Azumi Setoda is a contemporary ryokan located in the port city of Setoda on the coast of Hiroshima, which was created by Adrian Zecha, the founder of the world's top luxury hotel Aman Resort. In the Meiji period of Japan, the building was often used as the place where merchants who conducted large-scale business invited their guests. It is a modern Japanese house that embodies the feeling of being invited to a mansion while preserving the essence of its original design. Zecha does not pursue extravagance, but rather places extra focus on making guests feel genuinely at home and experience the area as if they were a local. You are certain to gain a new perspective on the trip that you enjoy during your stay at Azumi Setoda, which is filled with such feelings.

It is constructed out of natural materials, such as wood, stone, and soil, and has been designed to be in full contact with the sunlight and sea breeze of Setoda. However, although it is an elegant place, Shoji (a bright door with paper on the door) and the garden retain the original architectural style of the mansion, so you are able to experience the beauty of traditional Japanese architecture. A large fence surrounds the property, protecting the privacy of the guests and creating an atmosphere of silence in the dining room and lounge. You may experience different atmospheres in these different areas of the building. A large garden is located in the center of the building and four types of rooms surround it. You can feel the beauty of Japanese houses harmonized with trees such as cypress floors and bathtubs in the room. Whether you are at home, in the office, or traveling, you can enjoy a luxurious stay that calms your mind in a cozy environment.

You must visit 'yubune' on the other side if you stay at Azumi Setoda. "yubune," which offers a bath, sauna, and lounge, is available not only to tourists but also to residents living in the neighborhood, which acts as a venue for exchange between the two sides. It is believed that the mysterious space between people who understand the charm of Setoda will provide memories of travel that cannot be obtained from a room bathroom. Further, there are a number of activities to enjoy the charm of Setoda, including cycling tours, fishing tours, and sunset cruises. If you stay in Azumi Setoda, which has been transformed into buildings and local life that have been missing from people's lives since ancient times, it is more appropriate to say "I would like to return there" rather than "I wish to visit."

Edited by STAYFOLIO
Designed by Azumi Setoda
Image © Hiroshi Abe, Tomohiro Sakashita, Yuna Yagi, Max Houtgazeger