The Nomae Perspective
Considered thoughts
on considered stays.
Our journal is where we share what we've learned — not rankings or reviews, but perspectives developed through repeated visits, careful observation, and a genuine interest in what makes a place worth returning to.
These are the stories behind our selections: the details that distinguish one property from another, the seasonal considerations that shape a trip, and the philosophy that guides how we think about luxury in Japan.
Featured
Essential reading
Itinerary
7-Day Luxury Kyoto Itinerary
A week in Japan's cultural heart, staying at properties that embody the Kyoto aesthetic. From riverside ryokan to contemporary retreats in the eastern hills.
Guide
Ryokan with Private Onsen
The private rotenburo is the ultimate ryokan indulgence. Our selection of properties where the bathing experience reaches its highest form — forest-fed, mineral-rich, and entirely your own.
Coming Soon
On our minds
Autumn Foliage: When to Visit
Timing your stay to coincide with Japan's most spectacular natural display.
The Art of Omotenashi
Understanding Japanese hospitality as philosophy, not service.
Beyond Kyoto: The San'in Coast
A less-traveled route through Japan's atmospheric northwest.
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Join readers who appreciate a more considered approach to travel in Japan. No frequency commitments — we write when we have something worth sharing.
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