Asaba

Nearly 1,200 years ago, Asaba was a Buddhist temple known as a «shukubo». Over time, the property has retained all its old-world charm and is today considered one of Japan's finest addresses. Situated at the foot of a hillside bordering a river and surrounded by a bamboo forest and gardens, Asaba has been owned by the same family for over five generations. The hotel is located near the famous Shuzenji temple, built by the great Japanese Buddhist master Kobo Daishi. Asaba features 11 light-filled rooms built from traditional materials such as bamboo and wood, fitted with the rice-paper partitions and sliding doors characteristic of Japanese architecture. The rooms feature a traditional Japanese bed comprising a tatami mat and a fabulous bathtub supplied by the estate's natural hot springs. After a soothing bath, you can make the most of the outdoor lounge in Asaba's stunning landscaped garden to feel the vibrations of this history-laden place. At the restaurant, the chef offers refined traditional cuisine featuring a selection of locally sourced fresh fish and vegetables, brilliantly combining sweet and savoury flavours. At Asaba, you can fully immerse yourself in ryokan culture by choosing to have dinner served in your room. The hotel will certainly plunge you into legendary Japan: the house is a haven of refinement and tradition that fully justifies its place in the Relais & Châteaux collection.