IKUCHIJIMA Island(生口島), Japan
IKUCHIJIMA Island(生口島) aka Art Island, Japan
Since ancient times, this island been called ‘Island of God’, due to the town Setoda’s sloped terrain of the peninsula, sufficient sunshine throughout the year, and a mild climate that faces south with little rain, it become the most suitable place to ‘grow lemons’ in Japan, so it is also known as the ‘lemon town’. With this God gift, no wonder it become the popular spot for cycling & sightseeing destination. Imagine every breath you take infuse with citrus aroma, so refreshing!
Beside the nature advantage, in recent years, it has attracted a large number of artists to create here which include 17 works of art scatter around the island’s town Setoda, plus a museum of Japanese art master Mr. Ikuo Hirayama and numerous popular photo op landmark, such as "Kosanji Museum".
Now the brainchild of Aman Hotel Group Adrian Zecha has launched a series of people-friendly projects in Setoda Town in the year of 2021.
Soil Setoda (Compound Facility):
A project that connects local townspeople and tourists together. It is located in the center of Ikuchi Island and was converted from a 140-year-old warehouse. The project transforms the entire warehouse into a compound facility, and builds a "Soil Stay" next to the warehouse for backpackers to stay. At the same time, the islander’s cafeteria "Minatoya" and a place for people’s exchange activities "Living Room" are introduced to create a "home". the concept of. The warehouse itself serves as a tourist service center, and at the same time introduces the coffee brand "Overview Coffee", a brand that emphasizes environmental protection and donates part of its income to the Earth Climate Improvement Organization. Since the citizen exchange center and the visitor center are built together, this form objectively improves the communication and interaction between local residents and foreign tourists, and allows foreign tourists to get a better experience.
About the price of accommodation, it all depends on the view and size, it ranges between 13,200 yen and 17,600 yen/room/night. If you are a backpacker, and $$$ is your only concern, capsule rooms also available with a price tag of 4000 yen per person.
Azumi Setoda (High-end Ryokan):
Azumi Setoda is a 140-year-old property which has been restored and converted to offer 18 suites and four duplexes. All accommodation is housed in a two-story pavilion, with a cedar kakine-framed courtyard at its center. Each suite or duplex has a private garden or a balcony, and offers a unique view of the courtyard in creating a sense of peaceful, warm hospitality is central to the visitor experience.
As a ryokan, the food provided in the hotel needless to said, by using the most seasonal local ingredients reflect the region’s role as a historic sea hub place where cultures intersect.
Yubune (Public Bath House cum Inn):
Yubune has 14 guestrooms and bath house. The most commendable is the bath house is a facility open to the public. Because it is a public facility and the price is relatively easy, the residents of Azumi Setoda are free, and the average person can enjoy the authentic Japanese-style large bath for only 900 yen (half price for children), and feel the high-quality art and design.
