What is SIMOSE ART GARDEN VILLA?

SIMOSE ART GARDEN VILLA is a One Michelin Key hotel located in Otake, Japan. It has been recognized by the Michelin Guide for its exceptional hospitality and unique experience.

How many Michelin Keys does SIMOSE ART GARDEN VILLA have?

SIMOSE ART GARDEN VILLA has been awarded One Michelin Key by the Michelin Guide, indicating a very special stay.

Where is SIMOSE ART GARDEN VILLA located?

SIMOSE ART GARDEN VILLA is located in Otake, Japan, in the Asia region.

What makes a One Michelin Key hotel special?

One Michelin Key hotels provide very special stays with excellent service and a unique sense of place.

How do I book SIMOSE ART GARDEN VILLA?

You can view more details and booking information for SIMOSE ART GARDEN VILLA through the Michelin Guide website. Each Michelin Keys hotel offers a unique booking experience tailored to their guests.

SIMOSE ART GARDEN VILLA | One Michelin Key in Otake, Japan

Name: SIMOSE ART GARDEN VILLA
Address: 2 Chome-2-1 Shimose, Otake, Hiroshima 749-0101, Japan, Otake, Asia, Japan
Rating: 4.5

SIMOSE ART GARDEN VILLA in Otake, Japan, a distinguished Michelin Key One-Keys property, offers an exceptional blend of art, architecture, and nature, earning consistent praise from guests for its unique design, outstanding service, and exquisite dining.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

SIMOSE ART GARDEN VILLA consistently receives "exceptional" ratings across numerous categories, including staff, facilities, cleanliness, and comfort, often achieving perfect 10/10 scores from guests. Described as a "designer's paradise" and a "design-forward villa retreat," the overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, highlighting a luxurious and contemplative escape. Its recent recognition as a "1 Michelin Key" property further underscores its commitment to providing unique and unparalleled experiences.

2. Key Highlights

Guests are particularly enchanted by the property's visionary design by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Shigeru Ban, which harmoniously integrates art, architecture, and the natural landscape of the Seto Inland Sea. The on-site modern art museum, featuring collections of Japanese dolls, Art Nouveau glass, and works by masters like Matisse and Chagall, provides an immersive cultural experience, with exclusive guest access during certain hours. The attentive and anticipatory service from the staff is frequently lauded, ensuring a truly personalized stay. Amenities such as a gym, hot tub, garden, and a well-stocked complimentary minibar (often including premium spirits) significantly enhance the guest experience.

3. Room Quality

The ten villas at SIMOSE ART GARDEN VILLA are a standout feature, each uniquely designed and offering distinct architectural concepts. Guests can choose between "Forest Villas" nestled amidst lush greenery or "Waterfront Villas" with stunning views of the Seto Inland Sea. Notable designs include the "Paper House," constructed with repurposed cardboard tubes, and the "Wall-less House," featuring expansive sliding glass doors that open the space to nature. Waterfront Villas are equipped with luxurious baths made from Towada stone or Japanese cypress, and feature tatami mats and beds strategically positioned to face the sea. All accommodations prioritize comfort and design, offering plush pillowtop beds with down comforters, air conditioning, private bathrooms with complimentary toiletries, and often a hot tub or spa bath, a kitchenette, and a work desk. Rooms also boast private balconies or terraces, allowing guests to enjoy the serene surroundings. Villa sizes vary, ranging from approximately 55 m² to 115 m² and larger.

4. Dining Experience

Dining at SIMOSE ART GARDEN VILLA is a culinary highlight, with the on-site restaurant specializing in delectable French cuisine. Head chef Hiroshi Hisashige masterfully blends classic French techniques with local Setouchi ingredients, creating innovative and flavorful dishes. The menu includes vegetarian and vegan options to cater to diverse dietary needs. Breakfast is an American-style affair, featuring a selection of egg dishes, handmade bacon and sausage, seasonal warm vegetables, and freshly baked croissants and Danish pastries. For dinner, guests can enjoy a French course offered in a prefix style, complemented by a selection of wines. The food is consistently described as "first-class" and "exceptional." The restaurant's modern ambiance and views of the museum's exhibition rooms reflecting on the water add to the sophisticated dining experience. An exclusive lounge for hotel guests provides drinks and snacks throughout the day, and a museum cafe is also available.

5. Service & Staff

The service and staff at SIMOSE ART GARDEN VILLA receive universally "exceptional" feedback, scoring a perfect 10/10 in guest reviews. Guests commend the staff's "attentiveness and helpfulness," noting their ability to anticipate needs and provide "warm hospitality." Many reviewers highlight that the staff goes "above and beyond" to ensure guest satisfaction, contributing significantly to the overall positive experience.

6. Location & Accessibility

Situated in Otake, Hiroshima Prefecture, along the picturesque shores of the Seto Inland Sea, the villa offers a peaceful, quiet, and calm retreat with breathtaking sea and island views. While offering tranquility, it provides convenient access to several notable attractions. The Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park is approximately a 35-minute drive away, the Iwakuni Kintaikyo Bridge is about a 25-minute drive, and Miyajima can be reached in roughly 30 minutes by ferry and car.

The property is conveniently located about 12 km (7.5 miles) from Iwakuni Kintaikyo Airport, and a complimentary airport shuttle service is available, though advance reservation is required and inclusion may vary by plan. For those arriving by public transport, JR Otake Station or JR Kuba Station are approximately a 10-minute car or bus ride away, with pre-booked car services available for pick-up and drop-off during specific hours. Access by car from the Sanyo Expressway Otake Interchange is a quick 5-minute drive. It is important to note that while serene, the location is "a bit far from Hiroshima's main sights."

7. Value & Pricing

SIMOSE ART GARDEN VILLA is considered a luxurious retreat, with pricing reflecting its unique architectural design, high-end amenities, and exceptional service. Rates for a two-adult stay typically range from approximately £587 for a "Simple Stay" plan to £854 for an "All Inclusive" plan, or ¥69,000 to ¥220,000 depending on the villa type. The "Simple Stay" usually includes accommodation, museum access, minibar beverages, and car service, while the "All Inclusive" plan adds dinner, breakfast, and transfers. Guests generally perceive the property as offering good "Value for money," as evidenced by a 9.5/10 rating in this category. The inclusion of a high-quality, complimentary minibar is often highlighted as a significant perk.

8. Common Complaints

While reviews are overwhelmingly positive, a minor point of feedback sometimes noted is that the French-inspired menu, while exceptional, might not appeal to all guests seeking a purely traditional Japanese dining experience. Additionally, some guests might find the tranquil and somewhat secluded location "a bit far from Hiroshima's main sights" if extensive city exploration is their primary goal. The Michelin Guide itself has not yet accumulated enough verified guest reviews to provide a quality score or specific guest complaints directly through their platform, but general guest feedback from other sources is overwhelmingly favorable.