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Explore Japan’s historic Setouchi region and revel in a new ryokan by legendary hotelier Adrian Zecha
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From forest bathing to ikigai, many of us have adopted Japanese philosophies to improve our lives and well-being. For those who aspire to a deeper immersion in Japanese culture, the soon-to-open Azumi Setoda—the first property of Azumi, a new hospitality brand by Adrian Zecha, founder of Aman, and Naru Developments— should be on your list.
The brand aims to redefine the ryokan experience by ensuring that each property is rooted in its chosen location.
“Many ryokans are family-run, and we intend to run Azumi as if it is, too,” says Yuta Oka, co-founder of Azumi. “The local community is integrated with the experience; for instance, the food programme at Azumi Setoda is quite humble but features ingredients from the Seto Inland Sea.”
Opening in March, Azumi Setoda is located on Ikuchijima, a small island there.
The Seto Inland Sea holds historic significance, drawing parallels with the Nile and Yangtze rivers as the bedrock of trade and civilisation in Japan. Housed in a 140-year-old building that once served as a primary residence of the Horiuchi family, the 22-suite ryokan features a mix of restored and new buildings designed by Shiro Miura.
“Azumi’s renovation efforts extend beyond the walls of the building,” says Oka. “One of the legacies of the Horiuchi family was its contribution to the local economy and, by extension, the culture. For this reason, we also undertook the redevelopment of a public bathhouse, Yubune, which is located across the street. Here, Azumi guests and locals can relax in lemon baths.”
While the area is widely known outside Japan for its connection to art—it is home to the art island of Naoshima and the Setouchi Triennale—oka highly recommends other leisurely pursuits, such as cycling on Shimanami Kaido, lemon picking or cooking lessons with a grandma. “We really want our guests to feel as if they’re part of the local scene,” says Oka. azumi.co/setoda/en