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Adrian Zecha opens Azuma Farm Koiwai resort in Iwate, Japan, designed by Shiro Miura

architecture-design · 2026-04-20

Adrian Zecha, the 93-year-old founder of Aman Resorts, has introduced Azuma Farm Koiwai in Japan's Iwate prefecture. This resort, set within an eight-hectare area of the expansive 3,000-hectare Koiwai Farm estate at Mount Iwate, was designed by architect Shiro Miura from Kyoto. It boasts 24 rooms adorned with detailed wooden interiors, along with amenities such as wood-fired sauna pavilions, farm-to-table dining, horse riding, and walking trails. Collaborating with Naru Developments and East Japan Railway Company, the resort is reachable through a two-hour Shinkansen journey from Tokyo. Zecha's philosophy prioritizes minimal intervention, mirroring his strategies at Amanpuri and Amangiri. Since 2014, Aman has expanded into various luxury markets.

Key facts

  • Adrian Zecha opens Azuma Farm Koiwai resort in Iwate prefecture, Japan
  • The resort features 24 rooms designed by Shiro Miura of Rokkaku-ya in Kyoto
  • Architecture uses red pine and cypress from the property in a contemporary sukiya style
  • Located within the 3,000-hectare Koiwai Farm estate at the foot of Mount Iwate
  • Developed in partnership with Naru Developments and East Japan Railway Company
  • Accessible via Shinkansen from Tokyo to Morioka, then shuttle transfer
  • Includes three wood-fired sauna pavilions, farm-to-table dining, horse riding, and walking trails
  • Zecha founded Aman Resorts and previously worked as a journalist for Time magazine

Entities

Artists

  • Adrian Zecha
  • Shiro Miura
  • Vladislav Doronin

Institutions

  • Aman Resorts
  • Time magazine
  • The Asia Magazine
  • Orientations
  • Naru Developments
  • East Japan Railway Company
  • Rokkaku-ya
  • Monocle

Locations

  • Tokyo
  • Japan
  • Hong Kong
  • Phuket
  • Thailand
  • Utah
  • United States
  • Kyoto
  • Iwate prefecture
  • Mount Iwate
  • Morioka
  • Los Angeles

Sources