A jungle retreat is one of the last things you’d expect from Tokyo, but at Satologue on the outskirts of the city you can find just that. Launched in May 2024, this unique combination of sauna, restaurant and greenery is nestled deep among the trees near Okutama.
Visitors can participate in guided nature walks – exploring the on-site vegetable gardens, wasabi fields and gardens. The initiative is housed in a previously abandoned farmhouse, revitalised by architect Yasushi Horibe, renowned for projects like the floating hotel Guntû. The lunchtime-only restaurant offers a seasonal French-inspired menu crafted from local ingredients, while the sauna, which utilises local timber and spring waters, is a work of art. Those wishing to explore the area further can rent electric bikes and tuk-tuks, and accommodation options are set to be added in 2025. If you’re feeling really adventurous, local tour operator Tokyo Mountain Tours offers a unique River Clean experience, which combines thrilling whitewater rafting with litter-picking stops helping you to play your part in preserving this very special place.