Art Village in Kobuchizawa

The Art Village in Kobuchizawa is a wonderful, if not slightly pricey place to recharge your batteries. Situated approximately two hours from central Tokyo, the location affords stately views of the surrounding mountains, though the buildings themselves are snuggled into a small dell. If you're staying for a while, the Relaxation Spa Kurotel is an excellent spot for a comfy getaway, featuring a natural onsen in a wooded glade, and there's a decent eatery nearby in the form of the Country House Restaurant Keyspring. Kids and nature lovers will enjoy the Hotel Yatsugatake Lodge Atelier, where beetle catching, farming and trekking are all on offer.

Perhaps the main reason for heading this far into Yamanashi is the Nakamura Keith Haring Collection - the world's only permanent exhibition devoted to the 80's New York pop artist, a man who found real fame here in Japan before dying tragically young. While his streetwise work feels ever so slightly out of place here in the mountains, there's also something to be said for seeing it in such an uncluttered area, and the purpose built museum certainly gives his work a sense of importance perhaps lacking elsewhere.

Time Out special offer
Loads of offers for our readers at Kobuchizawa, and all you have to do is say Time Out Tokyo when you make your reservation. Read on...

• 30 percent off overnight stays at the Relaxation Spa Kurotel
• Free bottle of sparkling rosé wine when you book a session at the onsen
• 10 percent off booking at the Hotel Yatsugatake Lodge Atelier
• A free drink per person when eating at Country House Restaurant Keyspring
• A free postcard for anyone visiting the Nakamura Keith Haring Collection