Akira Kurosawa’s Dreams (1990) left a huge impression on me as a young artist. This visually poetic anthology of eight interconnected dreams was a new way to experience cinema -- moving between memories, imagination, nature, and art. The cinematic journey travels through evocative landscapes, from the foothills of Mount Fuji to the Japanese Alps, and now you can pair these locations with exceptional places to stay with a trip planned by studio away. Using Kurosawa's landscapes as inspiration, we can plan your journey through some of Japan's most distinctive environments — from Fuji's forests, volcanic terrain, the watercourses of Azumino, and mountains of Kamikochi. The landscapes are discovered via Kurosawa's vision, whilst discovering the architecture, hospitality, craft and landscapes that make these places remarkable in their own right.
Hakone & Gotemba -- Starting in the mountains of Hakone, you can explore the landscapes around Gotemba that feature in scenes such as ‘Mount Fuji in Red’ and ‘Crows’. Surreal settings include Fuji forests, open fields, and the volcanic foothills of Fuji. Stay at one of the following options: KÚON Hakone Gora, an intimate contemporary ryokan; Hoshino Resorts KAI Sengokuhara, a fusion of art and nature; or ESPACIO Hakone Geihinkan Rin-Po-Ki-Ryu, an exceptionally private retreat centred on craftsmanship and luxury.
Fujiyoshida & Mount Fuji -- Travelling towards Fujiyoshida we visit Arakura Fuji Sengen Shrine, where the long avenue of cedar trees appears in ‘Sunshine Through the Rain’. From here, climb towards Chureito Pagoda for one of Japan's most recognisable views of Mount Fuji. For the night, stop at Lake Kawaguchi and HOSHINOYA Fuji, a modern retreat of minimalist cabins set into the forest, where Mount Fuji and the lake form the backdrop.
Azumino & the Japanese Alps -- The journey then moves north, from Fuji to the mountains of Nagano. At Daio Wasabi Farm in Azumino, walk beside the waterways and wooden mills that were the setting for the final chapter of Dreams, ‘Village of the Watermills’. It is perhaps the most tangible of the film's locations. The watermills created for the film are still part of the landscape, whose locals became quite fond of them after the production. Stay at Hoshino Resorts KAI Okuhida, a traditional mountain ryokan surrounded by hot springs and the Hida mountains, or continue to the Kamikochi Imperial Hotel, Japan's historic alpine retreat, set amongst forests, rivers and the dramatic peaks of the Japanese Alps.