Not A Hotel Toji reimagines luxury mountain living in Minakami, Japan

Known as the “Water City,” Minakami provides an ideal backdrop for Toji’s water-inspired design—a modern reinterpretation of the traditional Japanese mountain hut.

Straight-line copper plate roofing envelops the structure, forming a distinct silhouette that will weather and patinate over time, maturing in harmony with its landscape.

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Set in a historic hot spring town, with pristine water drawn from the headwaters of the Tone River, the property offers sweeping views that change dramatically with the seasons—from snow-covered landscapes in winter to cherry blossoms in spring, verdant summer greenery and fiery autumn foliage.

Each two-storey villa spans approximately 252.28 sqm and accommodates up to eight guests. The ground floor houses two bedrooms, a shower room and private parking, while the upper level is dedicated to the main living areas.

The upstairs living space features a six-metre ceiling that casts intentional shadows, guiding the eye toward the valley below. A working wood stove brings warmth and atmosphere, while Isamu Noguchi’s Akari lamps cast a soft glow above the eight-person dining table–perfect for gathering with family and friends amid the mountain stillness.

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Surrounding the living space is Toji’s defining design element: water. Wellness features include a private sauna with views over a cold-water plunge pool and a 15-metre infinity pool.

Meanwhile, a natural open-air hot spring bath is framed by black architectural walls and opens onto vistas of the Minakami mountain ridges, offering the choice of seclusion or immersion in the natural setting.

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The bedrooms provide a peaceful counterpoint: rectangular windows frame views of the forest and shifting light, while plaster-textured walls and tatami mat flooring reflect the Japanese wabi-sabi aesthetic—an appreciation of simplicity and imperfection.

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Adjacent to the villas is Kigi, a guests-only restaurant centred around the elemental themes of fire and water. Overseen by a resident chef, its seasonal menus highlight regional flavours through refined yet uncomplicated dishes.

Dining options include Yamato pork stew, medicinal wild game stew and charcoal-grilled meals, all prepared over a custom wood-fire grill using ingredients sourced from Minakami and nearby areas.

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First announced in August 2023—and with all five villas reserved prior to completion—Toji operates under Not A Hotel’s distinctive co-ownership model.

Villa owners are allocated nights at their own property and may exchange them for stays at any other location within the company’s network—an innovative approach that offers flexibility, lifestyle access and investment value across Japan.

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