Kirishima, JapanMakizono
Tenku no Mori
Hilltop forest roost
Makizono Kirishima, Japan
Renovated
2017
Price
$$$$
Rated for
Luxe Wellness LocalOutside the door
The house
TENKUHilltop forest roost
Secluded open-air pavilions perch across sixty hectares of bamboo forest and rolling hills overlooking the volcanic Kirishima mountains.
What it’s good at
Remarkable
Expansive detached villas across sixty secluded hectares, paired with attentive private dining and dedicated hospitality.
Remarkable
Private direct-flow geothermal onsens in every villa and massages using sesame oil pressed on site.
Remarkable
Hyper-local Kagoshima dining driven by estate-harvested organic vegetables and free-range Satsuma chicken raised on site.
What they say
Also in Condé Nast Traveler.
With just three villas, the property is spread across a lush expanse in Kagoshima Prefecture encompassing 60 hectares of natural beauty...
Tucked away
A place apart: the property is the destination.
Across Kirishima's forested hills, open-air villas overlooking Mount Kirishima and bamboo groves.
The rooms
Detached villas feature expansive timber viewing decks and private open-air onsen baths fed directly by natural geothermal mineral springs.
The onsen
Soak slowly.
Direct-flow mineral spring water fills sunken stone baths out on the timber decks, open to the surrounding forest canopy.
The spa
Massages and head spa therapies use fresh sesame oil pressed on site, arranged in-villa or in secluded pavilions.
At the table
Meals highlight thirty varieties of organic vegetables gathered from the grounds and free-range Satsuma chicken raised on site.
How it began
Founder Tateo Tajima spent ten years clearing the overgrown hillside by hand before opening the retreat in 2004.
Kirishima
More like this
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Kasan
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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.