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t’s almost impossible to overstate how central the onsen bath is to the ryokan experience, a point which is underlined rather forcefully by a stay at The Earth, a sixteen-suite inn on the Pacific coast near Toba City, within the Ise Shima national park. It’s aptly named, as the immersion in the natural environment is near-total — surroundings include primeval forest, Toba Bay, and the islands in the middle distance. All suites share the two sex-segregated hot spring baths, de rigueur for any onsen worth the name, but the Earth goes one further, with a private open-air spring-fed bath attached to every suite. Views vary — not every single one takes in a commanding view of the distant ocean — but they’re all well worth the price of admission.

The Earth’s common spaces are laid out and furnished in the traditional, floor-level tatami style, but the bedrooms are hotel-style for maximum comfort. The cuisine is traditional as well, a multi-course kaiseki presentation, drawing on ingredients from the land and sea in and around the national park. It may not encompass the whole of the planet, but The Earth puts you firmly in touch with this little corner of it.

Please note: Oyado The Earth does not accept children under the age of 14 years old.

How to get there: Oyado The Earth is two hours and 45 minutes by car from Nagoya, then one hour and 40 minutes by train from Nagoya station to Toba and 35 minutes by complementary shuttle bus, scheduled at 15:00, 16:00 and 17:00 from Toba station.

Booking Details: Oyado The Earth requires additional information from guests to ensure the best stay possible. As such, reservations can only be confirmed through our customer service team. Contact us for assistance. Rates begin at JPY88000 per night.