The Japanese Mountain Retreat is situated on five secluded acres of natural forest, just 45 minutes from Melbourne in the foothills of the Dandenong ranges and 15 minutes from the heart of the Yarra Valley.

Through the Genkan
Walk through the formal entranceway of teh traditional Japanese home and see elements integral to the Japanese way of life: tatami, shoji, ofuro and the garden to name a few.

Tatami
What is Tatami? It is the traditional straw matting that is used on the floor in Japanese homes. Tatami evolved over a long period first beginning as a thin easily folded straw mat on which people sat or slept. Later more layers of rice stra were affed to the core to increase comfort. Tatami came to be associated with privelege as exalted members of society sat upon them while others sat on the wooden floor. As shoes are a symbol of the life led outside the home it is custome the remove them in the entranceway, here we enter a different world- the private personal world of the home.

Shoji
Japanese homes have traditionally been built without permanent walls separating each room. Instead Shoji or moveable screens are used to partition various areas of the home and for marking the boundary between interior and exterior. Shoji ehich means translucence came in to existence om response to a need for a partition that admits light but not drafts.

The Japanese Bath (Ofuro)
Taking a bath has always been an integral part of Japanese life.

In the past Japanese people enjoyed the daily ritual of the bath with their friends and neighbours in a public bath (the sento) or in a hot spring bath (the onsen). It was not until the middle of this century that the provision of a water supply made it possible for most eople to have a private ofuro while th onsen and the sento remain popular for many Japanese people.

The Japanese Garden
The Japanese garden reproduces and symbolises the landscapes seen in nature. The garden is not filled with plants and borders of flowers as in a Western style garden but left wtih much empty space signifying what can be. The elements of water, fire and earth are each represented in the garden and their relationship to one another. For the Japanese, the garden is a spiritual interplay of the components within it, and a reflection of the wider universe beyond.

Accommodation

The Retreat features two spacious double guestrooms each complete with traditional bathroom overlooking its own private Japanese garden. Each room enjoys a large moon viewing dais overlooking a lake.

Tatami Room
Your guestroom has every modern convenience (television, CD player, DVD player, books, games, reverse cycle air-conditioning, yukata robes etc) as well as a fully equipped kitchen complete with generous western style brekfast provisions.

Ofuro
Step into your Ofuro (deep tub) overlooking your very own private Japanese garden. Soaking and submerged to the chin, it is the perfect time for relaxation, contemplation and sensual pleasures. Feelings of well-being and harmony arise.

Engawa
Savour a special platter of Japanese cuisine in your private guestroom and enjoy generous breakfast provisions in the fully equipped kitchen.

Shiatsu
Rejuvenate your mind with an in-room shiatsu, relaxation or remedial massage

Dining

A delicious Japanese dinner is served in your suite on one night of every two night stay. Single night stays include a five course Japanese dinner for two.

Tea Ceremony
The Retreat is proud to offer their guests the opportunity to partake in a traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony. Performance by Ms Miho Kumagae, a certified performer and teacher of this unique art take place in your retreat on Saturday afternoons.