In this guide
Tenku no Mori (天空の森)
Tenku no Mori, literally translated as “the forest in the sky,” is a luxury hotel and spa offering breathtaking panoramic views of the mountains, lush forests, and active volcanoes of northern Kagoshima. Tenku no Mori is a place to reconnect with nature and rediscover one’s humanity.
The owner, Tateo Tajima—known as the master of Tenku—spent over 25 years bringing his vision of a new form of luxury to life: shaping the woods and hills through landscaping and excavating hot springs to create this rare sanctuary.
Relais & Châteaux Tenku no Mori (天空の森)
Hotel information
- Style: Luxury hotel (Villa)
- Chain: Relais & Chateaux
- Address: 3389 Syukukubota, Makizono-cho 899-6507, Kirishima, Kagoshima, Japan
- Telephone: 995-76-0777
- Check-in time: After 14:00
- Check-out time: Before 12:00
Social Media
- Website: https://tenku-jp.com/
- Facebook: @TenkuNoMori
- Instagram: @tenkunomori
- Blog: https://tenkunomori.blog.shinobi.jp/
Location
Set deep within a forest that changes with the four seasons and overlooking Kagoshima’s volcanic mountains, a small number of discreet villas welcome guests in search of serenity. Tranquility prevails; open-air baths and spas soothe the body, and the spectacular view of Mount Kirishima calms the spirit. Deeply rooted in its region, the restaurant serves original cuisine featuring seasonal vegetables from the garden and chickens raised on its own farm.
Rooms
Villa Akanesasu Oka, Villa Tenku, and Villa Rinu no Mori are available for overnight stays. Positioned close to the hilltop, each villa creates the feeling of a private island in the sky—an ideal place to watch the sun set. Each villa consists of a bedroom and living room housed in separate structures. A wooden deck extends outward like a platform diving into the surrounding nature, and includes an outdoor onsen where you can sit and take in the sweeping scenery.
Villa Hana Chiru Sato and Villa Tsubame No Su are for day-trip guests. Both are located on high ground at the rear of the property. Secluded and simple—offering only an onsen bath and a bedroom—they are ideal for soaking, then savoring the beauty of the natural surroundings.
Cuisine
Tenku no Mori cultivates more than thirty varieties of vegetables in Tenku’s terraced fields. No agrochemicals are used, so the leaves may show marks where insects have found them appealing. Head chef Tateo Tajima can tell when a plant is ready by its scent and by the look of the fields.
To express their culinary philosophy and emphasize food’s natural origins, the owner and chef of Tenku no Mori believe that the greatest luxury is picking and eating sprouts the moment they appear—allowing guests to experience the true flavors of the land here in Kirishima.
