Hiroshima and Miyajima Island , Japan

Azumi Setoda

Name: Azumi Setoda
Address: Hiroshima and Miyajima Island

Contemporary ryokan in a restored merchant estate

Exterior of a traditional Japanese building with white walls, pitched roof and tiled roof and a light wood fence around the right side.

Refined inn occupying a 150-year-old merchant family’s residence

Azumi Setoda is a ryokan occupying the former home of the Horiuchi family, whose salt production and shipping business helped shape the town of Setoda for generations. It was built in 1876 on Shiomachi Shotengai, the town’s historic shopping street. The property was restored by the architect Shiro Miura, an expert in sukiya-zukuri style, based on Japan’s traditional teahouse aesthetics. Original gardens, timber structures, stonework and lacquer details are central to the design, which preserves the character of the historic estate.

Intimate and peaceful, Azumi Setoda ryokan has four guest rooms arranged around a courtyard enclosed by traditional marigaki fencing. Built using cedar and cypress, the rooms feature tatami floor spaces, yukimi shoji screens, hinoki cypress baths and Fukumitsu stone floors. Two maisonette rooms have upper-floor rooms with horigotatsu, or sunken tables, and daybeds overlooking the central garden. Guests may also access Yubune, the community bathhouse opposite the ryokan, which includes an indoor bath, sauna, cold bath and a lounge stocked with books on Setouchi culture and history.

Dining focuses on seasonal Japanese cuisine, particularly the seafood, citrus and vegetables of the Setouchi region. Beyond the ryokan, experiences include cycling across six islands along the Shimanami Kaidō path, lemon-harvesting tours, Zen meditation at Kojyo-ji Temple, wagashi confectionary-making workshops, sunset cruises and private yoga sessions.

Highlights

Stay in the restored 1876 Horiuchi family residence on the historic street, Shiomachi Shotengai

Choose from just four guest rooms built in the sukiya-zukuri teahouse tradition

Soak in a hinoki cypress bath or visit the neighbouring Yubune bathhouse and sauna

Dine on seasonal Japanese cuisine showcasing Setouchi seafood and island produce

Cycle the Shimanami Kaidō, harvest organic lemons or join a Zen meditation session at Kojyo-ji Temple

Interior of a dining table with paper lamps set for a meal, and in the background large windows overlooking a central courtyard with Zen garden.

Exterior of an entryway with a rounded door and paved path surrounded by stones, entering into a white-washed building with tile roof.

Close-up shot of a ceramic pot and teapot with decorative carvings.

Interior of a bedroom with a minimalist bed with white bedding, light wood frame and white walls with light wood edging and accents, and a member of staff adjusting a lamp.

Close-up detail of a painted ceramic plate with traditional Japanese scenes and patterns in red, blue, orange and brown.

Interior shot of a mezzanine level lounge with several chairs facing a long picture window, and below a lower ground floor with table and dining area and large beams crossing the space.

Interior of a simple bathroom with a deep, cedar bathtub, stone shower and large picture windows overlooking an outdoor Zen garden.

Interior of a bedroom with a minimalist bed with white bedding, light wood frame and white walls with light wood edging and accents, and large windows with paper screen panels.

Interior of a lounge area with several white lounge chairs facing a few small wooden tables an a set of large picture windows looking out over buildings.

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Places to combine Azumi Setoda with

Tokyo

Mandarin Oriental Tokyo

Relax in contemporary luxury at the Mandarin Oriental. Located in the heart of Tokyo, this hotel offers serenity above a ever-growing metropolis.

When you arrive in the 38th floor lobby, you’ll find yourself stunned by the dramatic views over the city’s skyline. The 157 guest rooms and 21 suites are heavily inspired by the Japanese aesthetic, blending futuristic luxury with a typical Japanese understanding of sense of space, aesthetically capturing the country’s rich culture within the modern luxury that Mandarin Oriental are renowned for.

Step out of your hotel and you’ll be in the middle of Tokyo’s metropolis, just a five minute walk from Ginza shopping district. After a busy day enjoying the buzz of Tokyo, relax in the Sense Tea Room or head to the Mandarin Bar and enjoy a signature cocktail by their award-winning chief bartender whilst listening to live jazz.

Hakone

Gora Kadan Ryokan

Immerse yourself into the ancient Japanese way of life at Gora Kadan, the former retreat of the Imperial Family. Situated in the heart of Hakone National Park, this traditional Japanese ryokan – meaning inn – echoes the country’s longstanding cultural emphasis on beauty and purity of form, and was designed to exist in harmony with the nearby mountain range.

With just 39 guest rooms and suites, this luxury ryokan provides a retreat from the often-hectic pace of city life through the use of Japanese Zen minimalism. You’ll find sliding walls made of rice paper, fragrant floral incense and modern luxury commodities. This calming retreat is located in an area known for its hot springs from which mineral rich water flows into the open-air baths.

During your stay enjoy the traditional Kaiseki cuisine, consisting of a variety of small dishes, which will be served in your room for complete tranquility.

Mount Fuji

Hoshinoya Fuji

Nestled within a pristine red pine forest overlooking Lake Kawaguchi and Mount Fuji is Hoshinoya Fuji, a beautiful glamping hideaway that allows guests to enjoy the tranquility of their natural surroundings.

On arrival at reception guests are presented with a camping kit containing binoculars, headlamp, map and blanket before being driven up to the main site. Here you will find the cabins, restaurant and the Cloud Terrace – a network of walkways and wooden platforms seemingly suspended in the air.

You’ll find 40 cubic concrete blocks nestled with the forest, minimalist in design but featuring everything you could possibly need. Large windows look out over the beautiful landscape and every cabin features a balcony where you can light a fire. Lighting in the cabins is soft, and around the site only the pathways are illuminated so as not to detract from the natural environment.

The main restaurant features a grill station in the middle where chefs cook up succulent steaks which are served with a seasoning rack. Alternatively, head up to the top of the Cloud Terrace and have a go at cooking in the wood-fired oven. For complete privacy, you can choose to dine in the comfort of your cabin.

Volcanic activity 10,000 years ago created a landscape of craters and ice caves, and the surrounding area is ripe for exploring. Canoe on the lake, go horse riding through the forest or take a lesson in stargazing and marvel at the night sky.

Hiroshima and Miyajima Island

The Sheraton Hiroshima

Conveniently located in the centre of Hiroshima city, whilst staying at the Sheraton find yourself in the middle of the energy and excitement of this city, surrounded by its historic sites and rich culture.

The 238 spacious guest rooms are designed with comfort in mind, decorated with contemporary furnishings, perfect to unwind after a busy day exploring Japan’s largest island. During your stay experience the culinary delights of the Sheraton, from the international food at Bridges to the contemporary Japanese cuisine at Miyabi-Tei, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

Hiroshima is overloaded with historical sites and impressive architecture. During your stay makes sure to visit the Itsukushima Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is just a short ferry ride away. For stunning city views visit Hiroshima Castle. After a busy day exploring why not treat yourself to a massage at the Shine Spa or enjoy a pre-dinner cocktail in the Miyabi-Tei Bar.