GLAMPREMIER Setouchi

HOTEL OVERVIEW

You know what? I wasn’t sure what to expect from GLAMPREMIER Setouchi when I first pulled up to this place in Kanonji – I mean, glamping in Japan isn’t exactly something you hear about every day. But honestly, this spot completely caught me off guard in the best way possible. The property sits right in this quiet pocket of Ariake-cho, and while the address might not mean much if you’re not familiar with Kagawa, it’s actually perfectly positioned between the Seto Inland Sea coastline and those rolling hills that make this part of Shikoku so unexpectedly beautiful. The whole setup feels like someone took the best parts of camping and luxury hotels and somehow made them work together without feeling forced or gimmicky.

What really got me was how thoughtfully everything’s designed here – the tents (though calling them tents feels like calling a Tesla a car, you know?) are spaced out enough that you’re not hearing your neighbors’ conversations, which honestly was my biggest worry about the whole glamping concept. The interiors strike this perfect balance between rustic charm and actual comfort – real beds, proper climate control, and thank god, actual bathrooms because I’m all for connecting with nature but I draw the line at shared facilities. The staff here genuinely seems to get what they’re doing too, which isn’t always a given at more unique properties like this. Check-in was smooth, they actually knew the area well enough to give solid recommendations (not just the obvious tourist stuff), and parking was straightforward – no circling around narrow streets trying to figure out where to leave your rental car.

I’ll be honest, the 9.3 rating had me a little skeptical at first because those numbers can be misleading, but after spending a few nights here, it actually makes sense. The location gives you this perfect launching point for exploring the Setouchi region without feeling like you’re stuck in the middle of nowhere, and the property itself has this calm, almost meditative quality that I wasn’t expecting. Mornings here are particularly special – there’s something about waking up to those views of the inland sea that makes you want to slow down and actually pay attention to where you are. It’s definitely on the pricier side for the area, but considering what you’re getting and how unique the experience is, especially in a region where most accommodations tend to be pretty standard business hotels or traditional ryokans, it feels worth it. If you’re the type who gets excited about trying something different and you’re planning to explore this part of Kagawa anyway, GLAMPREMIER Setouchi is the kind of place that’ll probably end up being the highlight of your trip rather than just where you happened to sleep.