Located at the foot of a sacred mountain and home to Japan’s oldest steam bath, the village of Yase has long served as a retreat for mind and body. Moksa, a modern ryokan-style inn on the banks of the Takano River, taps into the region’s healing powers. The name derives from a Sanskrit word meaning “liberation from earthly cares,” and the hotel’s peaceful spaces, from a quiet tea room overlooking ancient moss gardens to a series of wood-lined saunas available for private bookings, feel like a respite from the world outside. Rooms are silent and minimalist with pale wood paneling, tatami mats, built-in modular furnishings, and sliding paper screens that open to reveal views of the river or the gardens. Three seatings of Japanese and Western-style breakfasts are served at the restaurant, and the Kikyorai lounge offers a selection of teas, craft cocktails, and beer brewed in nearby Kyoto.