Sydney, Austrlaia: 24 Febraury: Luxury means something different in Japan. It’s not about glitz, glamour or excess. It’s about slowing down, showing respect and restraint, and respecting precision, patience and expertise. From exclusive accommodation to culinary experiences, high-end holidaymakers will find Japan is full of opportunities for deep discovery and distinctive stays…if they know where to look.
“Whilst Japan’s cosmopolitan cities are home to many five-star hotels and fine dining restaurants, there are exceptional experiences, striking landscapes and unique places to stay throughout the country, including in less-discovered regional prefectures where the real luxury is in taking the time to delve into the ancient traditions, authentic cuisine and artisan skills honed over generations which have shaped the Japan we know today,” said Naoki Kitazawa, Executive Director, Sydney Office, Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO).
To help travellers uncover sublime stays and exquisite multi-course menus, Japan National Tourism Organization has curated a selection of experiences for those who appreciate not just the finer things in life, but true artisanship and the pursuit of excellence.
One-of-a-kind stays
At Kanshukuen Eshikoto 
in Fukui Prefecture, guests are invited to reset mind and body from the inside out from stylish private villas with onsen overlooking the Kuzuryu River. Zen culture and traditional Echizen crafts are showcased, with accommodation highlighting local art and ceramics, from traditional furniture to washi paper lighting and handcrafted ceramics. Dining in the in-house restaurants, either Japanese Chiso En , showcasing locally caught seafood, or fine French fare at Cadre , is an unforgettable experience.
On Awaji Island in Hyogo Prefecture, the Zenbo Seinei meditation retreat is attracting wellness travellers to stay in its 18 temple lodgings, enjoy meditative mountain viewing from the vast cedar deck, and partake in traditional Zenbo cuisine showcasing local produce reflecting the four seasons. Further north in Hyogo, Nishimuraya Honkan is a 150-year-old onsen which reflects the Japanese understanding of a luxury retreat. Featuring sukiya-zukuri architecture, manicured gardens and private open-air baths, guests can also take a complimentary dip in Kinosaki’s seven renowned onsen.
In Toyama Prefecture, River Retreat Garaku combines modern art, tradition and luxury exceptionally well, with spacious suites, serene tea rooms where guests can imbibe and use traditional utensils, and immersive listening room, and an outdoor Art Walk in nature.
On the shores of Lake Shikotsu in nature-rich Hokkaido, Lake Shikotsu Tsuruga Resort Spa MIZU NO UTA is an elegant choice for travellers keen to explore Japan’s onsen culture with easy access to the famed, healing hot springs of the lake. Visit at any time of year to see the spectacular seasonal changes of Lake Shikotsu and enjoy staying in this contemporary ryokan featuring suites with private open-air onsen. Also in Hokkaido, Tokachigawa Onsen Sanyoan epitomises traditional Japanese hospitality with just 11 guest rooms, each with a private open-air timber bath to enjoy the region’s heritage-recognised moor onsen which is famed for its moisturising properties.
Situated between the woods and the waves overlooking the Seto Inland Sea in Hiroshima Prefecture, Keishokan Sazanamitei promises a restorative escape from everyday life where guests can slow down and reconnect with nature – beginning with a tranquil soak in the natural onsen with panoramic sea views.
In Akita Prefecture, the exclusive Kakunodate Sanso Wabizakura lies just outside the well-preserved samurai town of Kakunodate. Offering just 10 rooms, each with a private free-flowing onsen, highlights of a stay at the ryokan include evenings spent on the stargazing deck and the on-site kaiseki restaurant where a 2 Michelin-star chef creates magical meals.
In canal-lined Omihachiman in Shiga Prefecture, Hatago Wakatsu is a two-suite ryokan in a former tatami shop which is made for mindful travel. From soothing medicinal herb-infused saunas to cold water bathing, traditional tea ceremonies and hyper-local seasonal dinners, the feeling of restoration begins when guests slip on yukata kimonos and slippers as they enter their screen-free suite.
Nakanoshima Island in Wakayama Prefecture is home to just one hotel, Kumano-Bettei Nakanoshima , a seaside ryokan where guests can watch the sunset over the mountains whilst submerged in a large outdoor bath overlooking Kii-Katsuura Bay.
Travellers who enjoy stepping back in time can stay at Ozu Castle in Ehime Prefecture - there’s even an option to arrive on horseback and be welcomed by armour-clad samurai – and enjoy the luxury of having a genuine castle tower all to themselves. A raft of experiences are available to make the most of the moment, including cultural heritage tours and champagne riverboat cruises.
Cultivated cuisine
At Japan’s finest tables, dining is much more than just eating, it’s a storytelling experience, a journey where fresh local produce, culinary talent and aesthetics – from the way food is arranged on the plate to the dishes themselves – come together to create something special.
In Kanazawa, historic ryotei Zeniya offers an immersive introduction to Kaga cuisine, beloved among local gourmands for its interpretation of high-end Japanese dining. Helmed by Chef Shinichiro Takagi, the ever-evolving kaiseki menu honours culinary traditions while seamlessly incorporating contemporary techniques and ideas. Seasonal specialities such as snow crab, sweet shrimp and heirloom Kaga vegetables are presented with meticulous precision.
Near the foot of Mt Fuji in Shizuoka, the Green Tea Pairing and Calligraphy Experience offers a sensory blend of art, culture and cuisine that exemplifies Japan’s refined approach to luxury dining. Set within the celebrated Kakuyabessho restaurant, the experience begins with a unique calligraphy session using ink made from powdered green tea. Afterwards, a multi-course meal awaits, where each dish is paired with a curated selection of local green teas that complement seasonal ingredients and elevate every flavour. The combination of mindful craft and flavours invites travellers to savour not just a meal, but a celebration of cultural traditions.
In Fukuoka, Teru Sushi uses theatre to pay homage to the city’s revered sushi traditions. Every detail is considered with meticulous attention, from the methods used to catch and prepare each fish to the locally crafted vinegar blended exclusively for the sushi rice. In an intimate setting, guests are drawn into the performance as masterful knife work transforms the finest seasonal seafood from Kyushu and San’in into delicious nigiri. Chef Watanabe and his team guide diners through each course, balancing tradition with subtle experimentation to create an innovative sushi experience.
L’evo in Toyama Prefecture is dishing up avant-garde cuisine that fuses French and Japanese traditions using the foraged ingredients from local forests and served on dishes created by local artists. From firefly squid and red queen crabs to foraged mushrooms, the creative menu is grounded in nature.
In Nara Prefecture’s Tenkawa, Michelin-starred restaurant SÉN is nestled amongst maple trees in the Japanese inn, Misenkan . The highlight is the omakase menu focusing on local vegetables, wild greens, wild game and fish caught in the nearby river, cooked over wood fires. Make the most of the location and stay overnight in the intimate inn.
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For additional information, please contact: mediaau@jnto.go.jp
