These Are the 12 Best Off-the-Beaten-Path Hotels in Japan - AFAR

"A woodsy retreat in the heart of Nasu that blends nature, art, and traditional hospitality, with access to ski slopes, forest cycling paths, and ancient onsen. The property stands out for its outdoor art garden, a DIY ikebana station for arranging flowers for each room’s tokonoma, and communal spaces including an outdoor hearth and tea pavilion. Rooms (ume, matsu, and take) feature tatami floors, locally crafted furniture, and views of private gardens or the Nakagawa River; bathing options include cypress and stone onsen and a relaxation room insulated with loess clay walls. Practical amenities like in-house laundry make it convenient for extended stays." - Adam H. Graham