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    Kiso Valley, Japan

    Zenagi

    A private countryside escape

    Exclusive adventures in the heart of rural Japan

    Zenagi is a lovingly restored kominka (traditional Japanese farmhouse) secluded among the mountains, rice fields and bamboo forests of Kiso Valley in central Japan. You’ll have the entire property to yourself during your stay, along with an expert team of chefs, guides and other in-house staff.

    There are three maisonette-style bedrooms available, each spread over two floors. On the ground floor is the bathroom, complete with a bespoke wooden bathtub overlooking a private Zen garden. Above, you’ll find the open-plan bedroom and living space. Decor is minimalist throughout the property, which retains many of its original features. Think black-lacquered floors, exposed timber beams in the ceiling and wall panels covered in washi paper.

    Breakfast and dinner are included during your stay. You’ll dine on exquisitely presented multi-course menus, which showcase seasonal ingredients sourced from the surrounding forest.

    What we particularly love about Zenagi are the outdoor activities you can enjoy and the opportunities to learn about different aspects of local culture. Follow in the footsteps of samurai by hiking part of the historic Nakasendo trail through preserved post towns and cypress forests. Visit a tea farm and make your own blend of green tea. Go canoeing along the Kiso river with a former Olympian as your guide. Or learn a traditional lacquerware decoration technique under the guidance of a local artisan on a private studio tour.

    Highlights

    Stay in an elegantly converted Edo-era farmhouse reserved for your group’s exclusive use

    Meditate in the forest with a Zen expert, swim beneath a waterfall in a private nature reserve, or paraglide over the Japanese Alps

    Dine on delicious multi-course meals crafted with locally sourced ingredients like wild mushrooms and venison

    Bathe in an artisan-crafted bathtub made from fragrant hinoki wood, with views over a private Zen garden

    Immerse yourself in Japan’s natural beauty, surrounded by mountains, rivers, waterfalls and forests

    Ready to plan your adventure?

    Whatever you want from your trip, our team of expert travel designers are ready to help.

    Plan your trip to Japan

    Whatever you want from your adventure in Japan, our team of expert travel designers are ready to help.

    Places to combine Zenagi with

    Four Seasons Kyoto

    Kyoto

    Four Seasons Kyoto

    Traditional Japanese aesthetics can be found throughout the luxury Four Seasons in the centre of historic Kyoto. Lanterns brighten interiors filled with artisanal furnishing and sleek hardwood floors while fusuma screens and urushi lacquerware create an engaging cultural experience.

    The guest rooms enjoy balconies with incredible views overlooking the fascinating cityscape, Shakusuien Pond Garden or the distant Higashiyama Mountains. Upon imperial purple carpets, a custom Four Seasons bed waits after freshening up in a private rain shower oasis. The suites contain spacious living areas with sofas, coffee tables and marble-topped desks, natural light streaming in through floor-to-ceiling windows. Special touches such as shoji paper lamps and tatami-inspired wall panels contributes to a rich and contemporary residence.

    Savouring views of the beautiful 12th-century Myoho-in Temple, the Presidential Suite consists of Asa-no-ha hexagonal patterns and an approach to artisanal décor that authentically and intimately captures the essence of Japan.

    The Four Seasons has two restaurants. Brasserie boasts a relaxed atmosphere and a simple yet delicious menu. Locally-sourced ingredients combined with modern cooking techniques contribute to seasonal dishes throughout the day and into the evening.

    Sushi Wakon operates under the skilled hand of Michelin-starred Chef Rei Masuda, preparing a fine-dining extravaganza at the 200-year-old, 10-seat Hinoki counter.

    Drink tea while relaxing beside the 800-year-old pond garden, taking in the true essence and mystery of the Land of the Rising Sun. Additionally, the Spa is a haven of healing, restoring your mind and body to a state of blissful serenity.

    Where would you like to travel?
    Ariel view of waves breaking on a forested shoreline