Step into stillness
with Hoshinoya Kyoto

A beautifully preserved slice of Snow Country history where time stands still, this kominka in Niigata, Japan seamlessly blends modern comforts with traditional architecture.

by Kissa Castañeda
April 18th, 2025

TWO KEYS IS YOUR TRAVEL DOSSIER TO UNLOCKING THE WORLD’S BEST STAYS

Discover hotel reviews and travel guides shaped by our BELIEF
that stays are a portal to the soul of a destination.

We believe that stays are more than a room for a night,
but a curated portal to a destination.

In the spotlight

HAND-PICKED stays, VETTED GUIDES AND INSIDER INTERVIEWS FOR thoughtful travelLers

Curated stays, eats, and experiences for modern travelers

TRAVEL STORIES WORTH YOUR MILE

Your key to the world’s best stays

Our latest edit of characterful stays and trusted insider guides — straight to your inbox.

OUR REVIEWS

April 15th, 2025

Wellness Seekers

CULTURE

April 15th, 2025

Beach

Waking Up in The Velvet Pine: A Hotel Stay to Remember

April 15th, 2025

Beach

Where Style Meets Stay: The Ember House Review

April 15th, 2025

Beach

Check in to The White Lotus

April 15th, 2025

CULTURE

Wellness Seekers

Waking Up in The Velvet Pine: A Hotel Stay to Remember

April 15th, 2025

Beach

Where Style Meets Stay: The Ember House Review

OUR GUIDES

Insider picks for where to go, eat, shop, and unwind — STRAIGHT FROM DISCERNING LOCALS.

April 15th, 2025

Wellness Seekers

Nature Retreat

OUR GUIDE TO Kyoto FOOD SCENE

April 15th, 2025

Beach

Check in to The White Lotus

April 15th, 2025

Beach

A local’s guide to FIND the best matcha

Behind the keys

Insider picks for where to go, eat, shop, and unwind — STRAIGHT FROM DISCERNING LOCALS.

April 15th, 2025

NATURE RETREAT

Behind the Villa: How Mei Lin Turned Her Family Estate into a Tranquil Hideaway

April 15th, 2025

CULTURE

A Home with Soul: Mr. Saito’s Journey from Architect to Host in Niseko

April 15th, 2025

Beach

From Rice Fields to Retreats: Nari’s Vision for Sustainable Stays in Ubud

URBAN GEMS

CITY STAYS

a weekend in kyoto

still, this kominka in Niigata, Japan seamlessly blends modern comforts with traditional architecture.

Niigata, Japan seamlessly blends modern comforts with traditional architecture.

3 days in BANGKOK

still, this kominka in Niigata, Japan seamlessly blends modern comforts with traditional architecture.

Niigata, Japan seamlessly blends modern comforts with traditional architecture.

best itinerary for food lover in tokyo

still, this kominka in Niigata, Japan seamlessly blends modern comforts with traditional architecture.

Niigata, Japan seamlessly blends modern comforts with traditional architecture.

CULTURAL HIDEAWAYS

artful ubud - best dyeing workshop

still, this kominka in Niigata, Japan seamlessly blends modern comforts with traditional architecture.

Niigata, Japan seamlessly blends modern comforts with traditional architecture.

old seoul stories

still, this kominka in Niigata, Japan seamlessly blends modern comforts with traditional architecture.

Niigata, Japan seamlessly blends modern comforts with traditional architecture.

living like a japanese - tradition in kyoto

still, this kominka in Niigata, Japan seamlessly blends modern comforts with traditional architecture.

Niigata, Japan seamlessly blends modern comforts with traditional architecture.

NATURE ESCAPES

JAPan COUNTRY SIDE

still, this kominka in Niigata, Japan seamlessly blends modern comforts with traditional architecture.

Niigata, Japan seamlessly blends modern comforts with traditional architecture.

off the beaten path - exploring mongolia

still, this kominka in Niigata, Japan seamlessly blends modern comforts with traditional architecture.

Niigata, Japan seamlessly blends modern comforts with traditional architecture.

laos country side

Niigata, Japan seamlessly blends modern comforts with traditional architecture.

still, this kominka in Niigata, Japan seamlessly blends modern comforts with traditional architecture.

Who's Checking In?

SOLO EXPLORERS

DIGITAL NOMADS

FAMILIES

COUPLES

WELLNESS SEEKERS

The Bulletin Board

Add Your Heading Text Here

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.

Scroll to Top