Benesse House, situated on Naoshima Island in the Setouchi Inland Sea, seamlessly blurs the lines between hotel and art gallery. Designed by renowned architect Tadao Ando, the minimalist structures complement the surrounding nature and contemporary artworks scattered throughout. As part of Naoshima’s rural art hub, the hotel is a creative and luxurious retreat for art enthusiasts and those looking for a peaceful getaway in beautiful surroundings.
The 65 rooms are spread across four distinct buildings – Museum, Oval, Park and Beach – but each reflects a modern, light aesthetic, sea views and original artwork. This simple aesthetic extends to the small spa, where pieces of art adorn the walls, and in the two restaurants, cafe and lounge. Here, wooden floors and concrete walls create a blank canvas for the artworks and draw the eye to the sea views through the floor-to-ceiling windows. The food is equally well-curated, whether dining on French cuisine with seasonal local produce at Terrace Restaurant or Kaiseki cuisine made with fresh Setouchi seafood at Museum Restaurant Issen.
With its perfectly manicured Japanese gardens and views over the Sea of Japan to Miyajima Island, The Sekitei offers a peaceful, meditative stay in serene surroundings but is just 15 minutes from Miyajimaguchi Station.
This award-winning property balances Japanese minimalism and quiet luxury with invitingly sumptuous fabrics and furnishings to create a serenely elegant escape.
With the Kamogawa River as a neighbour and the Higashiyama mountains in the background, the Ritz Carlton Kyoto enjoys a location that’s as scenic as it is convenient.
The Hyatt Regency Kyoto’s location makes it a perfect setting for exploring the nearby Gion district, while the city’s temples and museums are within walking distance.
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