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It’s official: Japan is relaxing its longstanding border restrictions and reopening to international tourists visa- and restriction-free from October 11. And if that sentence doesn’t get you excited to step back into the Land of the Rising Sun for a long-awaited holiday, we don’t know what will.
Japan, after all, is the holiday destination for most Singaporeans. That’s probably due to the archipelago’s winning combination of history and culture. Picturesque seasonal sights await travelers throughout the year, from cherry blossoms in summer to a pristine blanket of snow during winter. Perhaps the main draw for Singaporeans is the excellent Japanese food, produced and transformed by dedicated artisans. We look at the best and brightest holiday resorts to emerge from Japan post-pandemic.
1. Kai Yufuin, Yufu
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Tucked away in the idyllic countryside of Kyushu is Kai Yufuin, the prolific Hoshino Resorts’ 20th property under its hot spring-focused brand. Opened in August this year, expect 45 guest rooms – four of which exist as standalone villas, featuring locally-sourced tatami floors and timber – scattered around picturesque rice terraces (with architecture and designs courtesy of Kengo Kuma), all set against the majestic volcano that is Mount Yufu. The hotel is located within Yufuin Onsen, a resort town famed for its hot springs – expect a good mix of indoor and outdoor baths fed by natural hot springs year-round.
Find out more: Kai Yufuin
2. Naoshima Ryokan Roka, Naoshima
Roka, opened in April this year, is a beautiful art-focused ryokan – only fitting for an inn situated on Japan’s veritable art island. The 11 suites, each equipped with private-open air baths, are a perfect base for anyone looking to explore the island’s contemporary art museums and installations. Traditional kaiseki meals are also available to experience an authentic taste of Japanese hospitality, whilst one explores the hotel’s own suite of contemporary artworks (some of which are permanent, while others can be purchased).
Find out more: Roka.
3. Roku Kyoto, Kyoto
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Meet Roku Kyoto, the first Asian property of Hilton’s luxury collection, LXR Hotel & Resorts which opened in late 2021. The luxe resort straddles contemporary and classical aesthetics with Japanese minimalism at its forefront – think low-profile furnishings and wooden-slatted room dividers beneath Kyoto temple-esque pitched roofs and open walkways. You’re plenty close to nature too, since the 114-room property is hidden in the foothills of Takagamine’s three mountains – which means exhilarating mountainous vistas through the windows of your suite. There’s even a riverside bar, with al-fresco seating options along the Tenjin River. If culture’s more your thing, you’re only a short walk away from UNESCO World Heritage site Kinkaku-ji (Temple of the Golden Pavilion), as well as the Koetsuji and Genkoan temples.
Find out more: Roku Kyoto
4. Club Med Kiroro, Hokkaido
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Located on the powdery slopes of Hokkaido is Club Med Kiroro is a ski-in ski-out resort that’s really two resorts in one. The first, Club Med Kiroro Peak, will be opening in December this year, while its companion Club Med Kiroro Grand will open in 2023. This comes together into an impressive offering of nearly 400 guest rooms – the two separate resort buildings are connected by gondola – alongside an impressive 23 courses for adrenaline junkies of all skill levels. Other attractions include an indoor resort pool, natural onsens and saunas.
Find out more: Club Med
