2021 Hot Resorts and Ryokan Getaways
Aman Niseko
This season’s roundup of new and soon-to-debut ryokans features something for everyone, from art lovers to urban explorers, adrenaline junkies to those in search of seaside serenity– plus a one-of-a-kind floating ryokan without a fixed address.
TEXT: Eve Thomas
EDITOR: Helen Homan Wu
Aman Niseko lounge
Aman Niseko
Outdoor Adventure
Aman Niseko
Where: Niseko, Hokkaido
Aman’s fourth Japanese property is set to open in mid-2022 on Mount Moiwa, within a nature reserve – making it the only development on the mountain. Expect Aman’s subtle architectural touches (in this case, the late architect Kerry Hill was inspired by traditional design motifs from Hokkaido’s indigneous population, the Ainu), as well as a range of high-adrenaline activities, from skiing to mountain biking to river rafting. Niseko is famous for ski resorts, natural beauty and all-season outdoor adventure. The retreat is also located in the onsen capital of the world, and the spa as well as all 21 residences will feature indoor and outdoor bathing pools.
A room in Roka
Roka
Art house
Roka
Where: Naoshima Island (Seto Inland Sea)
Set to welcome guests in April 2022, this ryokan will be the second luxury accommodation on the island (after Benesse House), whose other options are a smattering of bed-and-breakfasts with limited amenities. Its opening coincides with the eight-month-long Setouchi Triennale. Launched in 2010, the contemporary arts festival is held across a dozen islands and coastal cities in the Seto Inland Sea, and includes both museum exhibits and temporary installations from artists as diverse as Monet, Yayoi Kusuma and James Turrell. Roka itself will also double as a living art gallery, exhibiting contemporary Japanese artworks that are to be rotated seasonally and available for purchase by guests. The property will feature 11 suites with open-air baths in every suite.
Fufu Kyoto’s garden
A suite in Fufu Kyoto
City Escape
Fufu Kyoto
Where: Kyoto
Located near the Nanzenji Temple and by the Murin-an promenade garden, this inn promises a serene stay while exploring Kyoto and beyond. All rooms are outfitted with natural hot spring baths made of Japanese cypress aka hinoki, and other thoughtful details include iron kettles for tea, organic Yokou amenities (scented with sandalwood and cherry blossom) and seasonal flower arrangements in handcrafted vases. Outside, find a traditional garden fed by water from Lake Biwa, and a Hanare-style Japanese detached cottage that serves as a bar as well as a site for activities like tea tasting, ikebana classes, Geisha dances and incense ceremonies.
Guntu
Guntu’s outer deck
Go to sea
guntû
Where: Seto Inland Sea and surrounding regions
Japan’s luxury cruise market may still be a growing industry,, but this floating ryokan is a promising look at what’s possible when Japanese design principles are taken off shore. On board, find 19 wood-paneled cabins designed by housing architect Yasushi Horibe; dining options supervised by Kenzo Sato from Tokyo’s Shigeyoshi and Nobuo Sakamoto of Nobu at Awajishima; wellness offerings including a hinoki cypress bath, massage menus, deck for yoga and tai chi, and engawa terraces with hinoki benches for optimal viewing of the ever-shifting Seto Inland Sea. Guests can choose from three categories (offering more than 10 routes) with different landmarks and off-shore activity options (like tracing pirates’ footsteps and visiting the 1500-year-old Itsukushima Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage site).
A sea view room in KAI Beppu
Lobby and reception at KAI Beppu
Star architecture
KAI Beppu
Where: Beppu, Kyushu
Opened last summer in the Oita Prefecture, this property from Hoshino Resorts, designed by Kengo Kuma, was inspired by Beppu’s rich history as a bustling hot spring destination – the area has over 2000 onsen – with features like a cobblestone alleyway, paper lanterns, a retro games arcade and indoor and outdoor baths fed by skin-smoothing, hydrogen-carbonate-heavy spring water. Off the lobby, find a breezy terrace and outdoor foot bath overlooking Beppu Bay. All 70 guest rooms feature expansive ocean views, with windows designed to feel like picture frames and pinkish-brown kakishibu paint used to enhance the blueness of the water. Also find traditional Bungo tie-dyed textiles on headboards and blankets, created by local artist Hiroko Ando.
Contact us to start tailoring your Japan experience with more unique accomodations selected by us.