Simose Art Garden Villa: Where Art, Nature, and Architecture Converge
Winding pathways, contemporary art installations, and sweeping views of the Seto Inland Sea – Simose Art Garden Villa is a designer’s paradise just an hour outside Hiroshima. Designed by legendary Japanese architect Shigeru Ban, the villas take inspiration from their surroundings; think local shipyards and incorporating recycled materials into their structure. Luxury guest villas, art installations, and mirrored exhibition spaces blur the line between indoors and out – my favourite being my stay in the Paper House, with walls made from repurposed cardboard tubes – a masterclass in sustainability and design. From private dining experiences to seamless integration with the natural landscape, Simose is a rare example of hospitality done right – where local culture, world-class architecture, and fine cuisine come together effortlessly.
The Offer
Simose Art Garden Villa offers a refined blend of art, architecture, and nature. Waterfront Villas feature baths made from Towada stone and Japanese cypress, while tatami mats with sliding doors and beds facing the sea fill the rest of the room. The Forest Villa design recreates Karuizawan homes, among others, from the 90s. In the museum, guests can enjoy collections of Japanese dolls, Art Nouveau glass works and works by modern masters like Henri Matisse, Marc Chagall, and Kaii Higashiyama.
The on-site French restaurant, run by head chef Hiroshi Hisashige, blends French techniques with local Setouchi cuisine. Simose Art Garden Villa also features eight movable galleries designed by Shigeru Ban, inspired by the Seto Inland Sea. By incorporating Hiroshima’s shipbuilding technology into their design, these galleries can be moved by floating them on water – an innovative way to rearrange for each exhibition.
The Location
Simose Art Garden Villa is located in Otake, Hiroshima Prefecture, along the shores of the Seto Inland Sea. The area is known for its gentle waves, dense forests, and clusters of islands on the horizon. Nearby, the historic town of Iwakuni features the iconic Kintai Bridge, while ferry connections provide access to the art island of Naoshima. The villa’s coastal setting offers sweeping views of the sea and islands–an ideal base for exploring the region’s cultural and natural highlights.
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Who is it For?
Simose Art Garden Villa is perfect for travellers who appreciate design, art, and nature in equal measure. If you’re seeking a contemplative, design-led stay, or simply looking for a quiet, luxurious retreat with a difference, Simose Art Garden Villa should be on your itinerary. Couples, solo travellers, and culture enthusiasts will find the villa’s environment particularly suited to relaxation and creative inspiration.
Sustainability
Sustainability and environmental integration is a core principle at Simose Art Garden Villa. Through the careful selection of materials (wood, tatami, stone), the collection of forest and waterfront villas have been designed to seamlessly blend with the backdrop while each retaining individual design. The property also emphasises responsible dining, sourcing ingredients from regional farmers and fishermen.
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Important Information
How to Get There
Car:
The villa is accessible by car, with on-site parking available. - Pickup available from Iwakuni Kintaikyo Airport, Kuba Station, Otake Station, and Shin-Iwakuni Station
Train:
The nearest station is Otake Station, from which a short taxi ride, or walk, will take you to the hotel.
Ferry:
Visitors exploring the Seto Inland Sea can access the villa via ferry routes connecting nearby islands.
Check-in / Check-out
Check-in: from 15:00
Check-out: 11:00
Number of Onsen
Private indoor and outdoor baths
Pets
Not allowed
Contact
Website: Simose Art Garden Villa
Phone: 739-0622
Address: 2-chōme-10-50 Harumi, Otake, Hiroshima
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