Hokuto, Japan
Hotel Keyforest HOKUTO
Geometric art lodge
Hokuto, Japan
Opened
2015
Price
$$$
Rated for
Design Wellness LocalOutside the door
The house
MUSEUM HOTEL KEYFORESTGeometric art lodge
Six guest rooms occupy an angular concrete pavilion, sharing the mountain woods with private thermal baths and an art museum.
What it’s good at
Notable
Angular exposed-concrete architecture houses trapezoidal windows and minimalist natural timber interiors.
Listed
Guests receive entry to the neighbouring museum housing Kazuo Nakamura's Keith Haring collection.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
This boutique hotel is visually striking, its modernist silhouette and sharp angles standing out in contrast with the surrounding forest.
Tucked away
A place apart: the property is the destination.
In the Kobuchizawa forest beside the Keith Haring museum, beneath the Southern Alps.
The rooms
Glass-cube bathrooms sit alongside native timber and stone, and private balconies look straight out into the woods.
The onsen
Free-flowing mineral water from the on-site Artist no Yu spring fills open-air soaking baths sheltered beneath the trees.
At the table
Nakamura Whisky Saloon pours rare single malts and Hakushu bottles. Across the grounds, Steakhouse Keyspring serves Koshu wine-beef on a timber deck.
How it began
The building draws its angular shape from prehistoric Jomon pottery, an ancient culture that once flourished in these mountain foothills.
Hokuto
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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.