Things to do in Japan

A serene luxe hideaway on the Izu Peninsula

People come to ABBA Resorts on the Izu Peninsula to find peace and quiet just two hours from the centre of Tokyo….

By Kiyofumi Machida

General manager of ABBA Resorts Izu

ABBA Resorts, Izu Peninsula

People come to ABBA Resorts to find peace and quiet just two hours from the centre of Tokyo, rather than to explore the Izu Peninsula itself – though it is a beautiful part of the country. We are surrounded by ancient woodland where some of the trees are more than 300 years old. It’s soothing to sit and listen to the rustling of leaves, the whisper of bamboo, birdsong and the magical sound of running water. If you’re very still, you might even see a deer.

The refined Japanese architecture is in perfect harmony with the natural setting, something that encapsulates the country’s culture. None of the rooms and villas is the same in layout or décor, but they’re all designed to be calming spaces where guests can connect with nature. I like the way different types and colours of wood are used; you can really appreciate the craftsmanship involved. Many of the baths are made of hinoki – cypress wood – which has an amazing scent that lifts your mood. There’s nothing better, in my opinion. They’re quite rare in Japanese ryokans as they’re hard work to maintain, so I’m delighted that we have them here.

Another rarity is our gallery of rare samurai swords: katana in Japanese. It’s part of our commitment to delivering an authentic taste of the country’s culture to our guests. You’ll find this echoed in everything from the welcoming cup of matcha tea we serve when people first arrive and the delicious Japanese food made with the finest local ingredients to the layout of the garden with its ponds of brightly coloured carp.

It’s so restful here that our guests sometimes stay longer than planned. Last year, one foreign visitor arrived with his family and physician to recover after an illness. He was meant to be here for a week and ended up staying for 41 nights! When he left, he made a very moving speech through an interpreter …

Alfred & Kiyofumi Machida

Kiyofumi Machida was born in Nagasaki prefecture on Kyushu, the southernmost of Japan’s four main islands. He began his career in hospitality at some of the country’s leading hotels, including Park Hyatt Tokyo and Hotel Okura Fukuoka. He later joined KPG Hotel & Resort as a deputy general manager of high-end ryokans such as Hakone Suishoen and Atami Fufu; as a director in charge of development in the Kyushu area he worked on many projects. He joined ABBA Resorts in June 2019.

Plan your holiday withAlfred&

Your journey will start with one of our UK team – someone like Richard, who's travelled extensively in Japan. They’ll shape your ideas into the trip of a lifetime. But they won't do it alone. They'll draw on the expertise of our contacts on the ground, connecting you to the people who'll make your holiday one you'll always remember - the tea devotee who'll introduce you to the ceremony surrounding Japan's national drink, the noodle guru who'll teach you how to make the perfect bowl of soba and the ryokan owner who'll tutor you in the relaxing art of the onsen.

Richard Pearson

Travel Expert for Alfred&

The term ‘well-travelled’ is an understatement when describing Richard. They've been swept up in the cultural portals of Japan and China and fallen in love with Vietnam’s historical melting pot and romantic karsts of Halong Bay. Their mantra is ‘expect the unexpected,’ which is why they find India so attractive; its manic city streets, stunning yet seldom-visited temples and off-road safaris in the wildest tiger reserves.
Takeaki Shibuya

Experience coordinator for Destination Asia, Alfred&'s partners in Japan

After 14 years of experience travelling in more than 70 countries as a tour conductor and planner, Takeaki has come home to Japan, which he truly believes is the most unique place in the world to explore. His unusual experiences are a source of creation which draws out the esoteric and the hidden of Japan.
Ms Makishima

Nakai-san at Gion Yoshi-Ima

A long-time employee at Gion Yoshi-Ima and resident of Kyoto, Ms Makishima embodies the Japanese spirit of hospitality: a welcoming character, dedication to her work, and joy in the everyday. Care and devotion is given to her guests and she is always on hand to attend to needs or offer advice to adventurous travellers.
Fabien Fleury

Wine educator, oenophile and guide

Tokyo-based Fabien was born in Saintes, near Cognac, in the south-west of France. As a boy, he used to help his grandfather take care of his vineyard, which instilled in him a love of the whole process of wine-making. Fabien has been giving tasting seminars to wine lovers between Europe and Japan for 10 years and enjoys sharing his expertise on tours of Japan’s wine-making Yamanashi area outside Tokyo.
Ms Akira

Member of the hospitality team at Oyado Koto no Yume

Ms Akira is part of the hospitality team at Koto no Yume, a ryokan in the traditional town of Takayama. Living in a city steeped in culture, she enjoys helping guests to get to know a little more of the traditional arts and crafts, as well as the beautiful sites of Takayama.
Satoshi Inuki

Japanese literature enthusiast & one of Alfred&’s guides in Japan

Satoshi is originally from a small town in Hyogo prefecture. In his early 20s he lived in Edinburgh where he met many people from all over the world who asked him questions about Japan. This prompted him to study more about his own country’s culture, history and traditions. He moved to Kyoto around 10 years ago and became a licensed guide in 2011, since when he has come to know every inch of both his new home town and destinations such as Hiroshima, Okayama and Naoshima to the west.