Japan Offers Unique Accommodation Options

Japan Offers Unique Accommodation Options

Where to stay in Japan has become infinitely more interesting recently with a growing range of unique accommodations. From temples steeped in history, to renowned art installations doubling as hotels, the country's lodging offerings extend much farther than conventional hotels, resorts and even the ubiquitous and wonderful traditional Ryokan inns. Travelers throughout the country can now stay at a selection of unusual overnight alternatives and immerse themselves in Japan's unparalleled culture, tradition and innovation.

House of Light, Niigata (pictured above)

House of Light is a meditative-inspired facility designed by world renowned artist, James Turrell; indeed, it is a fully immersive piece of art offering guests an overnight experience like nothing before. The unique structure represents the juxtaposition and incorporation of day and night, tradition and modern and the Eastern and the Western. Turrell's inspiration for the House of Light comes from Junchiro Tanizaki's essay In Praise of Shadows. The house was built as a space where one can experience living in light, by relating light inside to light outside. The House of Light incorporates elements such as a sliding roof so that guests can gaze through the open ceiling at the sky, tokonoma, the Japanese idiom for alcove, and shoji, traditional Japanese paper sliding doors.

For more information and how to book, visit: https://hikarinoyakata.com/eng/

Japan temple
Terahaku (Temple Stays)

Launched on July 18, 2018, the new Terahaku project (meaning "temple stay") allows travelers to look for, view and book stays at temples online through a dedicated search engine. In its first phase, Terahaku will initially feature 100 temples, including the 1,300-year-old Mii-dera (also known as Onjo-ji Temple) near Japan's largest lake, Biwa-Ko, in Shiga Prefecture. Over the next three years, the project will expand to stays at 1,000 temples.

For more information and how to book, visit: https://terahaku.jp/

Kyoto lodging

Kyo no Ondokoro, Kyoto

The Kyo no Ondokoro project first opened in April 2018 and focuses on Kyomachiya houses that have stood for many years in traditional neighborhoods of Kyoto; the second location is slated to open in August 2018. Instead of operating Kyomachiya as townhouses, the company behind Kyo no Onkodoro, Wacoal, is breathing new life into the structures as "homes" that offer a comfortable lifestyle, available to guests looking for private, home-style accommodations. Kyo no Ondokoro offers guests traveling to Kyoto a luxurious home-away-from-home experience in a traditionally designed and tastefully appointed private house.

For more information and how to book, visit: https://www.kyo-ondokoro.kyoto/en/

Japan castle
Sasayama Castle Town Hotel NIPPONIA, Hyogo

Sasayama Castle Town Hotel NIPPONIA is a luxury resort located on the grounds of the 400-year-old town of Sasayama castle. The resort, which opened in 2015, "defends historical architecture" and allows guests to travel through space and time. NIPPONIA is the result of thoughtful design and architecture; the hotel respects the historical significance, culture and history of the land it sits upon. Comprised of five buildings scattered across the ancient village, guests can enjoy luxuriously appointed accommodations, French cuisine prepared by Grand Chef Shu Ishii, and more.

For more information and how to book, visit: https://www.sasayamastay.jp/

JAPANESE HOTELS FOR DIFFERENT TYPES OF TRAVELERS

Hotel for the Soul Cycle fanatic: Onomichi U2 and Hotel Cycle in Hiroshima

This recently renovated waterfront warehouse contains 28 rooms that are geared towards guests who intend to cycle through Japan via the Shimanami Kaido, one of the top cycling paths in the world. This hotel also contains a bakery, café, restaurant, bar, and boutique (think Japan’s version of Eataly!). Rooms are equipped with bike racks and an onsite bicycle shop is available for repairs.

Hotel for the comic book lover: The Peanuts Hotel in Kobe Japan

On August 1st, 2018 the Peanuts Hotel opened. Based off of Charles Schulz famous comic strip. The hotel will have 18 private rooms over three floors and the first floor of the hotel will house a Peanuts Café while the second floor will have a Peanuts Diner. Surprisingly, this is not the first Peanuts themed establishment. Currently there is already Peanuts Café and Peanuts museum in Tokyo.

Hotel for the Japanophile: The Ori and Hsi Kominkas in Ehime

The STA and Setouchi Brand Corporate has launched the Setouchi Old Town Project which aims to renovate 100 kominkas, traditional style Japanese homes, by 2020 in an attempt to revitalize the region. These kominkas will maintain their historic charm and allows traveler to experience the authentic and cultural side of Japan; currently two are available for booking. Local artisans are also commissioned for interior design aspects and for guests also have the option of having the original kominka owner cook traditional style Japanese break for them as well.

Hotel for the spa devotee: Hotel Ofutei in Fukuyama

Located on the coastline of the Seto Inland Sea, Hotel Ofutei is perfect for spa and wellness lovers. Guests have access to two communal open-air hot spring, the Nami-no-yu and the Hoshi-no-yu, which is located on the top floor of the hotel. For those who are more private, the private open air baths, the Sansan and Toutou, are great alternatives.

Hotel for the art aficionado: Benesse House on Naoshima Island
Designed by the world-renowned architect, Tadao Ando, Benesse House is a work of art itself. This property contains both a museum and hotel that incorporates architecture, nature, and art all together. Artwork is not only found in the museum but also in the hotel surroundings. Benesse House is also located on Naoshima Island, an entire island which was transformed to include life-size art installations and several museums such as the Chi Chu Art Museum which contains artwork by Monet and James Turrell.

Hotel for the cruise-enthusiast: Guntu
The Guntu is a floating hotel that travels through the Seto Inland Sea. The hotel contains 19 guest rooms, a gym, beauty salon, lounge and bath as well as café/bar and dining room with a sushi bar where chefs serve freshly caught fish sourced locally. The Guntu will stop in between islands and guests can also venture out by taking a smaller Japanese style boat, a yakata, as well.