Traveling to Japan opens a door to a world where tradition meets modernity, and where the ordinary transforms into the extraordinary. 

 

As you plan your next adventure, immerse yourself in premium and unique accommodations. Whether you seek tranquility akin to that of a traditional ryokan or prefer a more modern design concept, each destination promises cultural richness and an unforgettable experience.

 

HOSHINOYA Fuji (Yamanashi Prefecture)

 

 

Located 100 meters up the slope with breathtaking views of Lake Kawaguchi, HOSHINOYA Fuji is Japan’s first glamping resort situated just a short distance from the iconic Mt. Fuji. The cabins present a minimalist design, featuring living room-style balconies that “blur the line between interior and exterior”.

 

Guests are invited to savor their time on Cloud Terrace, a series of platforms connected by stairs built along the slope extending from the cabins. Each platform offers a diverse array of activities, ranging from morning wake-up sessions where guests can brew coffee outdoors and savor seasonal snacks to evening gatherings around a lively fire. This is set against the backdrop of serene landscapes, occasionally accompanied by live music from the cafe situated atop Cloud Terrace.

 

While encouraged to explore and engage in activities that capture their interest, Glamping Masters can also offer suggestions on-site. These experiences promise to rejuvenate guests with crisp mountain air, vibrant colors of surrounding trees and flowers, and serenades from birds and insects, creating a sensory journey.

Other activities include Jyukai Lava Hiking—a guided trek spanning approximately 3.5 km through pristine nature formed on Fuji lava, a food smoking workshop, morning tours, canoeing, aerial stretching, and private electric bicycle tours.

 

 

 

Sasayuri-Ann (Nara Prefecture)

ZAO

 

OZUNU

Photo from Sasayuri-Ann

 

In the serene natural landscape at the eastern edge of Nara prefecture, Sasayuri-Ann is an exclusive luxury retreat comprising two distinct traditional-style villas called the OZUNU and ZAO villas. Guests have the option to rent both villas if desired.

 

ZAO is a meticulously restored kominka, a traditional Japanese-style thatched-roof house, boasting over 200 years of history. Renovated to offer 10 guests a comfortable stay, the villa provides spectacular views of rice terraces and the majestic peaks of the National Park from its main room.

 

OZUNU, on the other hand, can also fit 10 occupants and presents a modern marvel with its newly constructed building featuring a thatched roof, a restored 100-year-old traditional tea room, and three landscaped gardens. You may find yourself gazing upon a breathtaking sea of clouds from the porch in the morning, and staying here is like experiencing the summit of traditional garden art in modern Japan. 

 

You can visit the Homa Temple to explore the nearby Fukano Village before returning to enjoy gourmet meals, including a kaiseki meal prepared by a Michelin star-awarded chef. However, what truly distinguishes Sasayuri-Ann is its exceptional level of service, overseen by the villa owner and ascetic monk. 

 

During winter, guests have the opportunity to convene around the traditional open hearth, while the expansive verandahs in summer provide an ideal space for meditation or simply enjoying the scenic vistas. The villa owner is adept at coordinating an array of activities, ranging from private yoga sessions, agricultural and fruit-picking excursions, tea ceremonies to music workshops (including Shakuhachi lessons), guided hikes to nearby waterfalls, and even helicopter tours. Amidst the changing seasons, Sasayuri-Ann invites guests to experience a harmonious blend of traditional comforts and an immersive escape into the heart of Nara.
 

HOSHINOYA Taketomi Island (Okinawa Prefecture)

 

 

Taketomi Island stands out as one of the rare locales in Japan where the landscape has retained its ancient charm. Mirroring the traditional architecture found throughout the island, the pavilions at HOSHINOYA Taketomi Island boast distinctive red-tiled roofs adorned with “Shisa” lion figurines, each bearing a unique expression. Enclosed by walls crafted from fossilized coral stones, these structures combine visual appeal with resilience against the island's strong winds, ensuring enduring functionality.

 

The immaculate white beaches of the island are serene with the gentle sound of the waves. This tranquility is also present on HOSHINOYA Taketomi Island, where 48 pavilions give the impression that this is simply another harmonious village within the island. The islanders' wisdom echoes: “To truly understand the island, one must embrace its way of life”, and during your stay, this sentiment rings undeniably true.

 

HOSHINOYA Taketomi Island's culinary offerings showcase the distinct flavors of Okinawa, highlighting the island's bounty through locally sourced ingredients. Sample dishes showcasing the island's bounty include those featuring "soy sauce moromi" and the boldly flavored Kuruma Tiger Prawns.

 

A vast range of experiences during your stay may include private tours on a traditional wooden boat called “sabani”, Iriomote Mangrove canoeing, minsa weaving, Sanshin (traditional Okinawan instrument) lessons, Shisa ornament-making, snorkeling, and diving tours, as well as other island adventures.

 

 

 

Japan's premium and unique accommodations invite travelers to embark on a journey where each destination offers a distinct and memorable experience.

 

As you explore these exceptional accommodations, let Japan's rich cultural heritage, breathtaking landscapes, and warm hospitality captivate your senses. Elevate your travel experience by choosing accommodations that not only provide luxurious comfort but also offer a glimpse into the very soul of an extraordinary country, and where every moment is a celebration of timeless beauty. Beyond the ordinary, Japan awaits.