Etajima, Japan
Etajima-so
Washi-accented onsen inn
Washi-accented onsen inn
Thermal baths look straight across the Seto Inland Sea, shaping an intimate ryokan tuned to quiet island rhythms.
What it’s good at
Notable
Eriko Horiki washi paper sculptures light rooms finished with locally woven Meiji-era shifu cloth.
Notable
Locavore serves multi-course French dinners using seafood caught in the Seto Inland Sea.
Listed
Natural radon hot springs include open-air baths and a source-temperature lukewarm pool.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
Etajimasou is a small ryokan-style hotel with rooms that look out over the water or surrounding hills.
Tucked away
A place apart: the property is the destination.
Nagase Beach sits directly outside, and Hiroshima is just a short ferry ride across the Seto Inland Sea.
The rooms
Every room looks out across Nagase Beach to the water, combining low platform beds with Japanese tatami seating.
The onsen
Soak slowly.
Indoor baths sit beneath a glowing washi paper fixture, and outdoor stone tubs look onto raked gravel gardens.
Restaurant
locavore
Dining tables look across the bay through tall windows, and evening courses bring French technique to local catches.
At the table
A wooden counter in the lounge serves welcome tea, coffee, and seasonal island fruit throughout the day.
How it began
Built on the site of a former public bathhouse, the inn opened in 2021 to bring travelers back to the island.
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.