5 wellness escapes in Japan where you can avoid the sporting hullabaloo of the Olympic Games – if they aren’t called off due to coronavirus

Until the advent of the coronavirus, Japan was expecting the number of international visitors to break all records with the arrival of the XXIII Summer Olympic Games in July. The 2-week extravaganza is focused on Tokyo but sporting fever is still set to take over the country, albeit in a more subdued atmosphere.

While many are seriously excited at the thought, there are others who are still keen to get their Japan fix – but without all the sporting hullabaloo. Here are five hotels around the country to let you really escape, places where you can award yourself medals – for relaxation and kicking back in style.

1. Halekulani, Okinawa

It doesn't get much further away from Tokyo than Okinawa, the subtropical island some 2,000km south of the capital that sits surrounded by warm blue waters. The 360-room Halekulani Okinawa only opened in July last year, offering a beguiling combination of elegant beachfront luxury set among the greenery and gentle hills in the north of Okinawa's main island.

While the suites and cliffside villas win bragging rights, every room is beautifully finished with Japanese aesthetics and attention to detail. Take relaxation to Olympic heights at their spa, but dining is a particular draw too. Start with sundowners at House Without a Key and choose from spots including Shiroux curated by two Michelin-starred chef Hiroyasu Kawate from Tokyo's Florilège or traditional Japanese dishes with creative twists at Aomi.

2. Hotel Iya Onsen, Miyoshi, Tokushima Prefecture