Find Your Secluded Sanctuary in Japan

If you were asked to picture Japan, images of neon metropolises, high-speed trains, and dazzling swarms of people might be the first to come to mind. But of course, there are many more layers beyond this, especially as you venture past the massive sprawl of Tokyo.

There are quieter ways to experience Japanese culture on your travels, whether you’re an introvert, nature lover, hot spring aficionado, art enthusiast, or all of the above. Read on to learn about some off-the-beaten-path destinations where you can see another side of Japan and bask in tranquil scenes that will both restore and rejuvenate you.

The Iya Valley in Shikoku is a lush landscape of white clouds, emerald waters, and breathtaking mountains. As the only hotel in the valley, Hotel Iya Onsen will treat you to stunning views of the seasonal landscape and a sense of peerless serenity intrinsic to this far-flung locale. The surrounding forests are vibrant green in spring and summer, turning hues of gold and red in autumn. In winter, they’re dusted in powdery white and become another enchanting sight entirely.

Hotel Iya Onsen has open-air hot spring baths located a five-minute cable car ride down the mountain. You can take in amazing views, breathe in crisp air, and listen to the babble of the Iya River, all while alkaline hot springs gently exfoliate your skin and leave it feeling soft and smooth.

The guestrooms are comfortable and tastefully appointed in traditional Japanese style. Locally sourced ingredients such as shiitake mushrooms, Iya tofu, and ayu sweetfish are among the highlights of the cuisine served by the hotel. Stay here to find balance with nature again and let the splendors of the Iya Valley nourish your mind and body.

Located in Atami, Shizuoka, this hot spring resort can be reached in under two hours from Tokyo and is a popular getaway for vacationers and weekenders alike.

Although the surrounding city is quite developed and full of modern conveniences, Soki Atami offers a transported experience where you can indulge in nature with beautiful waterfront views and plenty of greenery. Every single guestroom in the hotel has a private hot spring bath, so you can take as long a soak as you need for self-care. The public baths are sometimes treated with citrus, Japanese herbs, and other ingredients to boost their restorative qualities.

In the tea salon and bar, you can sample beverages made with Japanese medicinal herbs, while breakfast in the dining room is also served with attention to nutrition and harmony; portion sizes can be selected to fit your needs. Soki Atami’s meals also emphasize the art of genshiyaki, a traditional form of charcoal roasting seafood and vegetables to enhance their natural flavors. The hotel grows its herbs in the surrounding garden, where you are free to explore and bask in the lush vitality of nature.

Hachijojima is an island off the southern tip of the Izu Peninsula, about an hour’s flight from Tokyo. The splendors of its beautiful natural environment can be appreciated at Hachijo View Hotel, with sweeping views of deep green foliage ensconced by the brilliant blue sea. The island has other landscapes you can explore during your stay, including the grasslands around Mount Hachijo-Fuji and Hego Forest.

The hotel makes efficient use of solar energy, setting an example for sustainable living while offering a perfect launchpad for discovering nature's bounty. You can also enjoy locally produced sake or purchase some souvenirs to take home from the carefully curated gift shop in the hotel.

Naoshima Island floats upon the Seto Inland Sea, about an hour’s flight or several hours’ train ride from Tokyo. With splendid seascapes and views of distant mountains, Naoshima is a beautiful place to explore for its natural environment alone, but it is doubly exciting for its emergence as an art destination. One of the institutions that spurred the island’s reinvention was Benesse House, which opened in 1992 as both a museum and a hotel.

The hotel and its environs are filled with contemporary art and offer gorgeous views of the surrounding sea. Located on the southern tip of Naoshima, Benesse House is a perfect base point for exploring the picturesque surroundings and nearby sites. You can book a private open-air herbal bath for your very own outdoor art experience, or you can take advantage of the complimentary shuttle bus that goes to other museums scattered around the island.

Staying at Benesse House allows you to appreciate Naoshima’s art to the fullest and at your own pace. It’s truly a place where you can take a deep breath, feel time slow down, and let creative inspiration flow through you.

In the remote mountains of Aomori, Lamp no Yado Aoni Onsen is the sole accommodation in the area and traces its history back to 1929. It did not have electricity until relatively recently and still uses oil lamps today (hence its name).

The guestrooms do not have televisions, refrigerators, or electrical outlets, so this is a truly off-the-grid experience for those who wish to return to analog life. Don’t expect to have cellphone reception, either.

The lack of modern amenities presents the perfect occasion to slow down, disconnect, and take in your surroundings with all five senses. You can soak in four hot spring baths and admire the serene natural landscape surrounding the property. Cherry trees and hydrangeas are among the flora that bloom from season to season. There are also two craft museums, an historic street, and a pottery workshop in the town of Kuroishi where the property is located. This unique getaway will inspire you and remind you of the pleasures of finding a different rhythm to daily life.

As the name suggests, Hidden Inn Omaki Onsen is secreted away in the quiet mountains of Toyama. One of the things that makes this inn special is that you can only get there by boat, and its unique location has been used for filming Japanese TV dramas.

At the inn, you can dip into both indoor and outdoor hot spring baths, check out the souvenir shop, or take a look at the autographs of famous actors and actresses who have filmed there. They offer Japanese, western, and fusion rooms, and some even include their very own hot spring open-air bath.