700’000 Heures’ Japan Constellation

Sustainable travel with a focus on providing authentic local experiences.

The brainchild of hotelier Thierry Teyssier, 700’000 Heures is a one-of-a-kind, sustainable travel experience that puts the focus on living in the moment and on making the most of every destination in an authentic way. The organization’s name refers to the average human’s time on Earth, of 700,000 hours. With changing locations and experiences that vary but offer genuine connections, 700’000 Heures helps to create lasting memories. Named “constellations”, the company’s ephemeral hotels and guest rooms take travelers to places as different as the sand dunes of Morocco to a lake house in Brazil. The newest constellation in the list welcomes travelers to some enchanting places in Japan: a traditional fishing village in the Kyoto prefecture and the Koyasan town which marks the end of the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage.

Like with other locations, 700’000 Heures worked to integrate the rooms in the communities while also supporting the local craftspeople. At the same time, the company provides a truly high-end hotel stay experience centered on ultimate comfort. The restored wooden houses feature interiors that blend traditional Japanese minimalism and contemporary refinement. A daybed with a brass floor lamp offers the perfect solution to relax before enjoying dinner in the sparsely decorated dining room. Artisanal ceramics, washi paper art, and traditional copper objects appear alongside contemporary lighting and simple furniture.

However, a stay here involves much more than unwinding in comfort in tastefully decorated rooms. In a similar way to every 700’000 Heures location, guests can immerse themselves in the local culture; from visiting local markets and learning to make mochi to enjoying a cup of tea in an outdoor setting. Finally, every stay here is all-inclusive. Photographs© 700’000 Heures.