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Asia, Japan, Beniya Mukayu, circular bath
Asia, Japan, Beniya Mukayu, chair looking out to terrace

Beniya Mukayu

Asia, Japan, Beniya Mukayu, circular bath
Beniya Mukayu

Beniya Mukayu

Asia, Japan, Beniya Mukayu, chair looking out to terrace
JAPAN

Giving a modern makeover to the traditional Japanese Ryokan, Beniya Mukayu offers an elevated onsen experience characterised by minimalism and space, bathed in an appreciation for the natural world.

JAPAN

Giving a modern makeover to the traditional Japanese Ryokan, Beniya Mukayu offers an elevated onsen experience characterised by minimalism and space, bathed in an appreciation for the natural world.

Shaded by a forest garden reflecting the ebb and flow of the ever-changing seasons, this hilltop haven stands in homage to its roots, while introducing a contemporaneity not often found in a traditional Ryokan. Once the site of a Yakuoin Temple – dedicated to the study of Buddhism and herbal medicine – its healing arts are now housed across three libraries and practiced in the serenity of Spa Entei.

Consider the hotel’s namesake, and a harmonious blend of local history and Chinese philosophy should transport guests back in time, yet such ancient principles have the opposite effect. Retold as ‘richness in emptiness’, Zhuangzi’s ‘Mukayu’ manifests here as more than its pared-back aesthetic, acting as an undercurrent to encourage peace of mind. Though in so remedial a setting, it’s the private hot spring baths that promote placidity most.

Asia, Japan, Beniya Mukayu, Spa Treatment Room
Spa Entei
Travel notes
  • 16 rooms, all with a private terrace facing the forest garden
  • In addition to the private onsens in each room, there are two communal baths separated by gender; GENSEI and USUKO each feature an indoor bath, open-air bath and sauna
  • The spa continues the healing traditions of Yakushiyama (‘Healing Buddha’s Mountain’), with treatments for mental and physical health using hot spring water and medicinal herbs
  • Though a western breakfast is available on request, meals served at restaurant Horin use freshly caught seafood and ingredients from local farms in its Japanese Kaiseki fare, paired with local sake and signature red and white wines
  • Three libraries – the Main, Forest, and Library Zero – hold a wealth of knowledge for guests to discover
  • A selection of locally made ceramics, ornaments and art can be purchased from the Ryokan’s shop as a souvenir of your stay
  • 16 rooms, all with a private terrace facing the forest garden
  • In addition to the private onsens in each room, there are two communal baths separated by gender; GENSEI and USUKO each feature an indoor bath, open-air bath and sauna
  • The spa continues the healing traditions of Yakushiyama (‘Healing Buddha’s Mountain’), with treatments for mental and physical health using hot spring water and medicinal herbs
  • Though a western breakfast is available on request, meals served at restaurant Horin use freshly caught seafood and ingredients from local farms in its Japanese Kaiseki fare, paired with local sake and signature red and white wines
  • Three libraries – the Main, Forest, and Library Zero – hold a wealth of knowledge for guests to discover
  • A selection of locally made ceramics, ornaments and art can be purchased from the Ryokan’s shop as a souvenir of your stay
Pricing
We customise every trip to you and our quotes are bespoke.

A sense of
place

A futuristic find among a forest of red pine, maple and camellia, admire this Yakushiyama hillside between a blanket of soft moss, and the blossoms of its ancient mountain cherry tree. Come springtime, its petals dance on air much like the gentle flurry of first winter snows,

yet such scenery is nothing short of a spectacle year-round. Presiding over the onsen town of Yamashiro and its 1300-year-old source, take in these tranquil gardens from a soothing seat in the thermal baths.

Its essence...

Healing
Minimalist
Considered

In pursuit of...

Asia, Japan, Beniya Mukayu, Hot Spring Bath
…time to yourself

The destination for reflection and rejuvenation, expect an elevated onsen experience where excess is non-existent. You’ll want for nothing, though the service won’t be at all overbearing, in a style matching the interior design to give guests space to unwind. Time spent in the spa only adds to the allure, making wellness pursuits all too easy in a choice of signature treatments, reflexology, and other massage techniques.

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    Wake up
    here

    A sublime standard of comfort lies elegantly unadorned across 16 rooms, in a boutique best described as the essence of simplicity. Suite interiors experiment with texture, each an uninterrupted blank canvas to allow natural light to spill freely indoors from a garden-facing terrace. Step outside to find a private spring bath surrounded by the sights and sounds of the forest. This is the kind of place where distractions are hard to come by.

On location

Asia, Japan, Beniya Mukayu, Library Zero

Among a wealth of written knowledge, one of three libraries showcases the school of thought behind Beniya Mukayu through the medium of contemporary art. Replacement of Zero by artist Tatsuo Miyajima and architect SeyTakeyama exhibits a fascinating collection of works around the concept of ‘nothingness’ to peruse, supported by academic publications on philosophy, mathematics and design.

A futuristic find among a forest of red pine, maple and camellia

A Carrier
curation

Perhaps unconventionally, locally sourced, seasonal cuisine at Beniya Mukayu isn’t served in-suite. Instead, their renowned kaiseki-style dishes are enjoyed in restaurant Horin, meaning ‘together’. The only exception to the rule is given by owners Mr and Mrs Nakamichi, who personally extend an invitation to their exclusive modern tea ceremony. Performed in the peaceful ambience of the main library, this is a valuable window to Japanese culture.

Asia, Japan, Beniya Mukayu, Library Shelves
Asia, Japan, Beniya Mukayu, Library, Close up image of display
Asia, Japan, Beniya Mukayu, Library
Destination essentials
  • Mar - May
    CHERRY BLOSSOMS
  • May - Jun, Sep - Oct
    SUNNY & BALMY
  • Jul - Aug
    HOT & HUMID
  • mid Oct - mid Dec
    AUTUMNAL COLOURS
  • Jan - Feb
    CHILLY BUT MILD
SEASON
  • 18hrs 40min
    LHR - HKG - NRT
FLIGHT
  • 1hr
    BY AIR
TRANSFER
Get in touch your way…
We customise every trip to you and our quotes are bespoke. We’re here to offer advice, recommendations and answer your questions.

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