A Refined Ryokan Reimagined for the Modern Era in Japan’s Citrus-Lined Inland Sea
Tucked between citrus groves and Seto Inland Sea breezes, Azumi Setoda is a reimagined ryokan that honors Japan’s quiet coastal rhythms. Housed in a restored 140-year-old residence on Ikuchijima Island — part of the Shimanami Kaido — the property blends timeless hospitality with contemporary design, inviting guests into a way of life shaped by seasons, community, and stillness.
Here, you wake to soft sunlight over the sea, cycle through citrus-lined paths, and return to handcrafted spaces steeped in warmth and intention. Every gesture is slow, every corner holds history, and every meal is a story of the island.
Highlight: A morning soak in the cedar bath, the scent of hinoki rising as island light dances across the water.
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About Resort
Accommodations: A House with History and Soul
Azumi Setoda offers just a select number of guest suites, each artfully restored and subtly modernized. The original estate’s design—timber beams, earthen walls, inner gardens—has been preserved with intention, while modern comforts are seamlessly integrated to create a sanctuary of rest and reflection.
- Spacious rooms with tatami flooring, shoji screens, and hinoki wood soaking tubs
- Local materials and handcrafted touches, including washi paper and artisanal ceramics
- Private verandas or gardens that blur indoor and outdoor living
- A sense of deep quiet and comfort—intuitive, natural, and restorative
Wellness: Simplicity, Stillness, and the Power of Ritual
While Azumi is not a wellness resort in the clinical sense, it is deeply rooted in well-being. The gentle pace of island life, the ritual of bathing, and the simplicity of the ryokan experience all promote inner balance. Guests can visit the adjacent Yubune, Azumi’s public bathhouse, where mineral-rich waters, contemporary design, and traditional bathing rituals create a contemplative healing space.
- Daily access to Yubune: a modern sento inspired by Japanese bathing culture
- Private in-room treatments including shiatsu, aromatherapy, and reflexology
- Immersive movement experiences such as morning walks, coastal cycling, and meditation
- Restful design and sensory calm as a foundation for personal reset
Cuisine: Island Harvest and Culinary Craft
Meals at Azumi Setoda are rooted in washoku—the traditional Japanese approach to seasonal and harmonious cooking. With the bounty of the Inland Sea and Setoda’s renowned lemons and citrus, each dish is fresh, nourishing, and artfully simple. Dining is an extension of the retreat’s philosophy: grounded in nature, shaped by heritage, and served with care.
- Daily-changing menus based on hyperlocal, seasonal ingredients
- Fresh seafood, wild herbs, regional vegetables, and citrus-infused accents
- Optional breakfast and multi-course dinner served in the private dining room or courtyard
- Pairings with Japanese teas, sake, or natural wines from the Setouchi region
Cultural Experiences: A Portal into Setouchi Life
Azumi Setoda is deeply entwined with the surrounding village and community. Whether by bicycle, foot, or boat, guests are encouraged to explore the quiet poetry of local life—from ancient temples to artist studios and family-run citrus farms.
- Guided cycling along the Shimanami Kaido’s scenic island-hopping route
- Visits to local artisans and galleries, including contemporary art on nearby islands
- Citrus picking and tastings in Setoda’s famous lemon groves
- Access to historical sites such as Kosanji Temple and old merchant estates
- Seasonal workshops: indigo dyeing, tea blending, and traditional crafts
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