Amanemu is a ryokan-inspired resort located in the coastal city of Shima in central Japan.

Located in the coastal city of Shima in central Japan (a two-hour train ride from Nagoya), Amanemu is a serene sanctuary that sits high above Ago Bay amid the forested hills of Ise-Shima. The surrounding area features sacred shrines, hiking paths, a neighboring golf club, and a unique community of pearl fishers and female free divers (the ama).

Aman Spa at Amanemu offers guests a place to slow down and relax while enjoying Japanese healing practices. The 2,000-square-meter spa embraces the restorative power of water and is designed around a vast hot spring bath fed by the mineral-rich waters of Ise-Shima. Amanemu guests can enjoy the same restorative benefits as the ancient samurai with sessions in the spa’s mineral-rich pools. Daybeds are positioned around the thermal spring garden, and two separate onsen pavilions provide space to take to the waters in comfort and privacy.

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The spa’s team of experienced therapists are able to develop bespoke spa experiences and treatment programs tailored to the individual wellness goals of each guest. The diverse array of treatments and techniques incorporate a select combination of organic blends from the Aman Skincare range, Kampo herbs and locally sourced essential oils to provide a personal and transformative wellness experience.

We interviewed Ms. Ikuko Uchiyama, Spa Manager, Aman Spa at Amanemu, who shared insider tips, recommended treatments to try, and more:

The stunning property is situated beside Ago Bay amid the forested hills of Ise-Shima.

Why You’ll Love It: Due to our location next to Ago Bay and amid the forested hills of Ise-Shima, our guests are delighted by the nature surrounding the spa. The ryokan-inspired onsen is equally loved by our guests as it is a restorative sanctuary to experience complete peace and relaxation.

Key Features: The spa facilities at Amanemu feature four treatment rooms, an aquatic room, fitness studio, yoga room and deck, and mineral-rich thermal springs.

High above Ago Bay, embraced by forest, Amanemu sits at the heart of a serene natural landscape that rewards explorers with its extraordinary beauty.

Bonus: Each treatment commences with a welcoming foot ritual with local pearl salt from Ago-Sea that has an effect of purification and also is said to have a spiritual power and bring good fortune.

Guests can relax in Aman Spa’s fireside lounge before and after their services.

Insider’s Tip: Hot springs reap a multitude of benefits including aiding in recovery from physical exhaustion. Guests at Amanemu can experience our thermal springs while enjoying the beautiful open skies during the day or the shining stars above at night.

Amanemu Spa’s onsen pools are fed by a nearby hot spring which provides mineral-rich water.

Snacks Served: At the spa, we do not provide any food or drink service in accordance with the public health center. However, following a spa treatment guests are offered dry kumquat, a bean snack of Aosa, a bean snack coated with charcoal, and a bean snack coated with pearl. All of these are locally made with herbal tea of Albizia tree, which promotes relaxation and healthy sleep.

Rooted in Japan’s sixth-century tradition of onsen bathing, Amanemu’s 2,000-square-meter spa embraces the restorative power of water.

Unique Treatment: The seasonal spa journeys offered by Amanemu are the most unique, intended to balance body and mind by using seasonal Japanese Kampo herbs and essential oils, incorporating different elements of the four seasons.

Daybeds are positioned around the thermal spring garden, and two separate onsen pavilions provide space to take to the waters in comfort and privacy.

Insider’s Favorite: The Wellness Day Program at Amanemu is a preferred treatment, excellent for guests are interested in an immersion but do not have enough days. This one-day retreat aims to optimize well-being through an integrated and holistic approach. The program starts with a private movement lesson, followed by a spa treatment and a wellness session by a specialist, supplemented with use of the onsen waters and relaxation facilities.

Amanemu guests can enjoy the same restorative benefits as the samurai with sessions in the spa’s mineral-rich pools and hot tubs.

Splurge Treatment: The Amanemu Wellness Immersions are highly individualized programs designed by qualified health professionals. The region around Amanemu is one of pilgrimage and purification—from the shrines of Ise to the Kumano Kodo pilgrim paths and sacred forests. This area is known for its natural mineral hot springs, with centuries-old association to onsen bathing, a healing ritual practiced for centuries by samurai to recuperate from their intense training, and today traditionally enjoyed from the sanctuary of a ryokan retreat.

This history sculpts Amanemu's four Wellness Immersions: Beauty & Slow-Aging; Detox & Cleansing; Mindfulness & Stress Management; and Recovery & Recuperation. All of which are designed to promote profound change with the support of a diverse wellness team and a dedicated wellness chef, these carefully calibrated programs draw on specialized Japanese therapies.