【Zenbo Seinei × Villa Rakuen】
Floating almost at the center of the Seto Inland Sea, Awaji Island enjoys a mild climate and a rich culinary culture.
For centuries, it has been cherished as a place to restore both mind and body.
With bridges connecting Honshu and Shikoku, access is convenient—just about an hour’s drive from Kobe Airport.
It’s a destination where tranquility and convenience coexist, making it one of the most popular getaways in the Kansai region.
Two unique stays let you experience the island’s charm from different perspectives—through architecture, cuisine, culture, and hot springs:
Zenbo Seinei and Hotel New Awaji Villa Rakuen.
One invites you into a world of serene stillness.
The other offers relaxation by the sea.
Together, they create a harmonious contrast—like the island itself taking a deep breath in and gently exhaling.
Two experiences, distinct yet resonating with each other.

【Zenbo Seinei】
・An oasis of tranquility where architecture and nature harmonize
Nestled in the rolling hills of northern Awaji Island, Zenbo Seinei is a one-of-a-kind space designed by world-renowned architect Shigeru Ban.
Its lattice-like wooden structure creates a beautiful rhythm, while the shifting sunlight gently transforms the play of light throughout the day.
The moment you step inside, a soft breeze rises from the mountains and brushes against your skin.
Simply standing there, you feel your breath deepen naturally—an invitation to reconnect with yourself and the surrounding nature.

A Space That Gently Leads You Into Meditation
There are no lavish decorations here.
Only the essentials, quietly arranged in an exquisitely minimal composition.
Light filtering through the lattice, the scent of wood, and the distant mountain ridges—
these elements intertwine, softly guiding the traveler’s awareness inward.
It’s no surprise that many visitors say,
“Before I knew it, I had fallen silent.”

“Zenbo Cuisine” – A Taste of Awaji Island’s Seasonal Bounty
At Zenbo Seinei, every dish is a thoughtful expression of the island’s blessings.
Centered around Awaji-grown vegetables, root crops, whole grains, and fermented foods, the flavors are gentle yet profound, bringing out the natural essence of each ingredient.
Prepared without animal products, refined sugar, oil, dairy, or wheat, the cuisine celebrates simplicity: the delicate aroma of kombu, the subtle sweetness of root vegetables, the rich umami of legumes, and the hearty texture of brown rice and grains.
There is no extravagance—just pure, nourishing food that makes you realize what it truly means to eat in harmony with your body.

“Zenbo Cuisine” — A Celebration of Awaji Island’s Seasonal Bounty
Dining at Zenbo Seinei is an experience of mindful simplicity, crafted from the island’s natural blessings.
Each dish highlights locally grown vegetables, root crops, whole grains, and fermented foods, prepared with gentle, understated seasoning that lets the ingredients speak for themselves.
No animal products, refined sugar, oil, dairy, or wheat are used.
Instead, you savor the delicate aroma of kombu, the subtle sweetness of root vegetables, the robust umami of legumes, and the rich texture of brown rice and grains.

〈Recommended for Travelers Who〉
・Want to step away from the fast pace of city life and reset mind and body
・Appreciate architecture and design-driven accommodations
・Seek moments of balance and mindfulness during their journey

【Hotel New Awaji Villa Rakuen】
・Private Open-Air Bath × Ocean Views — A Stay Embraced by the Gentle Seto Inland Sea
Drive along the coastal road, and the serene expanse of the Seto Inland Sea fills your view.
Nestled close to its calm waters stands Villa Rakuen,
a premium wing of the Hotel New Awaji Group, where you can indulge in the soothing qualities of Sumoto Onsen.

Every Room Features a Private Open-Air Bath — The Ultimate Japanese Luxury
At Villa Rakuen, every guest room comes with its own open-air bath, allowing you to soak whenever you wish, for as long as you desire.
In Japan, having a hot spring bath in your room is considered the pinnacle of elegance and indulgence.
The comfort of enjoying the soothing waters in your own private space is truly unmatched.
There’s no need to walk down long corridors after bathing, so your body stays warm.
You can simply stretch out on the tatami, feeling the lingering heat embrace youー
a pleasure unique to private open-air baths.
And as you soak, the Seto Inland Sea unfolds before you, its expression shifting from morning to evening to night.
This tranquil view enriches every moment of your journey, turning time into something quietly profound.

・Guest Rooms Embracing Japanese Elegance and the Warmth of Wood
Spacious Japanese-Western style rooms, accented with calming wooden tones, harmonize beautifully with ocean views to create a serene retreat.
Designed for comfort and relaxation, these rooms are ideal for family vacations, anniversaries, or extended stays.

Savor the Island’s Bounty with “Miketsu-kuni” Cuisine
Blessed with an ideal climate, Awaji Island has long been known as Miketsu-kuni—a land that supplied ingredients to the Imperial Court in ancient times.
Officially recognized as a source of food for the Emperor, this heritage speaks to the island’s exceptional quality and flavor.
At Villa Rakuen, every dish celebrates this tradition, showcasing the rich, distinctive tastes that only Awaji Island can offer.

〈Breakfast Highlights〉
・Rich and Creamy Awaji Island Milk
・Warm Dishes Featuring Awaji Beef and Hyogo Prefecture Ingredients
・A Generous Buffet with Both Japanese and Western Selections

〈Kaiseki Dinner〉
Each dish is served warm, highlighting the essence of Japanese culinary techniques infused with a touch of Western flair.
The menu showcases the finest seasonal ingredients, bringing out their natural flavors in every bite. Special care is taken to accommodate allergies and dietary preferences, ensuring a personalized dining experience.

〈Recommended for These Travelers〉
・Those who want to enjoy hot springs at their own pace
・Couples seeking a memorable anniversary getaway with stunning views
・Families planning a multi-generational trip

“Inner Calm” and “Outer Warmth” — Awaji Island’s Greatest Gifts
Zenbo Seinei offers a sanctuary of inward tranquility, while Villa Rakuen delivers a sense of expansive relaxation.
Different in nature, yet both embody the essence of Awaji Island.
Leave a little space in your journey, and this island will gently, slowly, untangle your mind and body.
Here, you’ll find moments that make you think, “I want to come back.”

〈Facility Information〉
◇Zenbo Seinei
・Address: 2594-5 Banyu, Kusumoto, Awaji City, Hyogo Prefecture
・Official Website: https://zenbo-seinei.com/
・Highlights: Zen Deck, Zen programs, seasonal plant-based cuisine, minimalist architecture, mountain views
・Recommended Room: Zenbo Suite
・Access: Best reached by car. Alternatively, take the Sumoto Express Bus and then a taxi.

◇Hotel New Awaji Villa Rakuen
・Address: 20 Kojiya, Sumoto City, Hyogo Prefecture
・Official Website: https://www.newawaji.com/rooms/rakuen/
・Highlights: Private open-air baths, ocean-view Japanese-Western rooms, cuisine featuring Awaji Island ingredients, Sumoto Onsen
・Access: Car is most convenient. Shuttle service available from Sumoto Express Bus stop.
・Recommended Points: Private open-air bath, Awaji beef dishes, Awaji Island milk