The Next Luxury Is the Restoration of Our Humanity.

Inspired by what Japanese Botanical Laboratory has discovered on its journeys into the mountains,

a luxury hotel offers playful experiences in nature that awaken the child within,

and restorative moments that let guests simply be themselves.

ASO RETREAT HONO is a luxury hotel in Minamiaso Village, created by Japanese Botanical Laboratory together with Onko Chishin over three years, from conception to opening.

The hotel centers on foraging—a practice at the heart of Japanese Botanical Laboratory—and expresses this theme throughout its concept and guest experiences.

Set in the mountains overlooking the majestic Mount Aso, the hotel features an “edible garden” and an “edible hillside,” planted primarily with native Japanese species so that guests can experience foraging firsthand.

Our work spans harvesting experiences on the grounds; workshops using a traditional medicinal herb grinder to make herbal eye pillows for the bath; the appointment of a chef trained at world-class restaurants who seeks to embody “primitive gastronomy”; the development of original products; an ongoing supply of ingredients after opening; and the hotel’s branding.

This project draws on the full breadth of knowledge and experience we have accumulated since our founding.

It brings together experiences that embody the connection with nature that Japanese Botanical Laboratory believes is essential to enriching both mind and body.

Hotel website: https://aso.by-onko-chishin.com/