[2024-2025] Have fun avoiding the crowds! 3 exquisite retreat hotels in Japan
We will introduce you to a carefully selected list of the finest retreat hotels in the Seto Inland Sea and Kyushu areas. Refresh your mind and body at these tranquil locations surrounded by beautiful nature and sophisticated, high-quality spaces. We offer a soothing accommodation experience perfect ...
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Table of Contents
- What is a Retreat Hotel?
- [Ehime Prefecture] Setouchi Retreat
- [Nagasaki Prefecture] Iki Retreat
- [Nagasaki Prefecture] Goto Retreat
- Travelers who are suitable for Retreat
- summary
What is a Retreat Hotel?
Retreat hotels are luxury accommodations that offer relaxation in a private space in a tranquil natural environment. They are the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and refresh your mind and body through beautiful scenery, local culture, and luxurious service. Retreat facilities are scattered throughout Japan's mountains, seaside areas, and hot spring resorts, each with their own unique charm, attracting many travelers from both Japan and overseas. This time, we will introduce some retreat hotels that draw inspiration from the past.
[Ehime Prefecture] Setouchi Retreat
Features
Seto Inland Sea Retreat Aonagi, overlooking the beautiful Seto Inland Sea , features an art space designed by architect Tadao Ando. Modern design blends in with nature, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of an art museum. Enjoy luxurious private time in a suite room with a private pool. The dining area, which serves seasonal Japanese courses made with local ingredients, is also highly rated. Surrounded by the beautiful scenery of the four seasons, you can enjoy a quiet time away from your daily routine.
Experience
Private Spa
There are only two spa suite rooms, offering a wide view of the beautiful blue sea and islands of Seto Inland Sea. Treatments are customized using original products that incorporate the bounty of nature in Seto Inland Sea, such as yuzu, mandarin oranges, and pomelo. Experience blissful all-hand treatments in a luxurious private space.
Seasonal food experiences
A dining experience packed with the rich seafood of the Seto Inland Sea and seasonal bounty from the mountains. Japanese cuisine that makes use of these seasonal ingredients is attractive for its visual beauty and deep flavors that linger in your mouth. In a tranquil space, enjoy a special dining experience that allows you to experience the Japanese food culture that has been passed down in the region.
ART
The museum displays works by a wide variety of artists, captivating visitors.
The geometric abstract works of FRANK STELLA, the original and delicate expressions of Rieko Kawabe and Maria Mimori, and the street art elements of SUIKO combine to create a unique collaboration of art. In addition, works by international artists such as PAUL AIZPIRI and CASPER are also exhibited, making it a space where you can enjoy the charm of art from various perspectives. The worldviews depicted by each artist using different techniques and expressions provide new inspiration to visitors.
Recommended Activities
- Shimanami Sea
The delicious sea bream rice served near the world's first triple suspension bridge opened in April 2006. The Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge is famous for the sea bream caught off the coast of the Kurushima Strait at the foot of the bridge, and the sea bream rice served at Ochoso is so fresh and delicious that people line up to get it. Also, at the Yoshiumi Ikiikikan Roadside Station, the charcoal grill barbecue is popular, where seafood from the fish tank in the fresh fish section is grilled on a charcoal grill. Itoyama Park and the Kurushima Kaikyo Observatory on the premises are easily accessible from the city and offer great views.
- One of 12 castles in Japan that still has a castle tower built during the Edo period
It is one of 12 castles in Japan that still has a castle tower built during the Edo period, and has been selected as one of Japan's 100 Great Castles. Standing on a small hill, the castle tower offers a panoramic view of the city and the Seto Inland Sea. Kato Yoshiaki began construction of the castle. Matsuyama Castle Ninomaru Historical Garden is where the feudal lord's beloved Noh performances are held, and the garden is lively in every season.
- Dogo Onsen Main Building
The main building is the first hot spring facility in Japan to be designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan. The main building is a three-story wooden building that boasts the longest history in Japan. It was built in 1894 and was the first hot spring facility in Japan to be designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan in 1994. You can feel the romance of the fact that Prince Shotoku, many members of the imperial family, Emperor Showa, and even Natsume Soseki have bathed here in the past. The sound of the drums struck in the drum tower "Shinjukaku" reverberates three times a day and has been selected as one of the 100 best soundscapes in Japan that we want to preserve. Dogo Onsen Main Building has a colorless, transparent, alkaline simple hot spring that is gentle on the skin and has a skin-beautifying effect, and has been ranked number one for solo female travelers. The symbol of Dogo Onsen, the "Botchan Karakuri Clock," rises every hour and you can enjoy the characters from Natsume Soseki's novel "Botchan."
access
Hotel location
794-1 Yanagidani-cho, Matsuyama City, Ehime Prefecture, 790-2641
- 50 minutes (30km) from Matsuyama Airport
- 35 minutes (18km) from JR Matsuyama Station
- 30 minutes from Dogo Onsen
- 50 minutes (30km) from Matsuyama Tourist Port
Pricing and Plans
- ADVANCE28days 45,360 yen ~ 1 person rate Click here to book
- [This month's selection] Pairing excellence & DINNER 65,511 yen ~ Price for 1 person Click here to make a reservation
[Nagasaki Prefecture] Iki Retreat
Features
Located on Iki Island in Nagasaki Prefecture, Iki Retreat Murakami Kairi attracts visitors as a place to heal the body and mind throughout the island. The premises are filled with lush greenery and a serene sea view, which is especially beautiful at sunset. There is also a restaurant where you can enjoy creative cuisine made with local ingredients, and a full range of relaxation services are available in the hot springs and spa. In a spacious space, you can spend a relaxing time feeling the energy of nature. Iki Retreat Murakami Kairi is featured in the Michelin Guide Fukuoka, Saga, Nagasaki 2019 Special Edition as a "5 Pavilion Ryokan" (a luxurious and high-end ryokan).
Experience
- Unique Iki ingredients
Iki is a treasure trove of luxurious ingredients throughout the four seasons. From ingredients to ancient seasonings, Iki is a place where people are grateful for and treasure the interactions of nature. In all of these areas, we pursue the "real thing," identifying the flavor of the ingredients and striving to bring out the best in the taste... We offer banquet cuisine that can be enjoyed by each and every guest.
- Hypertonic natural hot spring
The golden-colored water of the artesian spring is "hypertonic," which indicates that the hot spring is concentrated. The spring's quality allows the ingredients to easily penetrate the skin, and it has high antibacterial and moisturizing properties, making it a valuable spring for beautifying the skin, as it removes dead skin cells while retaining moisture. This is a historic natural hot spring that has been loved by many people for about 1,700 years as a spring that brings fertility.
- KAIRI SPA
The three facilities incorporate the natural energy of Iki Island, including a private hot spring, a fitness gym, and treatment facilities, allowing you to achieve a total balance between a healthy and beautiful mind, skin, and body.
Activities on Iki Island
- Fishing Cruises
A fishing cruise on the cobalt blue sea of Iki. No prior preparation is required. Depending on the season, you can enjoy jigging, red snapper fishing, five-fish fishing, drift fishing, live bait fishing, and more. If you're lucky, you might catch a luxury fish of your dreams. We will provide you with a chartered boat with a restroom, so that children and beginners can feel at ease. An assistant will also be on board.
- Sun Raise/Sun Set Cruise
Sunrise Cruise/Sunset CruiseA private tour cruising the beautiful seas of Iki Island. Enjoy the scenery from the boat, which you can't normally take the time to stop and appreciate.
- Ondako Coloring
Experience coloring an Oni-dako, a traditional Iki kite designated as a traditional craft of Nagasaki Prefecture. Made from bamboo and washi paper, Oni-dako depict a battle between an oni and a warrior and are said to ward off evil spirits and ensure safety in the home and good health. Currently, there is only one successor who continues to make Oni-dako in Iki.
- Visit to the Katsumoto Auction
At Katsumoto Fishing Port, located in the No. 1 fishing town in Iki, you can observe the fish auction, which is not open to the general public. After the auction tour, the manager will serve you a dish made from fresh fish that he has auctioned at Kairi Murakami for breakfast. We also offer a service where we will auction off fresh fish of your choice and send it to your home.
access
Approximately 1 hour by jetfoil from Hakata Port (Fukuoka)
119-2, Tateishi Nishi-sho, Katsumoto-cho, Iki City, Nagasaki Prefecture, 811-5556
*We provide free shuttle service from Iki Port and Iki Airport to the hotel. Reservations are required, so please let us know your time in advance.
[Nagasaki Prefecture] Goto Retreat
Features
Located in the Goto Islands of Nagasaki, GOTO RETREAT by Onko Chishin is a secluded retreat hotel. The island's unique natural charm and sightseeing around the historic churches are also attractive. At ray, you can enjoy a French dinner made with plenty of Goto's rich ingredients and a relaxing experience. The rooms overlooking the Goto sea provide deep peace and relaxation to visitors, and you can feel your mind freed in an extraordinary space.
Experience
- Camellia oil extraction experience
At the camellia oil workshop, you can experience squeezing oil from camellia seeds. You can take the oil home in a bottle.
- Golf Activities
You can enjoy resort golf at Goto Country Club, which is located next to Goto's symbol, Onidake. With ocean views from almost every course, it is a fantastic location where you can enjoy untouched nature. Enjoy dynamic play on the finest courses.
- Photo wedding
Why not leave a lasting impression of your special day as a couple in the form of wedding photos? Even after the day has become a memory, you will want to return to this special day with your family. You can enjoy your stay and photos at a place that feels like a slice of natural art, with a photo wedding.
access
2877 Kamisakiyamacho, Goto City, Nagasaki Prefecture, 853-0023
The nearest airport is Fukue Airport (Goto Tsubaki Airport), and the nearest seaport is Fukue Port.
- About 40 minutes by plane from Nagasaki Airport or Fukuoka Airport to Fukue Airport (Goto Tsubaki Airport)
- It takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes by jetfoil from Nagasaki Port to reach Fukue Port.
Travelers who are suitable for Retreat
Couple trip
Recommended for couples who want to spend a romantic time surrounded by nature. Enjoy a special moment just for the two of you in a quiet environment.
Girls trips and personal retreats
Perfect for those who want to take time to rediscover themselves and refresh themselves. Through yoga and meditation programs, you can achieve balance in mind and body.
Business Retreat
Perfect for a business retreat to unwind and boost your creativity, the hotel also offers meeting space and workshop facilities.
summary
Why not seek healing for your mind and body at a retreat hotel where you can experience local culture in harmony with nature? Our three facilities in Seto Inland Sea, Iki, and Goto offer extraordinary relaxation spaces and are places where you can have a luxurious experience that will free you from your busy daily life. With English and multilingual support available, travelers from overseas can stay with peace of mind. Enjoy a superb retreat experience while immersing yourself in Japan's rich nature and culture.
Onkochishin operates a wide variety of facilities, from casual to ultra-luxury, from long-established inns to newly built hotels, and from urban areas to remote islands. What they all have in common is their unparalleled individuality. We listen closely to the memories of each place and create unique, custom-made accommodation concepts.
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