Top Four New Japan StaysJapan

The Land of the Rising Sun is finally reopening.

Everyone’s second favourite country has been closed to tourists more or less since the start of the pandemic. Bloody ages, if we had to put a number on it.

Now, after months of cautious movements, the Japanese government has released all restrictions, effective from the start of October.

The fact that this 2,194 km² bundle of, energy, onsens, snow, delicious food, and cool weird shit is open again warms our hearts, and makes us feel like travel is truly back in business.

Since it was last open, a number of cool places have opened up to stay – check out four of the best below:

Kai Poroto

Hokkaido

Inspired by the art and architecture of the indigenous Ainu people, all 42 rooms of KAI Poroto have views of Lake Poroto. All 42 rooms are absolutely stunning as well, combining traditional architecture with more modern styles in a way that Japan seem to do so well. There is an onsen, and it is filled with Shiraoi waters, a rare type of onsen water that contains organic minerals.

Click here for more info.

Appi Kogen Resort – Opulence in the snow

Tohoku

Tohoku’s first luxury resort will be ready for the next winter (December – March), set upon stunning snowscapes that are renowned by locals as ‘miracle silky snow’.

A large lounge overlooks the slopes, where there’s also a 400 year old beech tree surrounded by epic artwork. Most of the 38 rooms overlook the white stuff too, so you can watch people strut their stuff while enjoying a sake underneath the sheets. WARNING: You might never make it outside.

Click here for more info. 

Shiminka Villas

Okinawa

Shinminka Villas are five almost identical timber villas (with several new additions in 2022) spread out across the lesser-known Okinawa islands. With entirely transparent outer walls, this simple but aesthetically pleasing accommodation allows you to blend in as part of the natural environment during your stay. There’s a large bathtub, as well as a hammock, and there’s one villa with a pool as well. Take it easy.

Click here for more info. 

Izu Cliff House

Izu Peninsula

No prizes for figuring out what the Izu Cliff House is. It is a house on a cliff.

This doesn’t do it quite do it justice though. Two professors from Tokyo got married in the 1960s and decided to build this work of art, overlooking the stunning Izu Peninsula in the remote Minamiizu area, in 1971. It has only recently been open to the public to stay in.

Stunning floor to ceiling windows, thoughtful Japanese interiors and one of the best decks get lost has ever seen – this is an absolute gem.

Air BNB Link

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