The gentle murmur of the Takano River
blends with the tranquil view of the moss
garden.
Soft light fills the wooden interior,
radiating warmth and calm.
In the quiet stillness,
light and silence intertwine,
soothing both body and
soul
Nestled at the foot of Mount Hiei in the tranquil village of Yase, moksa stands on historic
ground once home to the “Yase no Kamaburo,” a traditional steam bath said to have healed Prince
Ōama (later Emperor Tenmu) in ancient times. The area later flourished as a beloved retreat for
those seeking peace and rejuvenation.
The name “moksa,” meaning liberation or release in Sanskrit, embodies our wish for guests to
free themselves from the weight of everyday life—to cleanse the body and mind, and to find
moments of true serenity.
Private saunas, a restaurant serving wood-fired cuisine, and serene gardens invite you to unwind
and reconnect with your natural rhythm.
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moksa
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Sanzen-in
Temple -
Rurikō-in
Temple -
Lake Biwa
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Kyoto city
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Enryaku-ji Temple,
Mount Hiei
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Kyoto and
Yase
Kyoto Yase, Japan
moksa is located in Yase,
at the foot of Mount Hiei,
often referred to as
the
“mother
mountain” of
Japanese Buddhism
In Yase, you can find the “Yase no Kamaburo,”
a traditional steam bath said to have
been
offered
by villagers for the healing of Prince Ōama,
who was wounded in the back
during
the Jinshin Rebellion.
Regarded as Japan’s oldest steam bath,
it has long been
cherished
by nobles and samurai
as a place to cleanse body and mind,
and in more recent
times,
the
area has also been loved as a retreat for villa estates.
We invite you to cleanse your weary body and mind,
gently freeing yourself from the
everyday,
and to experience deep relaxation.
May the time you spend here allow
your senses to
reset and become a moment of true serenity.
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Three
private saunas
Sauna
Inspired by the Kamaburo steam baths,
three private saunas are available
by
reservation
only.
Each has its own theme,
offering an unparalleled
experience of ultimate
relaxation.
Known since Japan’s Asuka period (late 6th to 7th century)
as a place of healing,
Yase is
home to Jōan—a private sauna inspired
by the wisdom and culture of the
traditional
Kamaburo steam bath, passed down through generations.
Produced by Mikie Sasano,
daughter of the founder of Sauna Shikiji in
Shizuoka,
known as
the sacred ground of Japanese sauna culture.
“Tanjō” — purified by the power of charcoal.
“Hijō” — unwind your mind with the scent of cypress.
“Bijō” — for naturally radiant skin.
Three distinctive concepts, each offering
a unique experience of ultimate
relaxation,
only at moksa.
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Scented by
wood smoke
Restaurant
At MALA, the crackle of firewood,
the scent of the flames,
the flicker of the
fire,
and the warmth it radiates combine with
the flavours of our cuisine to
create
a
multisensory experience.
MALA, a name inspired
by the Sanskrit word for “circulation.
Through the act of eating,
guests draw energy from the ingredients,
experiencing
the circulation of
the land’s blessings through body and mind.
Start your day with a choice of three breakfasts:
Japanese,Western, or
wellness-inspired.
In the evening, savour a course dinner
prepared over a wood-fired grill.
Nourishing both body and mind,
each meal provides a memorable culinary
experience
that
delights the senses.
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With the
sound of water
Guest rooms
Embrace the nature of Yase
with an all-inclusive stay in rooms
that overlook the
crystal-clear Takano River
and serene moss gardens.
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Garden and
art
Traditional garden&art
Marking a century of history and
cherished across generations,
the space features a
moss garden
alongside works by contemporary artists,
showcasing pieces inspired
by
the concept of “ethnic modernism.”
Loved across centuries,
the carefully preserved
moss garden invites a
stroll,
revealing the beauty of each season and
offering a moment of serenity that
feels like
a
return to
nature.
In collaboration with Kyoto’s gallery tonoto,
the space showcases designs
inspired
by
“ethnic modernism” crafted
from natural materials.
Throughout the
property,
charming
clay figures, moksa jin,
watch over the space like guardians,
harmonising with the
artworks and
adding subtle moments of delight and
visual breathing room to the
stay.
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Exploring
Yase
Access
A journey through the forest and waters,
where stillness meets light.
Nestled in Kyoto’s hidden retreat, Yase lies at the foot of Mount Hiei,
where the gentle
murmur of clear rivers and the embrace of deep greenery welcome visitors in quiet
serenity.
Once a haven for nobles seeking relaxation,
this land still preserves a harmonious
balance
between nature and human life.
Stroll along forest paths, soak in the waters,
and connect with the gifts of the land—a
journey away from the noise of daily life,
where one can attune to their own
senses.
Outside
the windows, the soothing flow of the Takano River and the moss-covered garden unfold.
A tranquil landscape that invites deep breaths, quietly restoring the mind and body.
