Zenagi, Kiso Valley

In a corner of Japan unmarked by the passage of time, Zenagi extends an invitation to explore. A restored Kominka farmhouse, the three suite boutique hotel looks out over a virgin wilderness home to untold traditions and unmatched adventure. To show you the way, your hosts are former Olympic athletes who will take you canoeing and biking through the valley. Return to Zenagi and the atmosphere is one of undisturbed tranquility with a cuisine brought to you by Michelin-starred chefs that spotlight regional flavours and produce.

Location

Caught between Tokyo and Kyoto yet the Kiso Valley remains blissfully off the tourist track for many. The result is somewhere that is authentically itself, telling the stories of the centuries gone by. Take a journey into the ancient towns that speckle the valley and discover long-held traditions and forgotten ways, perhaps returning with a pair of chopsticks you’ll make in the company of a woodworking master. Getting here starts with a Shinkansen and ends with a more leisurely drive through the surrounding rice terraces to Zenagi’s hilltop perch.

Your Room

With just three rooms, Zenagi is ideal for families or groups travelling together and looking for a space to call their own. Each duplex suite is incredibly spacious and sleeps up to four people if needed. The floors are a glossy lacquered black whilst the walls are layered with handmade washi paper and offer a tranquil backdrop to the handcrafted furnishings and sumptuous wood hewn bathtubs. The result is somewhere that honours its traditional routes whilst simultaneously ushering in a new era of modern luxury.

Why we like it

Zenagi may be luxurious, but it’s all about exploring the outdoors here. Self-styled as an ‘expedition hotel’, your days are exactly that. A series of immersive expeditions punctuated by gourmet meals and unique twists. This passion for expedition is brought to life by Olympians Taro Ando and Raita Suzuki who will guide you through the surrounding mountain rivers and forest trails.