Until recently, the choice of accommodation has been limited to small inns or the established Benesse House, a museum and hotel combination.
Opened in April 2022, the Ryokan Rokasumi is a welcome addition, providing traditional Japanese hospitality with a contemporary twist. This luxury ryokan is full of minimalist style and pared-back refinement. The architecture reflects the balance of yin and yang energy, creating a space of nurture and reflection.
Contemporary art is displayed throughout the building, featuring both the hotel’s permanent collection and works available for purchase. The vision is to create both a gallery and a meeting place for emerging talent, art lovers and collectors from around the world. There are plans for artist residences in the near future.
The ryokan has 11 spacious suites, all adorned with original artwork. Deluxe Suites feature a semi-outdoor traditional cypress wood bathtub and private balcony. Expect futon-style bedding, tatami mat relaxation spaces, low-slung furniture, sliding paper washi screens and moody lighting. Organic bath products, yukata robes and leather-soled black sandals are provided to help guests relax into the sense of serene peacefulness that pervades the property. Premium Suites offer more room and a bigger balcony or trade up to the Roka Suite designed to host larger gatherings and dinner parties, with the addition of a kitchen and bar.
The main restaurant En, serves modern kaiseki and sushi feasts, with vegan options for lunch and dinner. Local seafood and Wagyu beef are the star attractions. Alternatively, the café-bar Moya is a popular meeting place for both locals and guests. Serving lunch and after dinner drinks, guests can enjoy nightlife ranging from cosy chats around the outdoor firepit to music and dancing.
A feature of the ryokan is the garden, with a water feature, two circular rice paddies and a diversity of plants, sown to provide a sculptural and ever-changing display of natural wonder.
