7 Remote Hotels For Your Next Trip to Japan
When it comes to accommodation, Japanese hotels offer so much more than just a place to stay. This is especially true the further away you get from major cities like Tokyo and Fukuoka. In the list below, I share with you some of my favourite remote destinations, from a traditional farmhouse converted into a design hotel in Toyama, to a luxury escape in the subtropical islands of Okinawa. Any of these destinations would be a unique addition to add a first time Japan itinerary.
Kumano Bettei Nakanoshima, Wakayama
Backed by the sounds of the Katsuura Bay in Wakayama, Kumano Bettei Nakanoshima sits on its own private island. The ryokan hotel, inspired by the ‘Luxury of Silence’, boasts 44 Japanese and Western-style rooms, with the newly constructed Nagino-sho rooms featuring open air baths and ocean views. Guests can enjoy highly seasonal kaiseki cuisine celebrating local produce in the on-site restaurant.
1179-9 Katsuura, Nachikatsuura, Higashimuro District, 649-5334
Rakudo-An, Toyama
Sat upon one of the largest dispersed settlements in Japan, Rakudo-An is located in the Tonami Plain in western Toyama Prefecture. Having opened its doors in October 2022, the intimate art hotel offers guests a personalised service where they can discover regional crafts and design, as well as be immersed in the atmosphere of the surrounding natural landscape. Groups are limited to three per stay, and several experiences are offered including Etchu Isami Taiko Drumming and a Bon-Temae tea ceremony.
645 Nomurajima, Tonami, Toyama 939-1334
Ready to explore? Discover more hotels in Toyama here.
Related Post: 10 Places to Visit in Japan for Art & Architecture
The Beachfront Mijora, Amami-Oshima
Located along the northern side of Amami-Oshima, these minimalist concrete cabins are designed with a stripped back aesthetic. Guests are invited to interact with nature as each room backs onto the crystal blue ocean opposite. Other facilities include the on-site restaurant, waters – using only local Amami ingredients – and a pentagon-shaped infinity pool.
861-4 Kasarichō Ōaza Sotoganeku, Amami, 894-0513
Explore the latest availabilities and rates in Amami-Oshima here.
Hoshinoya Fuji
A Fuji view from the comfort of your own bedroom - in this case one of 40 minimalist concrete cabins that make up the majestic Hoshinoya Fuji resort. Designed by Rie Azuma, the concept is based around creating a ‘playground to sharpen the senses’ - from the crackle of the bonfire, to the smell of dinner cooking out on your private terrace, and the sun shimmering off Lake Kawaguchi in the early morning. Not to mention the most pristine views of Fuji-san from the moment you arrive.
1408 Ōishi, Fujikawaguchiko, Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi 401-0305
Hoshino Resorts Kai Poroto, Hokkaido
Set on the edge of Lake Poroto and enfolded in forest, Hoshino Resorts Kai Poroto convincingly blurs the line between man-made structures and the bucolic surroundings. Its unique bathhouses, inspired by ancient Ainu villages and filled with mineral-rich water, occupy a cone-shaped structure with outdoor and indoor baths. The retreat’s contextual design extends to the rooms, which have striking white birch columns, fireplace-inspired tables and Ainu-patterned artworks. Local seafood informs the dinner menu, with dishes such as fragrant daigo nabe, a hotpot teeming with stewed crab and scallops.
1-1018-94 Wakakusacho, Shiraoi, Hokkaido 059-0902
Ready to go? Discover the latest rates and availability options here.
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Hyakurakuso, Ishikawa
Noto is known for having several world‑class ryokans located along its rocky coastlines, and one of those is Hyakurakuso. Located on the cliffside of the stunning Tsukumo Bay, the oceanfront ryokan comes equipped with its own private fishing dock. Guests can experience a mix of private onsens and multi‑course seafood menus, as well as learning all about the area’s history in the fishing trade from staff who have lived in Ishikawa their whole lives.
11-34 Ossaka, Noto, Hosu District, Ishikawa 927-0552
Browse a full selection of ryokans in Ishikawa Prefecture here.
Hoshinoya Taketomi Island, Okinawa
Nowhere is the timelessness of Ryukyu culture more beautifully preserved than the hidden village of HOSHINOYA Taketomi Island. 48 secluded villas are intertwined through stone pathways and gukku coral walls, and designed meticulously to reflect the lifestyles and rituals of the islanders themselves. As well as a 24 hour heated pool, signature ‘Island Time’ spa, Yuntaku lounge, and in-house dining celebrating local Okinawan cuisine, HOSHINOYA Taketomi offers unrivalled personal service and relaxation from busy modern lifestyles.
Taketomi, Yaeyama District, Okinawa 907-1101
Related Post: Hoshinoya Taketomi Island: A Timeless Subtropical Escape
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