Story Commune With Nature at These Hotels Near Oki Islands UNESCO Global Geopark and Kirishima Mountain Range
Soak in the Healing Benefits of Mother Nature By JNTO on 29 June 2022

Did you know that about two-thirds of the entire land of Japan has mountains and forests or woodlands? It is hard to believe when you think of densely packed cities like Tokyo or Osaka, but travel just outside the main metropolises and you will see an abundance of nature. In fact, each of the main islands has a heavily forested mountain range running through it. 

It is no wonder that hiking and mountain climbing are popular outdoor activities for locals and visitors alike. With so many beautiful nature parks and mountains, the sky is the limit when it comes to exploring Japan’s nature. If you are looking for an escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, these two luxury resorts, both located in rural Japan, offer ample opportunity to rest and recharge. 

Bathe in Timeless Wonder at Entô

©Kentauros Yasunaga

Hidden about 80km away from the mainland of Shimane Prefecture – about two hours by ferry – lies a secret hideaway designed to help you reconnect with nature and natural history. Entô is nestled within the Oki Islands UNESCO Global Geopark, which is located in the Sea of Japan. The geopark is known for its awe-inspiring seascapes.

Entô espouses the natural beauty of its surroundings with its attention to design – from floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the picturesque coastal scenery to artfully positioned furniture. There is also an exhibition space within the resort where you can learn more about the origins of the Earth and the Oki Islands before heading out into the open field to experience the sights, sounds and smells of the nature park.

Despite its secluded location, there are plenty of things to do and see during your stay at Entô. One of the most popular ways to explore the island is through walking. The Geopark has guided tours of the hotel surroundings that offer more insight into Oki’s rich history.

An indoor tour of the Geopark exhibition room is also available for instances where the weather won’t permit an outdoor tour. If you like to be on wheels, hop on an e-bike and explore the Oki Islands on your own. 

 

 

For those who prefer something less strenuous, you can always take it slow with the underwater viewing boat “Amanbow”, which you can enjoy between 1 April and 31 October. The floor of the ship is drawn apart to reveal the thriving underwater world underneath you. The waters below are teeming with marine life — from large striped beakfish to turban shells clinging to the rocks of Oki islands. The tour is also available in the evenings; if you are lucky, you can witness the stunning noctiluca, a bioluminescent organism.

 

©Kentauros Yasunaga

 

Back at the hotel, you can enjoy the boats from a distance while taking a soak in the on-site hot spring. Filled with sodium and calcium chloride-rich spring water, this natural onsen is said to help relieve symptoms of fatigue and tiredness. 

 

©Kentauros Yasunaga

 

After a relaxing bath, retreat to the dining area where you will be treated to a luxurious array of food inspired by the area. The majority of ingredients found on the menu are sourced from the island’s local producers, and the chef adheres to the Japanese concept of “shun”, which celebrates seasonal food at its peak. Whatever time of year you find yourself in Entô, you can be sure that each dish is prepared with deference to the season’s ingredients and the island’s traditions. 

 

Entô
Address: 1375-1 Fukui, Ama-cho, Oki-gun, Shimane 684-0404, Japan 
Website: https://ento-oki.jp/en/ 
Access: From the mainland, there are three ways to reach the Oki Islands: Oki Kisen ferry, high-speed rainbow jet and plane. If you opt to travel by plane, Oki Islands UNESCO Global Geopark Airport is the nearest. Then, board a boat from Saigo Port in Dogo (Oki Island Town) to Hishiura Port in Ama Town, where the resort is located. Entô is located a 3-minute walk from Hishiura Port. 

 

Go Back to Basics at Tenku 

 

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At Tenku, despite having an expansive compound stretching across 60 hectares, there are only five villas here, each with its own onsen. Here, you are afforded the utmost privacy to cast away any care and concerns about the outside world and simply be one with yourself. After all, the founder of Tenku, Tateo Tajima, has always maintained that his vision for his resorts is to help guests feel human again. 

 

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To that end, every single detail at Tenku has been fine-tuned to ensure you receive a high level of rest and relaxation for a rejuvenating experience. Each of the five villas comes outfitted with your own private deck, allowing you to bask in the lush greenery surrounding you as you soak in the mineral-rich waters of your private hot spring.

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This meditative, Zen-like experience is designed to soothe any frayed nerves and put you in a state of utter relaxation. Cap it off with an indulging treatment at Tenku Spa, where the massage oil is made with freshly squeezed sesame oil from sesame seeds grown on-site. 

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Out of the villas, the surroundings are equally charming. Hop into a river buggy and traverse the mysterious Ishizaka River which is framed by towering trees on either side of the riverbank. You can also book a chartered plane tour, which offers you a bird’s eye view of the Kirishima mountains and the spectacular Satsuma region.

 

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For something a bit more laid-back, take a stroll around the terrace to see the organic garden where the hotel’s kitchen staff grow over 30 types of vegetables that are served in the hotel in regular rotation. The seasonality of ingredients is highly regarded here and is reflected in the food that appears on your plate. Inspired by ancient imperial court cuisine, each dish is carefully selected to showcase the region’s seasonal best. 

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With so much care and effort going into improving your sense of wellbeing, Tenku is definitely a haven for tired minds and souls to get reinvigorated. 
 

Tenku
Address: 3389 Syukukubota, Makizono-cho, Kirishima City, Kagoshima 899-6507, Japan
Website: https://tenku-jp.com/en 
Access: From Haneda Airport, it is a 1-hour 45-minute flight to Kagoshima Airport. From there, it is a 15-minute drive to the resort. 

We have long known about the healing benefits of being in nature – from reduced stress levels to an enhanced sense of wellbeing – but it tends to get forgotten in the motions of everyday life. However, with a little intention and purposeful planning, you, too, can enjoy the beauty of getting reacquainted with your natural selves.