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Travel
Point of view
Gavin Fan
Gajoen, the hotel tucked into the wilderness

Gajoen, the hotel tucked
into the wilderness

It was the first thing to catch my eye upon arriving at Gajoen: a huge rooster strutting down the path. Pretty incredible, right? With its traditional Japanese style, the hotel has no need for the typical trappings used to create a feeling of Zen.

Gajoen, the hotel tucked |into the wilderness

It was the first thing to catch my eye upon arriving at Gajoen: a huge rooster strutting down the path. Pretty incredible, right? With its traditional Japanese style, the hotel has no need for the typical trappings used to create a feeling of Zen.

Therein lies its charm, its ability to venture off the beaten path.

Gajoen is a hamlet tucked away in the forest, in the area of Kirishima. Founded in 1975, it is composed of houses collected from around Japan by its owners Tateo and Etsuko Tajima.

The rooster has always held a special place in the hearts of Tateo and Etsuko.

The river Amamo-gawa flows next to the hotel.

The bamboo grove and flowers mingle to create a traditional Japanese garden.

The open kitchen brings out a unique, welcoming, and warm atmosphere.

Most of the ingredients are grown or raised on the property's farm.

The room is spacious and decorated in the purest traditional style.

With its view over the stunning mountain landscape, the terrace is the ideal place for enjoying a cup of tea.