Once-in-a-Lifetime Stays! Unique Accommodations Across Japan – A Special Travel Experience Immersing All Five Senses in Art, Nature, and History

While exploring sightseeing spots and enjoying local cuisine is certainly appealing, a growing trend in travel is staying at accommodations that are destinations in themselves. Across Japan, you’ll find unique lodgings such as treehouses, renovated traditional homes, art hotels, and temple stays that offer extraordinary, immersive experiences. These one-of-a-kind places turn a simple overnight stay into a memorable part of your journey.

In this article, we introduce a carefully selected list of distinctive accommodations from all over Japan—places where the stay itself becomes the highlight of your trip. For your next getaway, why not start by choosing where to stay instead of where to go?

Why These Unique Stays Are Worth Experiencing at Least Once

While travel is often centered around sightseeing and local cuisine, a growing trend is the concept of making the *accommodation itself* the main purpose of the journey. Across Japan, unique stays—such as treehouses, traditional townhouses, art hotels, and temple lodgings—offer extraordinary settings and immersive experiences that make them the highlight of any trip.

What Makes These Stays So Special?

The Unique Charm of Making “Staying” the Main Purpose

Traditionally, travelers choose destinations first and accommodations second. But with these unique stays, “where you stay” becomes the center of the trip. Sleeping in a treehouse, experiencing traditional life in a kominka (old Japanese home), or being surrounded by artwork while you sleep—such experiences provide a level of novelty and emotion that turns a trip into an unforgettable story.

Memorable Stays Through Hands-On Experiences

These unique lodgings aren’t just places to sleep—they offer hands-on experiences that engage all your senses. Whether it’s practicing tea ceremony or pottery, joining a fishing or harvesting activity, or participating in an interactive art installation, the stay itself becomes a full-fledged adventure. These immersive moments stay with you long after the journey ends.

Types of Unique Stays and How to Choose One

“Unique accommodations” come in many styles, each offering its own charm and experience. By choosing a place that aligns with your travel purpose or personal preferences, you can make your stay even more fulfilling. Here, we introduce several types of unique stays and tips on how to choose the right one.

Categories: Nature, Culture, and Art

• Nature lovers: Treehouses, glamping sites, and lodges by the sea or in the mountains. These offer peaceful stays in harmony with nature.
• Cultural enthusiasts: Renovated traditional homes, farm stays, and temple lodgings. Perfect for immersing yourself in local history and everyday life.
• Art seekers: Hotels showcasing contemporary art or featuring rooms designed in collaboration with artists. Ideal for those seeking inspiration and stimulation.

Check the Location and Access

Many unique stays are located in remote areas such as mountains or islands surrounded by nature. These locations may require extra travel time. Before booking, check whether a car is necessary, if public transportation is available, or whether the facility offers shuttle service. In winter, be sure to prepare for seasonal road conditions.

Cost and Booking Availability

Because many of these lodgings have only a few rooms, they can fill up quickly—especially on weekends or holidays. For popular places, reservations may need to be made several months in advance. Also, due to their special features and amenities, prices tend to be slightly higher than standard accommodations. Planning early based on your budget and schedule is key to securing your stay.

More Than Sightseeing—The Stay Itself Becomes the Destination

The greatest appeal of unique accommodations is that *staying there* becomes the main purpose of the trip. Instead of simply touring tourist attractions, spending quality time at the accommodation itself is becoming a new and popular travel style.

Entertainment Experiences Within the Property

Many lodgings now offer full-day entertainment right inside the facility. From guest rooms with planetariums to indoor adventure zones and lounges with libraries, these features ensure guests never get bored—even without stepping outside. Such accommodations are especially popular among families and couples seeking a relaxing and immersive stay.

Exclusive Activities for Guests Only

Another highlight is the availability of activities that are only open to staying guests. These might include nighttime temple tours at temple lodgings, local cooking classes, or hands-on art experiences. These special activities offer rare opportunities to enjoy truly unique moments during your trip.

Make the Most of a One-Night Stay

Even if your time is limited, there are ways to fully enjoy a short stay. Exploring the property right after arrival, or participating in pre-check-in or post-checkout activities, can help create a rich and fulfilling experience. Checking the accommodation’s schedule and amenities in advance allows for smooth and efficient planning.

Breathtaking Stays in Harmony with Nature

Accommodations surrounded by seasonal beauty offer a healing space where both body and mind can unwind. In this section, we introduce unique lodgings where you can immerse yourself in the wonders of nature and enjoy truly special moments.

Treehouse Stays Surrounded by Forest

Treehouse accommodations—straight out of a storybook—are beloved by both children and adults. These cabins, elevated among the trees, blend seamlessly with their natural surroundings. Wake up to the gentle chirping of birds, and fall asleep under a sky full of stars—an experience that offers pure, luxurious tranquility.

While these stays are often located deep in the mountains and may require extra effort to reach, the reward is a peaceful and private retreat. Perfect for outdoor lovers and anyone seeking a refreshing escape from daily life.

Treehouse Mushroom at Kita-Karuizawa Sweet Grass (Gunma)

“Treehouse Mushroom” is a whimsical and unique accommodation located in the popular campground “Kita-Karuizawa Sweet Grass” in Gunma Prefecture. Like something out of a picture book, this treehouse sits at the foot of Mt. Asama, surrounded by lush forests that allow guests to fully experience the changing beauty of each season.

The setting is perfect for enjoying authentic outdoor activities such as cooking on a wood-burning stove, having a campfire, or enjoying a BBQ. It’s a place where you can reconnect with nature and create unforgettable memories in a storybook-like retreat.

Treehouses at America Camp Village (Tokyo)

America Camp Village is a nature-rich camping facility with easy access from central Tokyo. Within its spacious grounds, you’ll find a variety of accommodation styles including treehouses, bungalows, and tent sites. The treehouses—perched above ground for a truly out-of-the-ordinary experience—are especially popular with children.

The site also features a wide range of family-friendly activities, including adventure playgrounds for kids and a trout-catching experience in the summer. It’s the perfect destination for families to enjoy hands-on fun and connect with nature.

The Bamboo Forest – Treehouse “Kirin-an” (Chiba)

THE BAMBOO FOREST is a glamping facility located in Ichihara City, Chiba Prefecture, adjacent to the animal park “Animal Wonder Rezourt Sayuri World.” Just about an hour’s drive from central Tokyo, it offers excellent access and a serene escape surrounded by bamboo groves. Guests can enjoy an extraordinary stay immersed in nature and tranquility.

Tranquil Lakeside Retreats

A lakeside inn is more than just a place to stay—it’s a soothing escape from the noise and stress of everyday life. The reflection of the sunrise on the water, the gentle sound of rippling waves, and the breeze drifting across the lake all work together to quietly calm the soul.

If you’re looking for a slower pace and peaceful moments that are hard to find in the city, a stay at a lakeside inn might be just what you need.

Kunibiki (Shimane)

Kunibiki is a peaceful hot spring inn located by the shores of Lake Jinzai in Izumo City, Shimane Prefecture. From the guest rooms, you can enjoy sweeping views of the lake, which shifts beautifully with the light of morning and evening, and through the changing seasons.

The hot spring, Koryo Onsen, contains sodium bicarbonate (baking soda), known for its gentle exfoliating effect that leaves the skin smooth and refreshed—earning it the nickname “beautifying water.” Meals are traditional kaiseki cuisine, made with seasonal seafood and mountain ingredients from the San’in region. Each carefully prepared dish enhances the experience of your special stay.

The Lake View TOYA Nonokaze Resort (Hokkaido)

The Lake View TOYA Nonokaze Resort is a luxury hotel offering spectacular views of Lake Toya from every guest room. Throughout the property, guests can enjoy the stunning “Lake Toya Blue” scenery and the dynamic beauty of nature as it changes with the seasons, inviting visitors into an extraordinary experience.

From spring to fall, the resort offers front-row views of the famous Lake Toya Long-Run Fireworks, providing a multisensory and unforgettable evening. On the top floor, guests can relax in the large public bath or step out into the rooftop open-air bath, where it feels as if you are melting into the lake itself. With Mt. Yotei, Nakajima Island, starry skies, and morning mist in view, every moment is filled with breathtaking natural beauty.

Surrounded by warm hospitality and vibrant nature, this resort encapsulates the best of Toya—including sightseeing, gourmet dining, and seasonal activities—for an exceptional stay.

Hakone Hotel (Kanagawa)

Hakone Hotel is a lakeside resort harmoniously nestled on the shores of Lake Ashi. The high-ceilinged guest rooms feature unique furniture and interior designs, offering breathtaking views of Lake Ashi and Mt. Fuji through the windows. Guests can enjoy a relaxing stay surrounded by the majestic nature of Hakone.

The hotel’s restaurant serves authentic French cuisine and teppanyaki, all while offering a panoramic view of the lake and mountain scenery. For hot spring relaxation, there are two distinct baths—“Ashi-no-Yu” and “Taikan-no-Yu”—available on an alternating basis for men and women. Each bath provides a unique atmosphere and the opportunity to soak in the seasonal beauty of Hakone’s natural surroundings.

Secluded Mountain Hot Spring Inns Surrounded by Nature

Hidden deep in the mountains, far from the noise of the city, these secluded hot spring inns offer a sense of stillness—as if time itself has slowed. Surrounded by untouched nature, the only sounds are the gentle flow of the river and the songs of birds. It’s a place where both body and mind can truly unwind and be set free.

The hot springs are sourced directly from natural springs, flowing freely into open-air baths nestled among the trees. Guests can soak in the healing waters while gazing at the ever-changing mountain scenery—fresh greenery in spring, lush foliage in summer, vivid autumn colors, and snow-covered landscapes in winter. Each visit offers a new and unforgettable experience.

Takimi-en (Chiba)

Takimi-en is a hot spring inn nestled in the natural beauty of the Yoro Valley in Chiba Prefecture.
Surrounded by stunning seasonal valley scenery, it offers a tranquil atmosphere that soothes both body and mind.

The surrounding Minamiboso area is home to a variety of leisure attractions for both adults and children,
including Mother Farm, Kamogawa Sea World, Tokyo German Village, and Ichihara Elephant Kingdom.

In addition, guests can enjoy a casual day-use hot spring experience at the inn’s sister facility,
“Goriyaku no Yu”, making it an ideal spot for both relaxing stays and sightseeing.

Room

* Additional plans are available. Please check the official website for more details.

Accommodation Information

Tsuta Onsen Ryokan (Aomori)

Tsuta Onsen Ryokan is a historic hidden inn nestled quietly near the entrance of the Oirase Gorge in Aomori Prefecture. It is said that a therapeutic bathhouse already existed here in the year Kyuan 3 (1147), making it one of the oldest hot springs in Japan. The inn is especially famous for its rare “ashimoto-yushutsu” style hot spring, where hot spring water naturally wells up from the bottom of the bath.

In the baths “Kyuanno-yu” and “Senkyo-no-yu,” guests can soak their entire bodies while listening to the sounds of nature and enjoying the gentle texture of the water. Meals are prepared with seasonal ingredients sourced from Aomori Prefecture, offering a variety of simple yet flavorful dishes that reflect the richness of the local land and seasons.

Room

* Other plans are also available. Please refer to the official website for details.

Facility Information

Nasu Onsen Sanraku (Tochigi)

Nasu Onsen Sanraku is a long-established ryokan founded in 1923, soon to celebrate its 100th anniversary. Nestled quietly in the famous summer retreat of Nasu Highlands, the inn offers a refined and tranquil stay surrounded by the beauty of each season. Located at the foot of Mount Chausu, part of the Nasu Onsen area, the spacious open-air bath allows guests to fully immerse themselves in the surrounding nature. Inside, the facility is carefully designed with traditional Japanese aesthetics, offering a serene and culturally rich atmosphere throughout.

Traditional Stays in Historic Kominka Homes

Experience the Charm of Staying in a Kominka

Across Japan, many traditional kominka—historic wooden houses passed down through generations—have been beautifully renovated into unique accommodations. Staying in one of these heritage homes offers a rare, immersive journey into the past.

Surrounded by the warmth of wood and the echoes of history, you can enjoy experiences like dining around an irori (sunken hearth) or relaxing on tatami mats in tranquil silence—luxuries that modern hotels simply can’t replicate.

Kakunodate Sanso Wabizakura (Akita)

Nestled quietly in the satoyama (woodland area) of Kakunodate, Akita Prefecture,
Kakunodate Sanso Wabizakura is a hidden retreat housed in a restored traditional thatched-roof kominka.
Surrounded by both history and nature, this inn offers a nostalgic and tranquil space for restful moments.

The private hot spring bath features a high-quality alkaline simple spring with a pH of 9.6, flowing directly from the source (100% natural).
Seasonal landscapes unfold around the inn, and it’s located near Kakunodate’s historic samurai district, making it ideal for both sightseeing and relaxation.

Sawara Merchant Town Hotel NIPPONIA (Chiba)

Sawara Merchant Town Hotel NIPPONIA is a dispersed hotel located in the historic townscape of Sawara, Katori City, Chiba Prefecture. This unique accommodation concept transforms traditional merchant houses and storehouses into hotel rooms, with a total of 13 rooms across 4 buildings. The reception, rooms, and restaurant are scattered throughout the town, creating an experience where the entire town feels like one large hotel.

Guests can stroll through the charming streets that still retain strong Edo-period atmosphere, immersing themselves in the local culture and history. This hotel offers a one-of-a-kind stay where the town of Sawara itself becomes the highlight of the journey.

Gōmu-no-Yado Yamabōshi (Gifu)

Gōmu-no-Yado Yamabōshi is a traditional-style hot spring inn located in Shin-Hirayu Onsen, Okuhida. Built in the architectural style of Hida’s traditional houses, this heartwarming inn features a spacious lobby with an open ceiling and charming guest rooms filled with the warmth of wood. It also offers private open-air baths available at any time, allowing guests to relax and enjoy a peaceful hot spring experience. With convenient access to popular tourist spots such as Kamikochi and Hida-Takayama, it serves as an ideal base for sightseeing as well.

Samurai Residences and Temple Lodgings (Shukubo)

A unique travel experience deeply rooted in Japan’s history is staying at a samurai residence or a traditional temple lodging known as shukubo. At samurai residences, which retain the stately appearance of the past, guests can enjoy a serene stay while imagining the lifestyle of warriors from centuries ago.

Temple lodgings, originally established to accommodate pilgrims, are now increasingly popular among general travelers. These accommodations offer firsthand encounters with Buddhist culture—such as zazen meditation, sutra copying, and vegetarian shojin ryori meals—making them a truly enriching and memorable way to experience Japan.

Ryokan Hanaya – Guest Suite (Nagano)

Ryokan Hanaya, located in Ueda City, Nagano Prefecture, is a truly unique inn that faithfully recreates the samurai residence of the former Ueda Domain. As Japan’s first accommodation of its kind, this ryokan offers an immersive experience of staying in an authentic samurai manor.

Guests can enjoy a serene and dignified stay, as if transported back to the Edo period, feeling the presence of the samurai lifestyle in every detail of the space.

Koyasan Betsukaku Honzan Soji-in Temple (Wakayama / Mount Koya)

Koyasan Betsukaku Honzan Soji-in is a historic temple founded during the Heian period by Sojibo Gyokei, the 28th head priest of Mount Koya and a successor of Kobo Daishi. This sacred site has long served as a place of spiritual practice.

At the temple lodging (shukubo), guests can enjoy shojin ryori (Buddhist vegetarian cuisine), participate in the morning service (gongyo), collect temple stamps (goshuin), and pay respects to the principal deity. Nestled in the serene environment of Mount Koya, Soji-in provides an ideal setting for reflection and spiritual renewal.

Waqoo Miidera (Shiga)

Waqoo Miidera is a unique temple lodging located within Myogan-in, a sub-temple of the historic Miidera Temple in Shiga Prefecture. This exclusive accommodation allows only one group per day, offering a private stay in a traditional building with over 400 years of history. Guests can enjoy a quiet and reflective time while immersed in the serenity of the temple grounds.

One of the highlights is the special access to the National Treasure guest hall, available only to overnight guests, as well as the opportunity to experience Zen meditation. Surrounded by the ever-changing seasonal nature and the timeless heritage of Miidera, this is a one-of-a-kind lodging that offers an unforgettable cultural experience.

Stay with Art: Artistic Accommodations

Sleep Surrounded by Contemporary Art

Just like visiting a museum, these unique accommodations offer the extraordinary experience of spending a night immersed in art. In these art-integrated hotels, guestrooms and common areas become canvases themselves, allowing guests to enjoy luxurious moments surrounded by works from world-renowned artists. Even the simple act of waking up or glancing down a hallway becomes part of an ongoing art appreciation experience, where every detail is a piece of the exhibition.

The Shinmonzen (Kyoto)

The Shinmonzen is a luxury boutique hotel quietly nestled along Shinmonzen Street, near the scenic Shirakawa River in Kyoto’s Gion district. Designed for the modern traveler, the hotel was created by world-renowned architect Tadao Ando in collaboration with other celebrated artists. Throughout the property, guests can enjoy an impressive collection of contemporary artworks by masters such as Louise Bourgeois, Gerhard Richter, Damien Hirst, Hiroshi Sugimoto, and Makoto Ofune.

Benesse House Naoshima (Kagawa / Naoshima)

Benesse House Naoshima is a unique facility that integrates a contemporary art museum with a hotel, opened in 1992 under the concept of “coexistence of nature, architecture, and art.” All buildings were designed by world-renowned architect Tadao Ando, harmoniously blending with the natural beauty of Setonaikai National Park. The accommodation is divided into four wings—Museum, Oval, Park, and Beach—each offering a distinct atmosphere where guests can fully experience both art and nature.

Artist-Designed Rooms

Take your art-filled stay to the next level with an “Artist-Designed Room,” where luxury meets immersive creativity. These unique rooms go beyond simply displaying artwork—each space is treated as a canvas, fully designed and transformed by the artist themselves. From walls to furnishings, the entire room becomes a living expression of their vision.

Experience a special moment in a space where art and daily life are seamlessly intertwined.

Park Hotel Tokyo (Tokyo)

Park Hotel Tokyo offers a unique stay experience based on the concept of “a time and space immersed in Japanese aesthetics.” A key highlight is the “Artist in Hotel” project, where artists reside at the hotel and paint directly on the walls of guest rooms. Each room thus becomes a one-of-a-kind art piece created on-site.

In addition, the “Corridor Gallery,” held on every guest room floor, reflects the hotel’s philosophy of “Art for All,” providing a space where anyone can freely engage with art. The entire hotel functions like a grand museum, enveloping guests in creativity from the moment they arrive.

HOTEL GROOVE (Tokyo)

The “GROOVE ROOM” is a set of special art-themed guest rooms designed by three distinctive artists—Tomokazu Washio, Yoshiaki Kaihatsu, and Takuro Tamayama. These rooms offer an immersive experience where the hotel becomes a stage for artistic expression. Each room reflects the unique vision of its creator, allowing guests to feel as though they are stepping directly into a work of art. Staying here is not just accommodation—it’s a form of artistic experience in itself.

BnA HOTEL (Tokyo)

BnA_WALL is an art hotel located in Nihonbashi, Tokyo, operated by BnA HOTEL. Known for its unique approach, each room is created from scratch in collaboration with artists—not just as a space to display art, but as an immersive art piece itself. From the materials and shapes of floors, walls, and ceilings to the furniture, curtains, and decor, every element is thoughtfully designed and crafted together with the artist.

As a result, each art room is a one-of-a-kind space that deeply reflects the artist’s vision and creativity. The hotel also adopts a “Patron System,” where a portion of the room fee goes back to the artist, offering a new and sustainable way to support art.

A New Style of Travel: Staying as the Destination

The Right Hotel Can Transform Your Journey

Accommodations are not just places to rest—they are essential to fully experiencing the local culture. More and more lodgings now offer interiors and meals made with local materials, as well as hands-on programs that reflect the region’s traditions. Even if sightseeing is the main purpose of your trip, choosing a memorable place to stay can greatly enhance your overall satisfaction.

Unforgettable Stays That Touch the Heart

Whether it’s a beautifully designed space, inspiring encounters with art, or heartfelt interactions with locals, certain lodgings offer more than just a bed—they create moments that become cherished memories. Time spent in an extraordinary setting provides healing, inspiration, and emotional enrichment.

Let Unique Accommodations Inspire Your Next Trip

When planning your next journey, why not start by choosing the type of accommodation you want to stay in? Across Japan, you’ll find a wide variety of distinctive lodgings—art hotels, traditional kominka homes, treehouses, temple stays, and more. For those seeking something beyond the ordinary, beginning your travels with a unique place to stay can lead to new discoveries and lasting impressions.