AZUMA FARM Koiwai

Century-old red pine and Koiwai cedar frame the 24 villas here, each sited around the trees rather than in spite of them. This is a design-forward resort on a vast working farm at the foot of Mount Iwate, deep in Tohoku, well off Japan's usual luxury circuit. Dining leans on the farm and the Sanriku coast, and guests can try Nanbu ironware forging or ride through historic pastures. Remote in the best, quietest sense.