Tsuruoka, JapanYunohama
Kameya Hotel
Coastal design ryokan
Yunohama Tsuruoka, Japan
Renovated
2024
Price
$$$
Rated for
Design Wellness HeritageOutside the door
Coastal design ryokan
A two-century-old onsen inn reimagined through modern Japanese architecture, facing open water on the Sea of Japan.
What it’s good at
Notable
Curved copper ceilings in concept suites draw inspiration from regional Shonai shrines.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
The newly renovated Kameya Hotel makes the most of all of it. Every room has a direct water view and a private onsen, or bath, though they vary in style — some are traditionally Japanese with tatami mats and smooth wood paneling.
Somewhere quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Yunohama Beach stretches directly out front, while quiet hot spring lanes wind through the village behind.
The rooms
All sixty-four rooms face the sea for sunset views, pairing private tubs with layouts spanning tatami quarters to minimalist suites.
The onsen
Outdoor stone baths sit sheltered under timber pavilions, fed by natural chloride springs overlooking coastal pines and the ocean.
At the table
Low tables look out across the sea beneath curved timber ceilings. Dinners center on regional Shonai seafood and local saké.
How it began
The inn takes its name from a regional legend of an injured sea turtle healing in Yunohama's sandy hot springs.
Tsuruoka
More like this
Shonai Hotel Suiden Terrasse
“Floating timber pavilions”
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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.