Ise-Shima · Mie Prefecture · Japan · Ago Bay
Kerry Hill's ryokan masterpiece on Ago Bay — 24 suites with private onsen fed by natural thermal springs, where the sacred Ise Jingu opens before dawn for Aman guests only.
Amanemu sits high above Ago Bay in the forested hills of Ise-Shima National Park — the ryokan-inspired resort by Kerry Hill Architects that most completely captures Japan's aesthetic philosophy of ma: negative space that breathes. The 24 suites and 8 villas are scattered across the hillside, soaring timber ceilings and pale wood panels framing the glinting water through low-slung furniture and woven wooden screens.
Every suite features a private onsen: an ofuro soaking tub fed directly from Ise-Shima's natural thermal springs, where mineral-rich water arrives at the temperature of ancient earth. The 2,000-square-metre Aman Spa extends this into a communal sanctuary of stone-lined pools, kampo herbal therapies, and a glass-walled yoga studio overlooking a garden Tabunoki tree.
Just 45 minutes away, Ise Jingu — Japan's holiest Shinto shrine, rebuilt every 20 years in an unbroken imperial tradition since the 7th century — welcomes private early-morning visits for Aman guests before the public gates open.
Every suite at Amanemu is identical in design — they differ only in their position and corresponding bay views. Nagi Suites are situated closest to Ago Bay and offer the most unobstructed sea views. Each suite covers 1,065 square feet of open-plan bedroom and living area, with a King bed, full-height sliding screens, dual vanities, a rain shower, and the private ofuro onsen fed directly from Ise-Shima's natural thermal springs.
The 8 two-bedroom Villas extend this to 4,000 square feet with their own commercial-grade onsen pavilion, pocket doors opening the entire rear wall to a private garden and bay view, and dedicated villa staff. The resort provides complimentary private transfers from Kashikojima Station and a dedicated Japanese butler who accompanies guests throughout.
Amanemu's single restaurant, set beneath a vaulted coffered ceiling inspired by the Japanese izakaya tradition of informal seasonal sharing, celebrates Mie Prefecture's coastal bounty. The menu features spiny local lobster, abalone sashimi, and the legendary Matsusaka Wagyu beef served salt-baked, as sashimi, or in steaming dan dan noodles.
The signature truffle soba — silky noodles topped with a quail egg that collapses to coat everything in golden yolk — is considered among the finest dishes in any Aman property. The bar serves Japanese craft beers and seasonal Ise-Shima herb cocktails, with a complimentary afternoon tea service for all guests.
Four nights where Japan's sacred coast meets Aman's ryokan philosophy — private thermal springs at dawn, Ise Jingu before the crowds, Matsusaka Wagyu by night, and the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage trail at your doorstep.
Add-ons: Nemu Golf Club private morning round +¥25,000 · Private ama pearl diver boat +¥35,000 · Helicopter transfer from Chubu Centrair +¥80,000pp
Amanemu is Japan distilled to its purest form: a ryokan philosophy expressed through Kerry Hill's minimalist architecture, where every suite's private onsen is fed from Ise-Shima's natural thermal springs and the sacred forest begins where your veranda ends. The closest shrine — Ise Jingu, rebuilt every 20 years since the 7th century — opens its inner sanctum to Aman guests before the public arrives. The Kumano Kodo UNESCO pilgrimage trail departs from the resort's edge. The ama freedivers of Ago Bay offer a dawn encounter available to no package tour. This is Japan as it has always been.
A 4-night onsen immersion in Kerry Hill's masterpiece above Ago Bay — private thermal springs in your suite, Japan's holiest shrine before the crowds, Matsusaka Wagyu by candlelight, and the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage trail at your doorstep.
Every morning begins in your private ofuro as natural mineral-rich water fills the stone bath. Every evening ends in the 2,000 sq m Aman Spa's outdoor onsen pools, lit by candles beneath Ise-Shima's pine canopy.
All components are fully flexible — this is a curated starting point, refined with your Richseen specialist prior to confirmation.