As a country celebrated for its harmonious blend of cultural tradition and innovation, it’s no surprise Japan offers some of the most architecturally wondrous accommodation options that perfectly balance contemporary style and comfort with the country’s rich history and pristine natural environment.
If you’re looking for immersive overnight experiences in Japan that leave you feeling connected to nature as well as some of Japan’s most time-honoured traditions and crafts, Shikoku could be the perfect place to visit. The smallest and most sparsely populated of Japan’s main islands, Shikoku boasts a huge offering of unique hotel stays that are so much more than just a place to sleep.
With awe-inspiring architecture blending seamlessly with Shikoku’s stunning natural landscapes and regional history, here’s a taste of some of the best and most sustainable overnight experiences on the island.
Sakagura Sauna & Inn Mitoyo Tsuru TOJI
Discover a unique accommodation experience in Kagawa Prefecture that combines the traditions of a historic sake brewery with contemporary concepts of wellness. Housed in a restored sake brewery that dates back to 1877, the Inn’s architecture is reflective of Japan’s Meiji Era craftsmanship, featuring wooden beams, high ceilings, and an open layout while incorporating modern design elements for the comfort and enjoyment of its guests.
A stay at Mitoyo Tsuru TOJI offers an immersive experience into the world of Japanese sake brewing where you’ll be invited to enjoy a selection of local sake as part of a tasting session and engage in a unique sake brewing themed wellness experience.
Sake production is at the core of every experience at Mitoyo Tsuru TOJI, so don’t miss the opportunity to unwind and relax in the spacious private bath area that includes a Finnish-style sauna and bath filled with warm brewing water. The bath and sauna areas have been designed to celebrate the building’s sake brewing heritage, with the Finnish sauna construction blending seamlessly with the Japanese architectural style. Meanwhile, the Inn’s courtyard and living room are the perfect place to read, relax, or enjoy a barbecue meal.
Zero-energy Itomachi Hotel 0
Opened in 2023 and designed by prominent Japanese architect, Kengo Kuma, Itomachi Hotel 0 is Japan’s first zero-energy hotel located in Saijo City, Ehime Prefecture. Saijo City is known as a source of pure “uchinuki” – spring water from the nearby Mt. Ishizuchi, the highest peak in western Japan.
While the hotel’s contemporary features and amenities have been designed to give guests the ultimate luxury experience, the hotel does not consume energy from the electricity grid during its operation, making it one of the most environmentally friendly and sustainable accommodation options in Japan. At the hotel, you’ll enjoy a rare experience that combines the spoils of modern conveniences with a true feeling of connection to the natural environment around you.
The hotel’s garden features an artesian well (uchinuki) which is typical of Saijo City but with a modern design twist – constructed with Iyo Seki stones unique to the region. There are two types of guest rooms at the Itomachi Hotel 0 – choose from the “Hotel type” or the “Villa type” for an even more spacious and premium experience complete with its very own hot spring. Whichever room you choose, you’ll be amazed by the hotel’s interiors which feature artwork, the natural tones and textures of Iyo Seki stone, timber, and recycled glass. The hotel is the perfect place to stay for visitors exploring the hiking trails of the nearby Mt. Ishizuchi or those cycling the Shimanami Kaido route.
Chiiori
Located in Miyoshi city, Tokushima Prefecture, the boutique accommodation, Chiiori, captures the essence of the local culture and the surrounding natural beauty of the Iya Valley region for a truly immersive experience. The hotel’s building represents a fusion of traditional Japanese architecture and sustainable tourism practices, offering guests comfortable lodging in its beautifully restored 300-year-old thatched farmhouse.
Guestrooms feature futon beds with some offering striking views of the mountains, valleys or surrounding gardens for a strong sense of connection to the outdoors. Traditional local seasonal cuisine is offered to guests at Chiiori with meal options including grilled fish and a diverse assortment of locally produced vegetables.
While Chiiori is a great place to stay while enjoying some of the nearby activities such as rafting on the Yoshino River or exploring the Iya Valley and its gorges and vine bridges, you can also choose to spend your time relaxing in Chiiori’s parlour room with irori hearth.
Makino Botanical Garden
The Makino Botanical Garden, located in Kochi City, Kochi Prefecture, celebrates the life and work of Tomitaro Makino, a Japanese botanist renowned for cataloguing and classifying over 50,000 plants and naming approximately 1,500 species. The garden is home to many of the plants Makino studied and named, with over 3,000 species of plants on display. You can visit the garden’s Conservatory to see rare varieties of plants, and there are multiple exhibition areas within the Conservatory including tropical, dryland, water garden, and jungle. Meanwhile, the broader botanical garden boasting a variety of horticultural displays is divided into two areas; the North Garden where you can see views of the mountains of eastern Kochi, and the South Garden which was designed to complement the Chikurinji Temple.
Within the the park stands the Makino Tomitaro Memorial Museum which was designed by architect, Hiroshi Naito, and is dedicated to Makino’s work offering visitors the opportunity to delve into his world of botany. The building has been specially constructed to represent and preserve the symbiotic relationship between nature and humans, and seamlessly coexists with the natural environment around it, echoing Makino’s connection with the natural world. During a visit to the museum, you’ll discover a range of exhibits including Makino’s personal belongings and botanical illustrations as well as a series of interactive displays allowing visitors to view plant specimens up close.
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