Travelling from Tokyo to Nara might seem like a lengthy urban trip. And yet this trip is much more bucolic and poetic than the Japan Railways bullet train would have you believe. We weave around Honshu Island, taking backroads and discovering a great many museums and galleries recounting the history of places so often shrouded in mystery.
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Hotel and restaurant in town. Nestled in the heart of Japan’s capital, The Kitano Hotel Tokyo is a contemporary address, perfectly in tune with the times. Its location in Chiyoda City, home of the political power, is ideal to explore the city’s most famous sights. From the hotel, it is just a short walk to the beautiful Imperial Palace Gardens, where you can stroll among the blossoming sakura trees and lush green lawns. Its elegant and contemporary interiors showcase noble materials and invite you to discover Japanese hospitality in its most modern form. The serene atmosphere that emanates from the property, spreads to the rooms, bathed in natural light and designed with taste, including cherry wood furniture. The hotel’s wellness centre combines Chinese and Western traditions and is the perfect place to reset your body and mind. At the end of the day, the rooftop, offering a panoramic view of Tokyo’s urban jungle, is the ideal location to enjoy a cocktail, while the restaurant L’Orangerie Koh-an, invites you to dine, traditional style. ... Learn moreless
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Hotel and restaurant in the mountains. A stay in Gôra Kadan, the former retreat of the Imperial Family, Kanin-no-miya, situated in the heart of Hakone National Park, is an invitation to bring your five senses to life by immersing yourself in the ancient Japanese way of life. Listen to the gentle swoosh of a sliding wall made of rice paper, smell the fragrant flower incense, taste the traditional Kaiseki cuisine and feel the touch of silk. This calm retreat is located in an area known for its springs, which are heated by volcanic rocks. The suites have been designed in a minimalist style, and the hotel’s facilities include a swimming pool, a spa, and a beauty salon. ... Learn moreless
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Hotel and restaurant in a village. It is said that the great teacher of Japanese Buddhism, Kobo Daishi, bathed every morning in the river Katsura and emerged purified. A few minutes from this river, the hotel Asaba submerges you in the Japan of legends: traditional “Noh” theatre performed by the riverside. After a game of golf in picturesque surroundings, leave your kimono behind and enjoy the pleasures of an open-air bath filled with spring water. The restaurant serves traditional dishes with delightful combinations of sweet and savoury flavours. In the lounge, relax in a chair designed by famous Italian-American Harry Bertoia and in the garden, be inspired by the sweet fragrances of nature. ... Learn moreless
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Hotel and restaurant in a park. In the heart of Japan’s “Northern Alps”, discover the secret charms of this hotel that opened in 1931. This little jewel is tucked away in the calm and serenity of the mountains, between the snowy peaks and fine traditional hot springs, located in the national park, and renowned for their therapeutic qualities. Tobira Onsen Myojinkan offers a divinely serene atmosphere in the forest, relaxing baths in the heart of nature, aromatherapy and superb rooms and suites. The sophisticated Kaiseki-style food is a marvellous balance of textures, flavours and colours. Organic French cuisine is also on offer, prepared by a talented chef who specializes in macrobiotic cuisine. ... Learn moreless
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Hotel and restaurant in a village. Founded in 1928 in the spa town of Yamashiro, Beniya Mukayu is located on the road from the revered Kyoto to the world heritage sites Shirakawago-Gokayama, close to Kanazawa. The hotel’s architecture elegantly emphasizes contrasts between light, shade and neutral colours. Every room has its own private open-air hot spring bath, with a wonderful view of the authentic Japanese garden. The traditional tea ceremony performed by the owner, the finest Kaga style Kaiseki cuisine served on locally crafted crockery, as well as invigorating medicinal spa treatments, combine to make Beniya Mukayu a peaceful heaven. ... Learn moreless
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Hotel and restaurant in town. The Kanamean Nishitomiya is one of the ryokans which have survived in the modern surroundings of downtown Kyoto. The wooden architecture hosts only seven suites which lead to a little Japanese garden with seasonal flowers. Futon, tatamis, bamboo furniture… true serenity is prevailing. Mr and Mrs Nishida, the fifth generation of hoteliers in this property, welcome you personally, respecting the Japanese tradition of hospitality. Like the very beautiful crockery in which the dishes are served, your hosts look after every detail inspired by the history of the Honeyanocho district, renowned for crafted fans, which have given their name to the hotel. ... Learn moreless
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Hotel and restaurant in town. Renovated in 2022, Noborioji Hotel Nara is ideally located in the heart of the historic district of Nara, just a few minutes walk away from the traditional monuments of Japan's ancient imperial capital. Not far from the city park where tame deer wander peacefully, it appeals to music, design and nature lovers alike. The contemporary glass and steel building houses rooms and suites, all of which are bright and elegant. Just behind it stands the elegant silhouette of Kōfuku-ji, one of Japan's oldest temples and a landmark of this fascinating World Heritage city. Like the other temples, you’ll be able to explore it with Noborioji Hotel Nara staff on private tours upon request. Music lovers will enjoy evenings with a classical live concert once a month at Le Bois restaurant, where refined innovative cuisine using local ingredients from Nara is offered. ... Learn moreless
**Offer cannot be combined, valid for an itinerary in at least 2 different Relais & Châteaux establishments, reserved with Relais & Châteaux concierges, discount applicable on certain rates and certain establishments. List available from our concierges.
Total price communicated as an indication, based on a stay of the number of nights recommended on this webpage, taking place in the next 3 months, and based on double occupancy (excluding recommended activities, excluding properties not bookable online).
To give you inspiration, Relais & Châteaux presents the Routes du Bonheur:
Suggestions for travel itineraries that you can fully personalise according to your wishes and the experiences you would like to discover. Our consultants are available to help customise your route and assist you in making reservations at our properties. It is up to you to reserve any recommended activities on-site or nearby that might interest you.
** Offer cannot be combined, valid for an itinerary in at least 2 different Relais & Châteaux establishments, reserved with Relais & Châteaux concierges, discount applicable on certain rates and certain establishments. List available from our concierges.
Call our concierge to tailormade your booking and itinerary*. *Price of a local call