A Unique Blend of Culture, Nature, and Wellness at Kobuchizawa
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Situated in the picturesque highlands of Kobuchizawa, an area of well-kept secret, Kobuchizawa Art & Wellness IKIGAI Village offers a unique sanctuary where art and nature harmoniously blend to rejuvenate the mind and soul.
Just a two-and-a-half-hour drive from Tokyo, this art-centered resort is a haven for those seeking relaxation and inspiration. This resort embodies the Japanese concept of “IKIGAI,” providing a holistic experience that includes unforgettable hospitality and accommodations, exquisite cuisine, reinvigorating outdoor activities, and world-class art.
As the sunniest region in Japan with breathtaking views and natural hot springs, Kobuchizawa Art & Wellness IKIGAI Village promises a special retreat that is sure to color the heart.
In this article, we will share with you the various features and experiences that make Kobuchizawa Art & Wellness IKIGAI Village one of a kind.
*Please note that this article contains affiliate links.
Accommodations
The accommodations at Kobuchizawa Art & Wellness IKIGAI Village offer unique experiences that cater to a wide variety of visitor preferences. Here are a few highlights.
Museum Hotel Keyforest
Museum Hotel Keyforest is a premium design hotel with only six rooms where you can reconnect with yourself through nature and art. The hotel blends traditional Japanese culture with modern avant-garde architecture. Each room is inspired by key natural elements from ancient Japanese Jomon texts.
The hotel offers an array of luxurious amenities and services.
Each room is equipped with Egyptian cotton sheets and non-allergic pillows for a comfortable night’s sleep. You can also unwind at the Relaxation Spa Keyforest, which is an annex with onsen (private open-air baths with natural hot springs), offering serene views of the lush forest.
Breakfast is served at the exquisite Nakamura Whisky Saloon, where you can also enjoy a drink in the evening, while an exclusive multi-course dinner can be tasted at the Country Restaurant Keyspring, just a short walk away.
In addition, just a three-minute walk from the hotel, Villa Keyforest serves as a versatile venue with a spacious hall, garden, rooftop terrace, and two additional guest rooms, ideal for additional accommodations, weddings, and off-site meetings.
For more information (including reservations), check out the official website HERE.
Lodge Atelier
Lodge Atelier is a charming country lodge featuring a nostalgic retro ambiance reminiscent of 1960s Japan. You are welcomed with a sense of familiarity and warmth, making you feel right at home.
The lodge offers a private onsen, perfect for recharging the body and soul. In the common space, you can listen to jazz vinyl records, reminiscent of the good old analog days. Accommodations include both Western and Japanese-style guestrooms, some of which welcome small dogs. Unique touches include rooms showcasing artworks by Keith Haring, Andy Warhol, and Jean-Michel Basquiat, all providing a cozy and artistic retreat.
You can also enjoy a hearty Western-style breakfast, featuring local delicacies such as Fujizakura pork sausage and Yatsugatake milk. For lunch and dinner, reservations can be made at the nearby Country Restaurant Keyspring.
For more information (including reservations), check out the official website HERE.
Restaurants
Besides the breakfasts that each hotel offers, there are also restaurants at different locations, such as the country restaurant and country club. There’s a nice variety of restaurant options you can choose from, and we recommend the following.
Country Restaurant Keyspring
Country Restaurant Keyspring offers a delightful farm-to-table dining experience. Known for its excellent dishes served with ingredients from local farms and the very popular Koshu wine beef steaks, including tenderloin and top blade, the restaurant pairs these dishes with rare local Yamanashi wines.
The warm, woody interior and a cozy wood stove during winter creates a welcoming atmosphere. You can also enjoy dining with your pet on the terrace. Keyspring emphasizes local ingredients, ensuring a delicious and memorable meal amidst the stunning landscapes of Yatsugatake.
For more information (including reservations), check out the official website HERE.
Activities
Kobuchizawa Art & Wellness IKIGAI Village offers a wide variety of activities for you to do during your stay, from the world’s one-and-only Keith Haring museum to gorgeous sporting facilities and even a fishing area. Here are some you can experience during your visit.
Nakamura Keith Haring Collection
The Nakamura Keith Haring Collection is the only museum in the world dedicated to the works of Keith Haring, featuring approximately 500 pieces, including paintings, drawings, sculptures, and memorabilia.
Haring, a leading figure in 1980s American modern art alongside Andy Warhol and Jean-Michel Basquiat, gained international fame through his art and activism. Diagnosed with AIDS in 1987, he established the Keith Haring Foundation and continued his artistic efforts to raise awareness until his death in 1990.
The museum also houses a museum shop, inspired by Haring’s original New York and Tokyo Pop Shops in the 1980s. The shop offers a wide range of curated Keith Haring items as well as promotes advocacy efforts of various organizations focused on LGBTQ+ rights, HIV/AIDS awareness, and sustainability.
For more information, check out the official website HERE.
Kobuchizawa Country Club
The Kobuchizawa Country Club is a top-class highland golf resort offering panoramic views of Yatsugatake, the Southern Alps, or Mount Fuji from every hole. Located at an elevation of 1,150 meters, the course remains pleasantly flat, enhancing the golfing experience.
The Swiss chalet-inspired clubhouse provides a luxurious retreat, perfect for high-end business meetings or family activities. The club features the latest GPS navigation, allows cart use on the fairway even in the rain, and offers free transportation to Kobuchizawa train station (reservation required).
The facility offers a variety of services to enhance your golfing experience. The on-site restaurant boasts an extensive menu featuring seasonal local ingredients, with a popular monthly set menu. Breakfast options include both Japanese and Western sets, catering to different preferences. The lunch menu highlights the signature hand-made tempura soba, and party menus are available for post-play gatherings. Dinner, prepared with seasonal vegetables, fish, and Koshu wine beef, is available by reservation.
The pro shop, the only official J.LINDEBERG retailer in the prefecture, offers stylish golf apparel and souvenirs, including Yamanashi specialties and club-branded wine.
Additionally, a spacious bathhouse provides relaxation with stunning natural views, and the women’s bath was fully renovated in 2019 for added comfort.
For more information (including reservations), check out the official website HERE.
Fishing Area Yamazato
Fishing Area Yamazato offers a serene escape into nature, perfect for both adults and children. Set in the clear, spring-fed ponds of Yatsugatake’s southern foothills, you can enjoy rainbow trout fishing and BBQ.
The area provides a secluded, hidden getaway where you can fish and relax by the water. Enjoy fishing without limits on the number of catches, and have your fish prepared as delicious salt-grilled treats. Additionally, a newly built BBQ house by the pond is available for private rental, offering a luxurious and tranquil setting for family or group gatherings.
Whether fishing, cooking, or simply relaxing, Fishing Area Yamazato provides an ideal setting to unwind and enjoy nature’s bounty.
For more information (including reservations), check out the official website HERE.
How to get to Kobuchizawa Art & Wellness IKIGAI Village
Kobuchizawa Art & Wellness IKIGAI Village is easily accessible from major cities. It is approximately a two-and-a-half-hour drive from either Tokyo or Nagoya (just a five-minute drive from the Chuo Expressway Kobuchizawa exit).
By Car:
- From Tokyo: Approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes via the Chuo Expressway, exiting at Kobuchizawa.
- From Nagoya: About 2 hours and 30 minutes via the Chuo Expressway, exiting at Kobuchizawa.
By Public Transportation:
- From Tokyo: Take the Chuo Line Azusa Express from Shinjuku Station to Kobuchizawa Station, approximately 2 hours. Then, a 6-minute car ride from Kobuchizawa Station.
- From Nagoya: Take the Shinano Limited Express (JR Chuo Main Line) to Shiojiri Station, transfer to the Azusa Express, and get off at Kobuchizawa Station, approximately 3 hours. Then, a 6-minute car ride from Kobuchizawa Station. Alternatively, take a bus from Nagoya Station (Shinkansen Exit) on the Ryuo-Kofu-Nagoya Line to the Chuo Expressway Kobuchizawa stop, approximately 3 hours and 20 minutes.
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Written by
Born and raised in Costa Rica, I started living in Tokyo from college. I love traveling within Japan & around the world. Since I wasn’t born in Japan, I know the cultural impact that you can get when visiting Japan for the first time and what you might be worried about before your trip. And I’ve lived long enough to somewhat understand the nuances of the Japanese culture that make this country such an attractive place to visit. Hopefully I can provide to you both the information you’re looking for and the information you didn’t know you needed to know.
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