Enowa Yufuin: Elevated Botanical Retreat in Oita Prefecture

Discover the serene beauty of “Enowa Yufuin,” a luxurious resort nestled in the picturesque hot-spring district of Yufuin, Japan. Designed by acclaimed architect Kuru, this 44,000-square-meter haven offers guests a botanical retreat, seamlessly blending with the majestic Mt. Yufu and the tranquil Yufu townscape. Featuring ten villas, a restaurant, and a hotel complex, the property’s “primitive luxury” design showcases the innate richness of natural materials, creating an atmosphere that reconnects visitors with the power of nature.

Sleek modern architecture with an expansive glass wall overlooking a scenic landscape.
Expansive living room with floor-to-ceiling windows, grey sofas, and wooden flooring.
Spacious bedroom with wooden floor, large sliding glass doors, and a private pool view.
Luxurious bathroom with modern fixtures, sleek vanity, and panoramic mountain views.
Striking modern architecture with black stairs, stone accents, and lush greenery outside.
An elegant dining area with wooden floors, glass walls, and a serene outdoor view.
Sleek infinity pool with mountain views, modern architectural elements.
Stunning infinity pool overlooking a scenic mountainous landscape at dusk.
A modernist building with a black roof, concrete walls, and a stone walkway leading to the entrance.
Captivating modern architecture nestled in lush, verdant hills with a cascading waterfall.

About ENOWA YUFUIN

Nestled on a scenic hillside in Yufu, Japan, the Enowa Yufuin resort is a captivating blend of modern elegance and natural splendor. Designed in 2023 by the talented architect Kuru, this luxury hotel seamlessly integrates with its stunning 44,000-square-meter (473,612-square-foot) surroundings.

Elevated Experiences: Panoramic Views and Botanical Bliss

Perched at an elevation of 543 to 585 meters (1,782 to 1,919 feet) above sea level, the resort offers breathtaking vistas of the majestic Mt. Yufu and the serene Yufu townscape. Embracing the natural landscape, the design concept centers around a botanical retreat, creating an atmosphere of “primitive luxury” that harmonizes with the lush environment.

Harmony in Design: Blending Indoor and Outdoor Spaces

The resort’s ten villas, restaurant, and a nine-room hotel with private dining rooms are thoughtfully integrated into the sloping terrain, fostering a sense of unity throughout the property. Abundant indoor and outdoor garden spaces, teeming with trees, herbs, and other greenery, seamlessly merge with the surrounding natural beauty.

Primitive Luxury: Crafting Refined Simplicity

The guest rooms exude an innate richness, with the use of solid wood, stone, and earthen walls creating a luxurious ambiance rooted in natural materials. This “primitive luxury” is further enhanced by pictorial artworks that complement the organic elements, offering guests a truly immersive experience.

Villas: Blurring the Lines Between Indoors and Out

The property’s main attraction, the villas, are designed to be one with the environment. Expansive windows and terraces provide sweeping views of the mountains and the city of Yufu. Each villa boasts a heated infinity pool and an outdoor hot-spring bath, where guests can indulge in the natural, continuously flowing hot-spring water (Onsen) sourced on-site and cooled using a traditional bamboo-constructed framework (Yumetake).

Reconnecting with the Primitive

In a world increasingly dominated by technology, the Enowa Yufuin resort offers a sanctuary that encourages guests to be mindful of the passage of time and delight in their senses. This unique fusion of refined design and the power of nature creates a truly luxurious experience that reconnects visitors with the primitive, allowing them to immerse themselves in the grandeur of the natural surroundings.

Photography courtesy of Kuru
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- by Matt Watts

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