Riverside sauna sanctuary
Terracotta guardian figures watch over a preserved moss garden beside the Takano River in the quiet foothills of Mount Hiei.
“the clean lines of a modern building shift into focus, followed by a large circular cut-out entrance that offers a modern riff on traditional Japanese tea room architecture.”
What it’s good at
Remarkable
Three private sauna suites supervised by Mikie Sasano pair herbal steam with Mount Hiei natural spring plunges.
Notable
Minimalist pale timber interiors feature tatami mats and paper screens opening toward a preserved moss garden.
Notable
Wood-fired cooking showcases Ohara farm vegetables alongside restorative herbal teas inspired by ancient Yase steam baths.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
Also in Condé Nast Traveler.
Moksa, a modern ryokan-style inn on the banks of the Takano River, taps into the region’s healing powers.
Tucked away
A place apart: the property is the destination.
The forested hamlet of Yase borders sacred Mount Hiei, offering peaceful river trails and easy access to Rurikoin Temple.
The rooms
Pale wood paneling, tatami mats, and sliding paper screens open to peaceful views of the river or cultivated gardens.
The private saunas
Three private suites hold charcoal, hinoki, and herbal steam baths alongside cold plunges fed by Mount Hiei spring water.
Restaurant
MALA
Chefs grill seasonal vegetables from nearby Ohara over an open wood-burning hearth facing the garden.
How it began
The hotel takes its name from the Sanskrit term for liberation, reviving the village of Yase's seventh-century steam bathing heritage.
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Good to know
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Moksa Rebirth Hotel
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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.