Setouchi Aonagi — Matsuyama, Japan

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Exterior of pool area
(Image credit: press)

Fans of architect Tadao Ando will be pleased to hear of the recent opening of this intimate seven-room retreat just outside the city of Matsuyama on Japan’s smallest island, Shikoku.

Completed 17 years ago as a private guesthouse, the building was later turned into a small modern art museum before re-opening as the Setouchi Retreat Aonagi. Overseeing each of the transformations, Ando’s signature minimalistic approach has remained clear, from the large exposed concrete, bright white surfaces and straight lines throughout the space.

We suggest plumping for the Aonagi maisonette suite, which – with its eight-metre high ceiling – boasts spectacular views of the sparkling Setouchi inland sea. Other highlights include the outdoor lap pool that visually extends into the vista beyond, while Japanese restaurant, Minagi, serves carefully prepared casual kaiseki dinners with an emphasis on the abundant seafood in the area. 

Exterior of pool from far end

(Image credit: press)

Seating are with view of pool

(Image credit: press)

Indoor pool

(Image credit: press)

Staircase to lounge area with coffee table and freestanding lamp

(Image credit: press)

Bedroom, lightwood headboard, base, side tables and desk

(Image credit: press)

View from bottom of staircase, dining table with long cabinet on rear wall, narrow balcony outside

(Image credit: press)

ADDRESS

794-1 Yanaidani-cho
Matsuyama

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Jens H Jensen

Originally from Denmark, Jens H. Jensen has been calling Japan his home for almost two decades. Since 2014 he has worked with Wallpaper* as the Japan Editor. His main interests are architecture, crafts and design. Besides writing and editing, he consults numerous business in Japan and beyond and designs and build retail, residential and moving (read: vans) interiors.