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. In the Corner Tatami Suite or the Sea View Suite with open-air bath, guests can soak in traditional wooden tubs while gazing out at the dazzling blues of the ocean.
Dining is a celebration of the bounty of the region with freshly caught seafood, rich Wagyu beef, and elegant teppanyaki dishes showcasing Japan’s culinary artistry at its most refined. The retreat’s private hot spring and spa 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.
