Mukunone
Contemplative forest retreat. Architecture-led, nature-immersive, and deliberately slow. No pool, no traditional onsen, no sightseeing agenda — the point is the trees, the water, and the food.
The Water Garden (Mizuniwa) can be visited independently — it has its own separate reservation through TableCheck, so you can experience it without staying overnight
Why It Matters
The Mizuniwa Water Garden is a one-of-a-kind permanent artwork in the landscape tradition — what was once a rice paddy, later a gravel car park, is now a living meditation space designed by one of Japan's most awarded contemporary architects. Add a French restaurant sourcing that morning's produce from Nasu producers, and this is a genuinely distinctive auberge rather than just a forest hotel.
Opened April 2024 on a sweeping 35,000+ sqm forest plot in Tochigi's Nasu highlands, nasu mukunone is built around a single, extraordinary centerpiece: the Mizuniwa, or Water Garden — an interconnected landscape of roughly 300 trees and 160 small ponds designed by celebrated architect Junya Ishigami. Two stay formats flank it: the all-in AUBERGE, where each of 15 private suite villas at 82 sqm comes with French dinners and breakfasts by Head Chef Takumi Chiba; and the simpler B&B, 20 twin rooms where a breakfast plate arrives at your door. The Michelin Guide awarded it a Key in both 2024 and 2025.
Where You'll Stay
2 room types available
Casual Twin Room (B&B)
Twenty twin rooms in the B&B wing offer a more accessible entry to the property. Rooms are modest in size at 20 sqm but well-appointed — flat-screen TV, kettle, free WiFi, safety deposit box, and private bathroom. A breakfast morning plate is delivered to your room and can be enjoyed there, in the lounge, or in the courtyard. Dinner is not included. B&B guests share the Lounge and can access the Mizuniwa Water Garden.
Twin · 20 sqmSuite Villa (AUBERGE)
Each of the 15 suite villas is a fully private, whole-building rental. Wood-heavy architecture lets in natural light and forest views while keeping the warmth of a considered interior. Rooms include a semi-open-air bath filled with natural mineral water pumped from Nasu mountain aquifers, fireplace, LCD TV, free minibar, private balcony, and in-room loungewear. AUBERGE guests receive dinner and breakfast in the restaurant as part of the stay package. One-minute walk from the restaurant.
82 sqmThe Property
Eat & Drink
3 venues on property
Restaurant
Spa & Wellness
Treatment Menu
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
The Water Garden and surrounding forest support a range of wildlife including the endangered red-bellied newt, various insects, reptiles, birds, and native plants. Binoculars available for rental (limited number — contact in advance).
Morning walks through the surrounding Nasu forest after breakfast. Encounter seasonal flowers, birds, and insects. No structured itinerary — this is unguided, self-paced exploration.
The Water Garden is the property's defining experience. Designed by Pritzker-adjacent architect Junya Ishigami, it is a constructed landscape of approximately 300 trees (mainly oaks, maples, and beeches) and 160 interconnected ponds fed by a natural stream. Walk the paving stones, watch the water, and let time dissolve. The 160 ponds are all connected underground, with water circulating in a closed loop from the original stream.
Sketching equipment available for rental (limited quantity). The Water Garden is explicitly designed as a place that inspires creativity — bring your own materials or borrow theirs.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
100+ Mbps throughout the property.
Event hall on property, noted in press materials.
On-site shop noted in property facilities.
Daily housekeeping service throughout the property.
31 outdoor spaces. Available 15:00 on check-in day through 12:00 the following day.
Shuttle between Nasushiobara Station West Exit and the property. Departs station at 12:30 and 14:30 (10:00 added on weekends/holidays through December 2025). Maximum 8 passengers, pre-reservation required by 19:00 the day before.
Two EV charging stations in the on-site car park.
Private in-room semi-open-air bath in each Suite Villa, filled with natural mineral water from Nasu aquifers. Not a hot spring (onsen), but natural mineral water.
All water on property — tap water, bath water, handwashing, and cooking — is natural mineral water pumped from Nasu mountain aquifers under Mt. Sanbonyari. Mineral-rich and served cold for drinking.
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Rooms, dining, spa, and resort experiences — organized into one trip plan.
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