Fukuoka Hilltop Hotel — Fukuoka, Japan
As far as destinations go, Japan is still top of the list for many seasoned and first-time tourist alike. And while most head straight for the hubbub of Tokyo and then make their way to the beautiful temples and zen gardens of Kyoto, there are other areas of this vast country which are often overlooked.
One such example, is Fukuoka. Located to the north of Kyushu, the third largest and most southern of Japan’s four main islands, the city is best-known for its beautiful scenery and open parks; its traditional outdoor food stalls - or yatai - delicious steaming bowls of tonkotsu ramen; and conveniently, it also makes a great base for day trips out to must-sees such as the historic town of Dazaifu or Mount Aso, the largest active volcano in the country.
On returning, there are, of course, a host of inner city hotels to bed down in, but for some respite, head to Fukuoka Hilltop Hotel. Located a short 20-minute car ride away, the property, as the name suggests, is located atop a hill, allowing for widespread views of the city and beyond.
A hotel for over 50 years, the property - now in the hands of Tokyo-based hospitality outfit AGORA - has been transformed into an urban oasis that is sure to put it straight onto the tourist map.
Designer Hideki Hamakawa from design office Ontoh Inc, has imparted his signature sleek urban cool aesthetic to the 48-guest rooms and public spaces, which includes a spa with natural hot spring baths; an open-air garden restaurant; a well-stocked library; and a hip café and carefully curated hotel shop in the lobby, that sells goodies from Kusu Handmade room fragrances to ceramics by Japanese brand Kihara.
And while you’re most likely to find day-spa visitors or trendy weekend getaway couples meandering through the property now, locals need not worry: the adjoining Marcus Square complex includes a host of banquet halls and event spaces, ensuring generations to come can still celebrate special occasions and weddings in the city’s much-loved destination hotel.
ADDRESS
Wallpaper* Newsletter
Receive our daily digest of inspiration, escapism and design stories from around the world direct to your inbox
1-1-33 Terukuni
Chuo-ku
Fukuoka
-
Remembering Richard Serra (1938-2024), American art’s man of steel
American artist Richard Serra, whose vast sculptures transformed landscapes around the world, has died aged 85
By Hannah Silver Published
-
Architectural gardens around the world to soothe the soul
From small domestic gardens, to nature reserves, urban interventions and local parks, here are some of the finest green projects that place nature at their heart
By Ellie Stathaki Published
-
Corfu hotel Domes Miramare redefines beachfront bliss
Make like Jackie O at Corfu hotel Domes Miramare, a property with contemporary luxury and echoes of 1960s glamour in spades
By Bridget Downing Published
-
Hotel Rakuragu is a tiny but mighty modern escape in Tokyo
Hotel Rakuragu, brought to life by Kooo Architects, lies within an 80 sq m plot in the area of Chuo-ku
By Danielle Demetriou Published
-
Kawamichiya Kosho-An is a 110-year-old Kyoto townhouse-turned-restaurant
Kawamichiya Kosho-An is a traditional soba restaurant reimagined by Endo Shojiro Design and td-Atelier
By Sofia de la Cruz Published
-
Spa experiences in superlative surroundings, to revitalise mind and body
These spa experiences offer the ultimate in wellness and relaxation in serene settings around the world
By Sofia de la Cruz Published
-
Hotel Toranomon Hills opens in Tokyo, exuding Space Copenhagen’s warm minimalism
Step inside Hotel Toranomon Hills, its soft-edged and intimate interior design by Space Copenhagen the perfect counterpoint to its skyscraper-packed Tokyo setting
By Danielle Demetriou Published
-
10 colourful hotels to inspire your 2024 escapes
10 colourful hotels to discover in 2024, from dream-like mountain retreats to design-led city escapes, selected by Wallpaper* travel editor Sofia de la Cruz
By Sofia de la Cruz Published
-
‘Tokyo Jazz Joints’ captures the vanishing world of Japanese jazz kissa culture
New book ‘Tokyo Jazz Joints’ uncovers the ephemeral beauty of Japan's ‘jazz kissa’ – bars and coffee houses devoted to the vinyl or CD experience
By Sofia de la Cruz Published
-
Aldo Rossi's Hotel Il Palazzo in Japan gets 21st century makeover
Uchida Design Inc refreshes Hotel Il Palazzo in Japan, which was originally designed by Italian Postmodernist Aldo Rossi in 1989
By Joanna Kawecki Published
-
Trunk Hotel Yoyogi Park offers rare green Tokyo views for ‘urban recharge’
Trunk Hotel Yoyogi Park opens this week by a parkland oasis in Tokyo’s Shibuya district
By Danielle Demetriou Published