Set on the small island of Iki, just off Nagasaki, Iki Retreat by Onko Chishin is a masterclass in quiet luxury and cultural preservation. Founded by Tomoki Matsuyama, the retreat forms part of his mission to restore — not replace — Japan’s historic ryokans and revive local communities through hospitality.
After establishing Onko Chishin in 2011, Matsuyama transformed a former Tadao Ando–designed art museum in Matsuyama into the celebrated Setouchi Retreat before opening this intimate twelve-room sanctuary overlooking the Genkai Sea. “I have a deep respect for craftsmanship,” Matsuyama says. “For producers, creators, chefs, storytellers, and shokunin (master artisans) who dye a place with their own unique colour and tell a site-specific story.”
Every detail of Iki Retreat pays homage to that ethos. Interiors blend natural wood tones and minimal forms with gentle Western accents, creating a cocoon-like atmosphere that mirrors the serenity of the surrounding sea. Floor-to-ceiling windows diffuse the boundary between indoors and out, offering uninterrupted views across Yunomoto Bay, which can be enjoyed whilst soaking in the private natural hot spring open-air baths that all 12 rooms are equipped with; traditional wooden tubs can be found in the Kairi Suite.
Dining is a celebration of the bounty of the region, with kaiseki cuisine (a traditional multi-course Japanese dinner) featuring freshly caught seafood and rare, high-quality Wagyu beef from Iki island; all showcasing Japan’s culinary artistry at its most refined. The retreat’s private hot spring and spa, meanwhile, provide further indulgence, while a small gym ensures balance between restoration and movement.
A member of Design Hotels, Iki Retreat by Onko Chishin represents a philosophy of reverence for nature, for culture, and for the human touch that sustains both. It’s a destination for those seeking not just rest, but renewal. A modern retreat with an ancient soul, where every element has been considered, and every story preserved.
Iki Retreat by Onko Chishin, Iki Island Photography, courtesy Design Hotels.
