Curated Domestic Staycation Destinations for an Elegant Getaway

4 Carefully Selected Domestic Staycation Destinations for an Elegant Staycation

It’s been a long period of self-restraint, and now that it has ended, the season has come when we can truly feel the arrival of summer.
Reflecting on the self-restraint period, many people probably feel exhausted from not being able to go out and repeating the same daily routine every day.

For those who want to stretch their legs a little and refresh their mood, to enjoy a break from the everyday. But because you're worried about a second wave of the novel coronavirus, you'd rather avoid places where people gather as much as possible.

This time, we’re introducing four Aww-curated accommodations in Japan where you can enjoy an elegant staycation surrounded by nature without worrying about the Three Cs. Soothe your everyday fatigue with breathtaking scenery that will leave you sighing in awe!

Amanemu (Oku-Shima, Mie Prefecture)

First, we’d like to introduce Amanemu, a noteworthy retreat you’ll want to treat yourself to someday.

Located along the coast of Ago Bay in Ise-Shima National Park, Mie Prefecture, it opened in March 2016 as Aman’s first hot spring retreat, with Aman operating luxury resorts mainly in Southeast Asia, Europe, and the United States.
Despite having opened 4 years ago, it has recently been quietly booming among stylish women.

The origin of the inn's name comes from Aman, meaning "peaceful" in Sanskrit, and the Japanese word for "joy," "Nemu."
As the name suggests, this hot spring inn offers breathtaking natural beauty that will make you sigh “Aww,” along with spectacular views of Ago Bay stretching out before your eyes.

The appeal of Amanemu lies in the extraordinary experience pursued to the fullest in every aspect, from the guest rooms and cuisine to the spa. Guests are welcomed with Amanemu’s unique hospitality, something that can only be experienced here.

The accommodations consist of 24 suite rooms, each 99㎡—a size rarely experienced at an urban resort—and 4 villas boasting a spacious 366㎡. In addition, each villa has two bedrooms, allowing you to enjoy a relaxing stay.
Each room comes with a mineral-rich natural hot spring, and the perfect combination of spectacular views and a hot spring is sure to make you feel blissfully happy!

The interior was designed by Australian architect Kerry Hill, who also worked on Aman Tokyo. Inspired by traditional Japanese homes, it has a calming interior where simplicity and modernity are beautifully balanced. The large windows in the room overlook Ago Bay and the private garden, creating a sense of openness you won’t find in the city. I’d love to relax to my heart’s content while enjoying a warm cup of tea.

The restaurant serves dishes made generously with fresh, flavorful ingredients from Ise-Shima, where you can fully enjoy top-grade Matsusaka beef, spiny lobster, and abalone.
A cozy stay that satisfies both heart and appetite while savoring the flavors of the season.

You can't talk about what makes Amanemu special without mentioning the spa. What’s remarkable is that the property includes an expansive 2000㎡ spa area that uses natural hot spring water. There is also a Thermal Spring, an outdoor bathing facility where swimsuits are required, so you can enjoy the kind of luxurious, fulfilling time you’d expect from a resort.

Address: 2165 Hazako, Hamajima-cho, Shima City, Mie Prefecture

HOSHINOYA Kyoto (Arashiyama, Kyoto Prefecture)

Next, we introduce "HOSHINOYA Kyoto," where you can enjoy a luxurious time away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Actually, did you know that Hoshino Resorts is thoroughly implementing measures to avoid the three Cs and maintain strict hygiene standards as part of travel in the age of living with COVID? In addition to rigorous staff hygiene management, they are taking every possible precaution to ensure guests can stay safely, including in-room check-in, easing congestion at the front desk and restaurants, and expanding open-air activities that make the most of the abundant natural surroundings.

Access to HOSHINOYA Kyoto is, amazingly, by boat.

From Togetsukyo Bridge in Arashiyama, it’s about a 15-minute boat ride. Then, a quiet stone staircase appears, as if you’ve wandered deep into the forest. At the top of the stairs, soothing welcome music greets guests, offering a healing escape where time seems to slow down.

All 25 rooms have a river view.
Every room offers sweeping views of the charming Oi River and lush greenery, making every scene picture-perfect.
The room’s balustrades and ceiling remain just as they were 100 years ago, when the building was a traditional inn, allowing you to enjoy an atmosphere that feels like stepping back in time.

The much-anticipated dinner is a Kyoto kaiseki omakase experience to be enjoyed with all five senses. The head chef is Ichiro Kubota, a Kyoto native who has earned a Michelin star. Chef Kubota’s refined sensibility shines through, as he first envisions the scene of the season before creating each dish. With the flavors of Japan’s four seasons expressed not only in the scenery but also in the cuisine, it promises a deeply satisfying experience.

Address: 11-2 Arashiyama Genrokuzancho, Nishikyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto Prefecture

Fufu Kawaguchiko (Yamanashi Prefecture, Lake Kawaguchi)

Next, we’d like to introduce Fufu Kawaguchiko, recommended for those who want to recharge in nature.
It’s less than a 2-hour drive from central Tokyo, making it perfect for a weekend staycation.

According to Tomoyasu Kato, President and CEO of Kato Pleasure Group and owner of this inn, when he first visited this place, there was something about it that deeply captivated him. The inn’s interior reflects Mr. Kato’s attention to detail, with wood and stone originally found here used throughout. Reborn as the entrance bench, the restaurant counter, and stone paving, they make you feel as if you’ve become one with the natural surroundings of this land.

And the biggest charm of this inn, above all, is the rooms with such spectacular views that you’ll happily want to stay in all day.
The large windows of the 32 suites across 6 different room types offer sweeping views of Mt. Fuji and Lake Kawaguchi, creating the illusion that there is almost no boundary between indoors and out. Each room also features an open-air bath with natural hot spring water lined with Fuji lava rock, adding to the appeal of a relaxing stay while soaking in the onsen.

In the Luxury Premium Suite, with only two more rooms available, there is a hammock on the balcony and a hot stone spa in the room, so you can enjoy reading or detoxing.
It looks like you can enjoy an indulgent, deeply relaxing time to your heart’s content.

After relaxing in the comfort of your room, savor the blessings of nature found only here at Restaurant "Yamanoha." Head Chef Masayoshi Hoshino presents an exciting dining experience with meticulous attention to every detail—from local ingredients, tableware, and cooking methods to presentation using lava stone.
The wood-fired fish and smoked dishes at the restaurant entrance are exquisite. Enjoy them with delicious Yamanashi wine that pairs perfectly with the cuisine. If you'd like to savor the afterglow of dinner, head to the moodily atmospheric bar for an original cocktail. A cocktail enjoyed at the counter made from a single slab of zelkova wood grown in this region promises to be something truly special.

Other original activities at "Fufu Kawaguchiko" are also plentiful, including a lake cruise to an uninhabited island for coffee, trekking, and stargazing tours, making it the perfect place to fully enjoy a luxurious staycation surrounded by the mountains, lake, and forest of this area.

Address: 2211-1 Mizuguchi, Kawaguchi, Fujikawaguchiko-machi, Minamitsuru-gun, Yamanashi Prefecture

&SUN Penthouse (Kanagawa, Yokosuka)

The last one we’d like to introduce is “&SUN Penthouse,”
A vacation rental with an ocean view, perfect for the coming season.

This inn takes its name from the “bright, pouring sunlight” and the “third place away from everyday life = a third place,” and true to its name, the rooms are filled with sunlight through the windows, making it the perfect place to spend time in an extraordinary space, free from the rush of daily life.
One great point is that you can rent the entire building, giving you a perfect sense of privacy.

The living room features a relaxing space centered on wood and white tones. The view from the wide windows, spacious enough to feel almost open-air, stretches out to the sea as far as the eye can see, while the scent of the ocean and the soothing sound of the waves help you unwind.
Living room-accessible, the terrace comes with a hammock, letting you enjoy luxurious me-time—whether reading at a leisurely pace or watching the sunset in total relaxation.

The bedroom is furnished with a loft-style bed that brings out your inner child and four double beds, making it perfect for a relaxing weekend with close friends or family. You can also rent a BBQ set on request, so you can enjoy the start of summer with delicious grilled meat.
A spacious kitchen is fully equipped, so you're all set for serious cooking and BBQ prep.

Address: 1653-13 Akiya, Yokosuka City, Kanagawa Prefecture

4 Carefully Selected Domestic Staycation Destinations for an Elegant Getaway

After the long period of self-restraint ended, it has become the season when we can truly feel the arrival of summer.
During the self-restraint period, many people probably felt worn out by not being able to go out and by repeating the same daily routine every day.

For those who want to stretch their legs a bit and refresh themselves, to enjoy a break from the everyday. But because you're worried about a second wave of the novel coronavirus, you'd rather avoid places where lots of people gather as much as possible.

This time, we’re introducing four Aww-curated stays in Japan where you can enjoy an elegant staycation surrounded by nature without worrying about the Three Cs. Unwind from everyday fatigue while taking in breathtaking scenery that will leave you sighing in awe!

Amanemu (Okushima, Mie Prefecture)

First, let me introduce
I’d love to stay at Amanemu someday as a special treat for myself.

Opened in March 2016 on the coast of Ago Bay in Ise-Shima National Park, Mie Prefecture, as Aman’s first hot spring inn, following its luxury resorts mainly across Southeast Asia, Europe, and the United States.Despite having opened 4 years ago, it has recently been quietly becoming a trend among stylish women.

The origin of the property's name is Aman, meaning 'peaceful' in Sanskrit, and the Japanese word for 'joy,' 'Nemu'.
Just as the name suggests, this hot spring inn offers breathtaking natural beauty that will make you sigh "Aww," along with spectacular views of Ago Bay stretching out before you.

The appeal of Amanemu lies in the extraordinary atmosphere that has been meticulously pursued in every aspect, from the guest rooms and cuisine to the spa. Guests are welcomed with Amanemu’s unique hospitality, an experience that can only be found here.

The accommodations consist of 24 suite rooms, each 99㎡—a rare experience for an urban resort—and 4 villas boasting a spacious 366㎡ each. The villas also feature two bedrooms, so you can enjoy a truly relaxing stay. Every room comes with a mineral-rich natural hot spring bath, and the perfect combination of spectacular views and soothing hot springs is sure to leave you feeling blissfully happy!

The interior was designed by Australian architect Kerry Hill, who also worked on Aman Tokyo. Inspired by traditional Japanese homes, it features a calming interior where modernity is seamlessly balanced within a simple design.
From the large window in the room, you can look out over Ago Bay and the private garden, creating a sense of openness you would never find in the city. I’d love to enjoy a warm cup of tea and relax to my heart’s content.

The restaurant serves dishes made with an abundance of fresh, flavorful ingredients from Ise-Shima, where you can fully enjoy top-grade Matsusaka beef, spiny lobster, and abalone.A cozy stay where you can savor seasonal flavors and leave both your heart and stomach satisfied.

The appeal of Amanemu cannot be told without mentioning its spa. Amazingly, the property features a 2,000㎡ spa area, and it uses natural hot spring water. There is also an outdoor thermal bathing facility, the Thermal Spring, which is enjoyed in swimwear, so you can spend a luxurious, resort-like time there.

Address: 2165 Hazako, Hamajimacho, Shima-shi, Mie Prefecture

HOSHINOYA Kyoto (Arashiyama, Kyoto Prefecture)

Next, we introduce "HOSHINOYA Kyoto," where you can enjoy a luxurious time away from the hustle and bustle of the city

Did you know that Hoshino Resorts is thoroughly implementing measures to avoid the Three Cs and maintain strict hygiene standards as part of a new style of travel in the age of living with COVID? In addition to staff hygiene management, they are taking every possible precaution to ensure guests can stay safely, including in-room check-in, easing congestion at the front desk and restaurants, and enhancing open-air activities that make the most of the abundant natural surroundings.

Access to HOSHINOYA Kyoto is, amazingly, by boat.

From Togetsukyo Bridge in Arashiyama, it's about a 15-minute boat ride. Then a quiet stone staircase appears, as if you've wandered deep into the forest. At the top of the stairs, soothing welcome music greets guests, easing them into an extraordinary space where time flows gently.

All 25 rooms have a river view.
From every room, you'll be surrounded by sweeping views of the charming Oi River and lush greenery—every angle is picture-perfect.
The balcony railings and ceilings in the rooms remain just as they were 100 years ago, when this was a ryokan, letting you enjoy an atmosphere that feels like stepping back in time.

The long-awaited dinner is a Kyoto kaiseki omakase experience to be enjoyed with all five senses. The head chef is Ichiro Kubota, a Kyoto native who has earned a Michelin star. Chef Kubota’s refined sensibility shines through, as he first imagines the scenery of the season before creating each dish. You’ll be fully satisfied, experiencing Japan’s four seasons not only through the views but through the cuisine as well.

Address: 11-2 Arashiyama Genrokuzancho, Nishikyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto Prefecture

Fufu Kawaguchiko (Yamanashi Prefecture, Lake Kawaguchi)

Next, we’d like to introduce “Fufu Kawaguchiko,” recommended for those who want to recharge in nature.Less than a 2-hour drive from central Tokyo, making it perfect for a weekend staycation.

When Tomoyasu Kato, President and CEO of Kato Pleasure Group and owner of this inn, first visited this area, he says there was something here that deeply drew him in. The inn’s interior reflects Mr. Kato’s attention to detail, with wood and stone originally found on this land used throughout. Reborn as the entrance bench, the restaurant counter, and stone paving, they make you feel as if you’ve become one with the natural surroundings.

And above all, the true charm of this inn is the rooms, where the spectacular views are so breathtaking you’ll gladly want to stay in.
The large windows of the 32 suite rooms across 6 different types offer sweeping views of Mt. Fuji and Lake Kawaguchi, almost giving the illusion that there is no boundary between inside and out. Each room also features an open-air natural hot spring bath lined with Fuji lava stone, adding to the appeal of a relaxing stay while soaking in the onsen.

In the Luxury Premium Suite, of which there are only two more rooms, there is a hammock on the balcony and a hot stone sauna in the room, so you can enjoy reading or detoxing.
It looks like you’ll be able to enjoy a luxuriously relaxing time to your heart’s content.

After relaxing in the comfort of your room, savor the blessings of nature that can only be enjoyed here at Restaurant "Yamanoha." Head Chef Masayoshi Hoshino offers an exciting dining experience, with meticulous attention to every detail—from local ingredients, tableware, and cooking methods to presentation using lava rock.
The wood-fired fish and smoked dishes at the restaurant entrance are exquisite. Enjoy them with delicious Yamanashi wine that pairs perfectly with the cuisine. If you'd like to savor the afterglow of dinner, try an original cocktail at the bar, with its moody atmosphere. A cocktail enjoyed at the counter made from a single slab of zelkova wood grown in this region promises to be something truly special.

The original activities at "Fufu Kawaguchiko" are also plentiful, including a lake cruise to an uninhabited island for coffee, trekking, and stargazing tours, so you can fully enjoy a luxurious staycation surrounded by the mountains, lake, and forest of this area.

Address: 2211-1 Aza Mizuguchi, Kawaguchi, Fujikawaguchiko-machi, Minamitsuru-gun, Yamanashi Prefecture

&SUN Penthouse (Kanagawa Prefecture, Yokosuka)

Last but not least is "&SUN Penthouse," an ocean-view vacation rental that's perfect for the coming season.

This accommodation takes its name from the “bright, pouring sun” and the “third place”—a space away from everyday life—and it truly lives up to that name. Sunlight streams through the room windows, making it the perfect place to enjoy an extraordinary stay away from the rush of daily life. Another great point is that the entire building is available for private rental, giving you a perfect sense of privacy.

The living room is characterized by a spacious, relaxing atmosphere centered on wood and white tones.
The view from the wide windows, so expansive it feels almost open-air, is nothing but ocean as far as the eye can see, with the scent of the sea and the soothing sound of the waves creating a deeply relaxing atmosphere. The terrace, easily accessed from the living room, comes with a hammock, where you can enjoy a luxurious time to yourself—reading at leisure or simply unwinding as you watch the sunset.

The bedrooms are equipped with four beds, including loft-style beds that bring back childhood memories and double beds, making it perfect for a relaxing weekend with close friends or family. You can also rent a BBQ set on request, so you can enjoy the start of summer with delicious grilled meat. There is also a spacious kitchen, fully equipped for serious cooking and BBQ prep.

Address: 1653-13 Akiya, Yokosuka-shi, Kanagawa Prefecture