Forget bustling urban cities, fashion flagships and packed crossings. Japan’s Kii Hanto – a picturesque peninsula swathed in misty mountains, wild forests and ancient temples on the main Honshu island – moves to a completely different tempo.

One of Japan’s largest peninsulas, it spans mainly across three prefectures (Mie, Wakayama and Nara), and is fringed with a scenic saw-toothed coastline – resulting in countless highlights to explore. 

Among them is Ise Jingu, a painstakingly crafted – and deeply significant – complex of ancient shrines devoted to the sun goddess Amaterasu, in Mie Prefecture, whose importance is reflected in the fact it is often referred to as the “soul of Japan”.

Kumano Kodo

Another key highlight is the ancient pilgrim routes of the Kumano Kodo, which crisscross the deeply picturesque nature-drenched mountainous landscapes, connecting numerous historic spiritual landmarks, including the three grand shrines known as Kumano Sanzan.

The Kumano Kodo is not only an attraction for spiritual pilgrims – it’s nirvana for nature lovers, with shinrin-yoku forest bathing – which taps into the health-restoring powers of nature – another popular attraction, in addition to landmarks such as the dramatic 133m-high Nachi-no-taki waterfall.

Sasayuri-Ann

Another gem on the peninsula is the ancient city of Nara, which is renowned for its ancient temples and treasured artefacts as well as the scenic experience of witnessing deer – traditionally regarded as messengers of the god – roaming freely on the grounds of Tōdai-ji temple.

For a fully immersive – but luxurious – experience in nature, Sasayuri-Ann in Nara Prefecture ticks all the boxes. The luxury retreat is housed in sleekly renovated centuries-old houses capped with thatched roofs, with breathtaking views across mountains and tiered rice fields, alongside delicious multi-course feasts crafted by a Michelin-starred chef and futons unrolled nightly on tatami-mat flooring.

Yamabushi Trekking

The whole experience is masterminded with impeccable taste and hospitality by owner Tetsuji Matsubayashi – who also happens to be a yamabushi, a Japanese mountain ascetic whose spiritual practices are deeply tied to the natural landscape. Workshops for guests range from Zen meditation and Japanese drumming to organic farm visits.

Amanemu

A good place to finish is Amanemu, a sleek Kerry Hill-designed Aman resort wrapped in nature, overlooking the scenically jagged coastline of Ago Bay in Mie Prefecture, complete with 24 spacious and minimalist suites and 8 two-bedroom villas, each with its own private hot-spring bathtubs.

Inspired by Japan’s ancient onsen bathing culture, the hotel’s serene spa is its heartbeat – and the perfect spot to recharge after a Kumano Kodo hike. Spanning 2,000 square metres, it is home to a vast open-air hot-spring bath and a cornucopia of wellness treatments using local herbs, plant oils and ancient practices – all reflecting the healing power of the surrounding natural landscape.