Nature lovers and architecture junkies will have plenty to admire at Setouchi Aonagi, a seven-room retreat in the forested hills above the city of Matsuyama on Shikoku Island, with impossibly picturesque views of the Seto Inland Sea.

For starters, the hotel bears the unmistakable stamp of the country’s pre-eminent architect Tadao Ando, who first designed it some 20 years ago as a guest house and private museum for the developers of a golf course adjoining the property, before converting it to a hotel in 2016.

Ando is better known as the designer of Benesse House, the world-famous hotel and art museum complex on Naoshima Island, in the sea east of Matsuyama. Getting a booking there is difficult enough but for those who want a little taste of what to expect in Naoshima, a stay at Aonagi is a good alternative.

The rooms, in two concrete-and-glass buildings that rise from the landscape like futuristic watchtowers, offer minimalist comforts and shimmering sea views. There is contemporary art on the ground floor, a heated indoor pool and outdoors – a signature design feature – an infinity pool that extends to the horizon.

Okcs Retreat Setouchi Aonagi is located at 794-1 Yanaidanimachi, Matsuyama, Ehime 790-2641, Japan; tel: +81 89-977-9500

After a day out shopping and dining, head back to relax at Tokyo Edition Toranomon. Occupying Levels 31-36 within Tokyo World Gate mixed-use skyscraper, the hotel is conveniently located near the subway stations of Kamiyacho, Roppongi-Itchome and Toranomon.

It has 206 rooms, including 22 suites and several rooms with private terraces affording unobstructed views of Tokyo Tower and Tokyo Bay. The lobby bar is a place for visitors to work, network and unwind. The Gold Bar transforms from a relaxed lounge during the day (offering an afternoon Japanese tea ceremony with a twist, and an all-day food menu), to a sophisticated cocktail bar in the evenings. Here you can sip original custom cocktails as well as an extensive variety of sake.

The restaurants here are helmed by renowned British chef Tom Aikens; this is his first foray into Japan. The well-appointed Jade Room features an original bespoke menu, and on the outdoor terrace is an unexpected ‘Sky Garden’ where guests are transported from the dynamic city streets to a beautifully serene oasis.

For some pampering, head to the tranquil spa whose treatments use products sourced and made in Japan. There’s also a 24-hour gym powered by Technogym, as well as a swimming pool and jacuzzi, both bathed in natural light from a skylight window above.

Tokyo Edition Toranomon is located at Kamiyacho Trust Tower, 4 Chome-1-1 Toranomon, Minato City, Tokyo 105-0001, Japan; tel: +81 3-5422-1600

Design and architecture fans will be captivated by this unique boutique hotel in Karuizawa, a tranquil resort town about an hour by train from Tokyo (take the shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Karuizawa Station followed by a 10-minute taxi ride).

Opened in April 2022, Shishi-Iwa House (SSH No.2) has 12 stunning rooms (one of which is pictured above), a restaurant, and a wine and whisky bar. This is an extension of the original SSH No.1  which boasts 11 rooms, a reading library and the Grand Room, a sizeable gathering space. In 2023, SSH No.3 will be launched with 11 rooms and a spa and onsen bath house.

The first two houses are designed by Shigeru Ban and the third by Ryue Nishizawa; both well-respected architects are Pritzker prize recipients.

The restaurant here is helmed by executive chef Masashi Okamoto who creates special menus based on seasonal ingredients sourced almost entirely from the local Nagano region. To have a pre-dinner drink or nightcap, make your way to the bar which stocks a range of rare Japanese whiskies and fine wines.

Besides relaxing in the property, there are various monthly hotel programmes and experiences curated for guests. They can also spend their days exploring the surrounding areas. Located a five-minute walk from the hotel is Sezon Museum of Modern Art, housing one of the best contemporary art collections in Japan. Architectural buffs can stroll down the street to the unique Uchimura Kanzo Stone church.

Sengataki Onsen hot spring, a local favourite, is a 10-minute walk from the hotel. For nature and forest bathing at its best, the picturesque Sengataki park and waterfall is a five-minute drive away. Meanwhile, Ginza Street at Kyu Karuizawa is where one can find local produce like jams, rice crackers, souvenirs, and art and craft.

Shishi-Iwa House Karuizawa is located at 2147-768 Nagakura, Karuizawa, Kitasaku District, Nagano 389-0111, Japan; tel: +81 267-31-6658.

The Shimanami Kaido is an expressway with a difference, and not just because it’s a 60-km road-and-bridge network that connects the town of Onomichi on Japan’s main island of Honshu with Imabari on Shikoku (the fourth largest island), crossing the Inland Sea and spanning six smaller islands along the way.

Cars and other vehicles ply the route regularly but the expressway was built specifically to accommodate cyclists, with a separate path for bikes and pedestrians along its entire length.

Just up the coastline from Onomichi, near a shipyard and halfway up a hillside overlooking the Shimanami Islands, the Bella Vista Spa and Marina provides panoramic views and a resort-like alternative to the small local hotels and Japanese-style inns in town. From a distance, the hotel may look innocuous enough but on offer is a luxe resort experience, a world-class spa and large, well-appointed rooms.

On a bluff overlooking the sea, the hotel’s Ribbon Chapel is one of the most distinctive wedding venues in the country, comprising two intertwined staircases rising up around a glass-enclosed space. Visits to a nearby temple complex, seaplane flights and boat rides to Onomichi are among the sightseeing options – if you don’t fancy going on a long bicycle ride.

Bella Vista Spa and Marina is located at 1376 Urasakicho, Onomichi, Japan; tel: +81 120-873-333

Tucked away in the idyllic countryside of Kyushu is Kai Yufuin, the prolific Hoshino Resorts’ 20th property under its hot spring-focused brand.

Opened in August 2019, expect 45 guest rooms – four of which exist as standalone villas, featuring locally-sourced tatami floors and timber – scattered around picturesque rice terraces (with architecture and designs courtesy of Kengo Kuma), all set against the majestic volcano that is Mount Yufu.

The hotel is located within Yufuin Onsen, a resort town in Kyushu famed for its hot springs – expect a good mix of indoor and outdoor baths fed by natural hot springs year-round.

Hoshino Resort Kai Yufuin is located at 398 Yufuincho Kawakami, Yufu, Oita 879-5102, Japan; tel: +81 50-3134-8092

Roka, opened in April 2019, is a beautiful art-focused ryokan – only fitting for an inn situated on Japan’s veritable art island.

The 11 suites, each equipped with private-open air baths, are a perfect base for anyone looking to explore the island’s contemporary art museums and installations.

Traditional kaiseki meals are also available to experience an authentic taste of Japanese hospitality, whilst one explores the hotel’s own suite of contemporary artworks (some of which are permanent, while others can be purchased).

Naoshima Ryokan Roka is located at Japan, 〒1234 Kagawa, Kagawa District, Naoshima, JP 7613110; tel: +81 87-899-2356

Agriculture and tourism come together at the new Hoshino Resorts Risonare Nasu, where you can chill out and enjoy the lay of the land in the mountainous region of Nasu in Tochigi prefecture. Located at the foot of Mount Nasu amidst dense forest, it’s the fourth in the brand’s Risonare line of properties (after Yatsugatake, Tomamu, and Atami) that focus on nature and indigenous produce.

Pluck your own from Risonare Nasu’s onsite farm or let the kitchen source some of the best vegetables or seafood for your meal at this unique agri-tourism concept. While you chill in any of its 43 rooms designed by Klein Dytham Architecture to maximise the breathtaking views, plan your activities from hiking to visiting the local hot springs.

Hoshino Resorts Risonare Nasu is located at 2301 Takakuotsu Michishita, Nasu-machi, Nasu-gun 325-0303 Tochigi Prefecture’

Meet Roku Kyoto, the first Asian property of Hilton’s luxury collection, LXR Hotel & Resorts which opened in late 2021.

The luxe resort straddles contemporary and classical aesthetics with Japanese minimalism at its forefront – think low-profile furnishings and wooden-slatted room dividers beneath Kyoto temple-esque pitched roofs and open walkways. You’re plenty close to nature too, since the 114-room property is hidden in the foothills of Takagamine’s three mountains – which means exhilarating mountainous vistas through the windows of your suite.

There’s even a riverside bar, with al-fresco seating options along the Tenjin River. If culture’s more your thing, you’re only a short walk away from UNESCO World Heritage site Kinkaku-ji (Temple of the Golden Pavilion), as well as the Koetsuji and Genkoan temples.

Roku Kyoto is located at 44-1 Kinugasa Kagamiishicho, Kita Ward, Kyoto, 603-8451, Japan; tel: +81 75-320-0111

Located on the powdery slopes of Hokkaido is Club Med Kiroro is a ski-in ski-out resort that’s really two resorts in one. The first, Club Med Kiroro Peak, opened in Dec 2022, while its companion Club Med Kiroro Grand will open in 2023.

This comes together into an impressive offering of nearly 400 guest rooms – the two separate resort buildings are connected by gondola – alongside an impressive 23 courses for adrenaline junkies of all skill levels. Other attractions include an indoor resort pool, natural onsens and saunas.

Club Med Kiroro Peak is located at 650 Tokiwa, Akaigawa, Yoichi District, Hokkaido 046-0593, Japan; tel: +81 0088217008

Mesm Tokyo, Autograph Collection Marriott Bonvoy is located near the waterfront – within the Waters Takeshiba Precinct in the special ward of Minato City. It is easily accessible to Tokyo Station and Shinagawa station, shopping and entertainment areas.

The urban luxury hotel’s name comes from the word “mesmerize”. And the property certainly captivates with its 265 excellently appointed rooms including suites with magnificent views of the traditional Hamarikyu Gardens.

For dining experiences, The Chef’s Theatre is a French restaurant that reimagines European dishes using the finest Japanese ingredients. Over at Whisk, the trendy downtown bar invites you to indulge in handcrafted cocktails and speciality Japanese Sarutahiko coffee. And if you must (after all the wining and dining), burn some calories and work out on state-of-the-art equipment at the 24-hour fitness centre.

Mesm Tokyo Autograph Collection is located in Waters Takeshiba, Japan, 〒105-0022 Tokyo, Minato City, Kaigan, 1 Chome−10−30 １６階; tel: +81 3-5777-1111

Motorsports enthusiasts can check in to this new hotel in Shizuoka, about 80 minutes by car from Tokyo. It is the first property of the Unbound Collection by the Hyatt in Japan.

The hotel overlooks breathtaking views of Mount Fuji and the Fuji Speedway race circuit which hosts world-class racing events. This is one of several attractions in the new Fuji Motorsports Forest project developed by the Toyota Group, which offers a distinctive experience where motorsports meet luxury hospitality.

The 120-room hotel also houses the Fuji Motor Sports Museum which showcases about 40 racing cars dating from the end of the 19th century – at this exclusive space, guests can learn and be immersed in the history and culture of this exciting sport.

Meanwhile, guests can dine at Trofeo, an all-day Italian trattoria-style eatery with outdoor terraces. Or at Robata Oyama, which offers an interactive Japanese dining experience where fresh produce are grilled at the central show kitchen. Bar 4563 is a speakeasy-style bar whose menu includes crafted cocktails and a range of premium Japanese whisky.

Finally relax at the Omika Wellness & Spa, a sanctuary that includes an indoor pool, a spa, indoor and outdoor hot spring onsens, and fitness centre. The latter boasts a state-of-the-art driving simulator designed for professional race car drivers, but accessible for guests.

Fuji Speedway Hotel is located at 〒645 Shizuoka, Sunto District, Oyama, Omika, JP 410-1308; tel: +81 550-20-1234

Located in Urayasu city in Chiba Prefecture, this recently refurbished urban resort offers panoramic views of Tokyo Bay. It is close to top attractions such as Tokyo Disney Resort, the entertainment and shopping district of Odaiba, and Makuhari Messe, one of Japan’s largest convention centres. The property is just 30 minutes by train or car from central Tokyo.

The hotel features 350 rooms, including 10 spacious suites and 40 club rooms on the ninth floor and above. Many guestrooms afford beautiful water views. The Regency Club lounge on the ground floor offers exclusive experiences for guests staying in a suite or club rooms.

Food-wise there are plenty of options. Sushi Ema is a traditional Edomae sushi restaurant where guests can enjoy carefully selected seasonal ingredients. At Teppanyaki Fukitei, chefs prepare meals with premium Matsusaka beef, seafood and seasonal vegetables. Meanwhile, international cuisine with a European flair can be enjoyed at The Garden Brasserie & Bar. And in the evenings, The Rooftop Bar overlooking Tokyo Bay is an ideal spot to enjoy a cocktail or wine.

Hyatt Regency Hotel Tokyo Bay is located at 5 Chome-8-23 Akemi, Urayasu, Chiba 279-0014, Japan; tel: +81473051234

Retail giant Muji brings its famous anti-brand ethos to life with the new Muji Hotel Ginza, an oasis of zen-like calm (after shopping hours, anyway) in Tokyo’s glitzy shopping district. It’s the pride of Muji’s 10-storey flagship which encompasses retail, F&B and accommodation, making it a mega-destination for a global army of fans, dubbed ‘Mujirers.’

The brand’s much-touted philosophy of restraint and simplicity, or ‘design by subtraction’, extends to its 79-room hotel, perched on the top four floors. As might be expected, the design aesthetic (expertly executed by design partner UDS) is upscale contemporary, with interiors featuring liberal amounts of wood, stone and earth tones.

The rooms, available in various sizes and relatively wallet-friendly (by Ginza standards) with rates ranging between 15,000 yen and 50,000 yen (about S$200 and $655), are comfortable, functional and – provided you’re not travelling with a collection of LV trunks- entirely adequate for a short stay.

Muji Hotel Ginza is located within the Muji Ginza Flagship Store at Japan, 〒104-0061 Tokyo, Chuo City, Ginza, 3 Chome−3−5 ６階; tel: +81 3-3538-6101

Aman’s third Japanese resort after Aman Tokyo (opened 2014) and Amanemu, opens its doors on November 1, 2019. Located in the northern part of Kyoto at the foot of Mount Daimonji and close to the UNESCO heritage site of Kinka-kuji Temple, Aman Kyoto is housed in a ‘secret garden’ in a massive 80-acre site comprising 72 acres of permanent forest and eight acres of manicured gardens.

Designed by Kerry Hill Architects, expect a lush, tranquil getaway of just 24 rooms and two villas in contemporary ryokan-style, with floor-to-ceiling windows, tatami mats and tokonoma (a recessed space displaying a singular work of art).

Perfect for immersing yourself in an ancient culture and discovering the true meaning of Zen.

Aman Kyoto is located at Japan, 〒603-8481 Kyoto, Kita Ward, Okitayamawashiminecho, １ 1 Okitayama Washimine-Cho １; tel: +81 75-496-1333

This article is adapted from a story that first appeared in Home & Decor. Part of the story featured posts by The Business Times, The Singapore Women’s Weekly, Her World and The Straits Times