Nozawa Onsen, Japan
Mont
Restored village ryokan
Restored village ryokan
The hotel revives a century-old inn around fire and water, directing guests into the village for their thermal soaks.
What it’s good at
Notable
Architect Norihiko Kawashima paired insulated contemporary interiors with original earth plaster and timber.
Notable
Original timber framing and historic earth walls preserved from a century-old village ryokan.
Notable
Woven bathing baskets and warm jackets ready guests for thirteen village public bathhouses.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
a lovingly restored century-old building offering a luxury boutique hotel experience and an emphasis on cultural character that’s rare in an adventure-focused sector of the travel industry.
Somewhere quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Nozawa Onsen's main street lies just outside, putting thirteen historic bathhouses within an easy walk.
The rooms
Rooms pair bioethanol fireplaces and walk-in showers with local craft gin and artisan woven textiles.
mont restaurant
Chef Atsushi Terashima grills regional game and wild mountain greens over an open hearth facing the concrete dining counter.
How it began
Village native and former World Cup skier Kenji Kono partnered with a local collective to restore the vacant inn.
The app
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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.