Sasayuri-Ann
With scenic views mountains and a sea of rice fields, Sasayuri-Ann is comprised of lovely wooden villas built with traditional Japanese aesthetics, such as a thatched roof and traditional pine flooring. Guests sleep on traditional futon bedding atop tatami flooring, can enjoy the tranquility of landscaped gardens and gorgeous views, then relaxing by the fireplace in the evenings. Check out the Homa Temple to experience the syncretism of Shintoism and Buddhism, or explore the nearby Fukano Village before returning to enjoy gourmet meals of sushi, local fare, or even barbecue and pizza. There is even a "Washoku" course meal that can be provided as prepared by a Michelin star-awarded chef. What really sets the Sasayuri-Ann apart, however, is its superior level of service, which is overseen by Tetsuji Matsubayashi, who is happy to show guests around the area and ensure that their stay is second-to-none.
Why We Love This Hotel
Lifestyle: The remote, traditionally designed Sasayuri-Ann is about more than just its beautiful setting; it also stands out in the calming approach to life it delivers to guests.
Architecture: Designed with traditionally thatched roofs and pine flooring, along with tatami mats and cypress bathtubs, the aesthetics are sure to inspire.
Food: All meals are enjoyed from the intimacy of one’s accommodation and are meticulously prepared by the on-site staff. Meals range from barbecue to multi-course sushi arrays prepared by Michelin star-awarded chefs.
- Destination
- Nara, Japan
- Hotel Type
- Historic
- Location Type
- Remote
The Sasayuri Ann complex is comprised of two villas, ZAO and OZUNU, nes tled in the mountains and surrounded by rice paddies and sasayuri lilies. The t raditional mountain villas merge classic Japanese style with high-end modern am enities. There is also the option of a buy-out, should a larger party require b oth villas or prefer more privacy.
OZUNU
OZUNU is a new building featuring a thatched roof, a rebuilt 100-year-old traditional tea room and a trio of landscaped gardens. There are three bedrooms: one first-floor bedroom in the Annex with two beds, three futons in the second-floor bedroom in the Annex, as well as a second-floor "hidden" loft room equipped with two futons. Other spaces include the chef's kitchen, a shower and bathroom with a "pot bath," a separate lavatory, a dining room with a guests' kitchen, a cozy living area with a fireplace, as well as a Japanese veranda.
ZAO
ZAO is a restored kominka (traditional Japanese-style thatched-roof house), fitted with modern amenities such as air conditioning, heating, Western-style bathrooms and a kitchen. There are three bedrooms: a first-floor room in the Annex equipped with two futons, a second-floor room in the Annex equipped with two futons and a second-floor loft equipped with three futons. There's also a spacious living area with a fireplace, two lavatories, a separate washroom, a separate bathroom with a cypress bathtub, a courtyard and a Japanese veranda.
The attached second building, Yamato-ann, includes a fully stocked library, a productivity room with a television, Wi-Fi, and a meeting table, a traditional tatami tea room, and a second bathing room. There are also a number of tea ceremonies, countryside excursions, yoga practices, and other activities that can be arranged by staff. Of note is the helicopter tour, which provides guests with new bird’s-eye vantage points of the naturally beautiful area.
Homa Temple
The Homa Temple is an onsite space dedicated to homa fire offerings, an important ritual of Shugendo, which is a highly syncretic religion with roots in animism and mountain worship, with both Buddhist and Shinto influences.
Library
The library is located in the Yamato-ann building and features an selective collection of mostly non-fiction reads, including some available in English. Examples of titles include Blowing Zen: Finding an Authentic Life, The Book of Tea, and The Chrysanthemum and the Sword: Patterns of Japanese Culture.
Meeting Room
Should you require space to conduct business during your trip, there is a private meeting space available.
Tea Room
The tatami-floored tea room offers guests the quintessential experience of Japanese tea ceremon in an authentic and beautiful setting.
Terrace
The ulin wood deck offers gorgeous views of the countryside and is the ideal place for a yoga session.
Guests can self-cater or have a variety of Japanese multi-course meals delivered. The staff are happy to come over and get the fireplace started, should guests elect to have food cooked at home, or guests can order a number of Japanese set meals, seasonal dishes, or even a number of "Washoku" course meals as prepared by a Michelin star-awarded chef. The stove itself is perfect for hot pot meals, and there is an on-site charcoal stove should guests fancy barbecue or pizza for dinner.
Barbecue
There is a BBQ site and pizza oven next to the main house, which boast superb mountain views and a starry night sky - ideal for a gathering with friends or family. The site includes log chairs, a charcoal stove, tongs and other cooking tools, a kitchen area, lighting, gas bonfire stand, the pizza oven, plus firewood.
Catering
For dinner, there are options for catering, though these must be ordered in advance. Popular cuisines include a set dinner from a local restaurant, a special "Irori" shabu-shabu or sukiyaki set, seasonal cuisine, or an opulent "Washoku" course served by a Michelin-star chef of the famous Manso restaurant in Nara City.
Self-Catering
Sasayuri-Ann's villas include kitchens and dining areas, with the option of food delivery ready for your arrival, at your request. The well-equipped kitchens come with an electric cooking stove, dishwasher, coffee machine, rice cooker and other amenities.
Exclusively Asia
With Remote Lands you'll travel with people who have made Asia the solitary focus of their own lifelong adventure. As our guest, you'll discover Asia on a journey that is completely, authentically your own, adapted from our own remarkable experiences and adventures over the years.
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What Others Say
Here is a small selection of the kind words our clients have said about us recently.
Family from England
Your arrangements were absolutely impeccable - everything happened exactly as it was supposed to.
Family from Minneapolis
Our family's trip to Japan was extremely well planned and well executed, on very short notice... Hats off to you!