The Ryokan Collection is delighted to welcome a new member to its group of fine ryokan - Sazane in Chiba.

Located just an hour and a half from Tokyo in the peaceful seaside community of Awa, Sazane is a brand new beachfront property from hotelier Kenichi Hiruta. This contemporary ocean-view hot spring retreat is enriched by elegant Japanese craftsmanship in every detail and a seafood-based cuisine fresher than anything found in the famed fish markets or fine restaurants of the capital.

With just 12 modern suites, Sazane provides an exclusive and service-centered experience where guests can let their stresses dissolve under the influence of mesmerizing ocean vistas and the laid-back beach culture. Every room has a private veranda with Mikage granite hot spring bath facing views of Mt. Fuji and the spectacular sunsets over Tokyo Bay. Heated floors, plush day beds, and retractable glass partitions ensure this is an inviting space year-round and in all weather.

A welcoming common area with chic walnut furniture from Japan-made and -designed MasterWal and a towering curio of art and design books provides a snug nook for socializing or relaxing with complimentary coffee, tea, and freshly prepared snacks throughout the day. In the evening, it transforms into a self-service bar lounge, with a range of liquors and cocktail mixers, plus beers and Japanese-style sours on tap. Outside, a deck with custom lounge chairs faces the beach for an afternoon snooze or a star-lit romantic moment. For additional relaxation, guests can step upstairs to Padmini Japan Avurveda Spa, offering authentic Ayurvedic treatments from an A+ certified specialist in the Panchakarma modality.

The elegant dining room surrounds guests in the artwork of skilled artisans. Private ocean-facing booths are made from an ancient form of latticework called kumiko zaiku, which creates elaborate patterns in the wood without the use of nails or glue. The tower lamps and wall coverings are made from beautifully textured washi paper. And every dish is served on local ceramics personally chosen by Hiruta-san to express the treasured seasonality of Japanese cuisine.

Sazane purchases their seafood directly from local fishermen each morning. This Pacific bounty is transformed into sprawling locavore courses full of delicacies like dancing squid sashimi, grilled Ise lobsters, and live abalone steamed at the table. Nearly everything else is sourced from local suppliers too, including Fushihime wagyu beef, raised in Awa and fattened on local rice straw.

Despite its proximity to Tokyo, rich local food culture, and scenic beauty, Awa remains an undiscovered destination. Nestled in this quiet community, Sazane is a relaxing refuge for those in the know.