Japan, a Tradition of Innovation
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Newsletter 1: April 2021 Japan, A Tradition of Innovation Japan is one of the most beautiful qualities of its traditional hot spring countries to explore. Its phenomenal onsen baths. As a destination for a landscapes are matched by the “wellcation,” Japan is second to none tranquility of its temples and soothing and offers a range of possibilities, from contemporary to traditional. Here we have rounded up our eight exciting experiences for you to enjoy. We invite you to travel beyond the city limits of Tokyo, with its contemporary While we will miss you this summer, buildings, to the glorious regions we promise that our time apart will beyond, all of which have their insider make travel experiences all the more secrets. exciting when cross-border travel is resumed. We are looking forward to We encourage you to discover Japan’s seeing you in Japan. traditions and innovations both on and off the beaten track. Relaxation Art Hot Springs Hotels Spotlight: Kengo Kuma in Tokyo An abundance of modern and Quiet and contemporary, serene and traditional hot spring onsen baths is minimal, with a clean-lined mix of scattered across the landscape of natural materials and quality Japan’s mountainous archipelago, craftsmanship – the work of Japanese from north to south. architect Kengo Kuma is often instantly recognizable. And visitors are spoilt for choice when it comes to deciding where to stay As Tokyo counts down to the Olympic overnight – with offerings including Games this July, an impressive traditional ryokan inns steeped in showcase of Kuma’s work will take history and a new wave of onsen center stage in the form of the New design hotels. National Stadium. The gently curved stadium consists of countless layered At the traditional end of the spectrum is eaves of light wood. Nishimuraya Honkan, a ryokan dating back 150 years situated in the It has been dubbed the Timber atmospheric hot spring town of Temple, with wood sourced from Kinosaki, in Hyogo Prefecture – home Japan’s 47 prefectures, and has a to exquisite seasonal gardens and circular rooftop walkway packed with relaxing soaking waters. greenery (with Mount Fuji views on a clear day). Gora Kadan in Hakone’s (Kanagawa Kuma’s admirers, however, need not Prefecture) dense green mountains, confine themselves to the new not far from Mount Fuji – once an stadium: countless examples of his Imperial family retreat – also ticks all work are scattered across the capital the traditional boxes, along with a and beyond, showcasing his quietly luxurious dose of five-star omotenashi modern take on traditional Japanese hospitality (pick a room with a private aesthetics. outdoor onsen). One project by Kengo Kuma and Meanwhile, a more contemporary Associates is Iittala Omotesando store onsen experience is showcased at the and café, a head-turning new Tokyo recently opened Hoshino Resorts KAI flagship for the progressive Finnish Kirishima, a luxury hot spring hotel, design brand, which has just opened complete with a scenic onsen in the Omotesando district in bathhouse in a field of silvergrass. A February. modern take on a traditional ryokan, the hotel – a mesh of contemporary A blend of Finnish and Japanese design and natural materials – spans aesthetics, the minimal Nordic- the slopes of Mount Takachiho inspired space is home to expanses of Kirishima-Kinkowan National Park, in natural woods and lighting fixtures Kyushu’s onsen-rich Oita Prefecture. with glass parts, mouth-blown at Iittala’s factory in Finland, alongside The 49 guestrooms blend modern interlocking chidori-style timber and a minimalism with warm touches of curated collection of iconic Iittala regional craftsmanship, as reflected in design pieces. the clay bed headboards of volcanic white soil known as shirasu, depicting Another nearby Kuma creation is a a contemporary motif inspired by the museum surrounded by forest located surrounding mountains. along the approach to Meiji Jingu, one of Japan’s most important shrines Organically textured white wall (near the Harajuku end of guestroom lamps are also made from Omotesando). local Satsuma washi paper, while guests can also slip into 100 per cent Designed to “dissolve” into the flax yukata gowns and use traditional surrounding greenery, Meiji Jingu cotton furoshiki textiles as bags during Museum is a serene mesh of angular their stay. roofing with tapered edges and clean- lined walls of glass plus yamato-bari Center stage, however, are no doubt wood paneling outer walls. the views: guestroom beds face an entire wall of windows, framing Another more established Kuma soothing views of the surrounding structure can be found a short walk forests and grass plains, with the from Omotesando: SunnyHills, a distinct form of famed volcano pineapple cake store, complete with Sakurajima in the distance. an intricate bamboo basket-inspired façade, constructed from 5,000 meters Another modern gem is Amanemu, a of wooden strips. rural outpost of Aman Resorts on a forested hilltop near the sea in Mie Prefecture. Here, life revolves around Meanwhile, one of Kuma’s latest onsen-soaking – the hotel is home to ventures - opening this October – is private baths in clean-lined Kerry Hill- the International House of Literature at designed pavilions and an expansive Tokyo’s Waseda University, dedicated hot spring complex in its world-class to the works of perhaps Japan’s spa. greatest living writer: Haruki Murakami. Meanwhile, Asaba – a 17th century sanctuary in Shuzenji on the Izu Spanning six stories, the sugar cube- Peninsula (Shizuoka Prefecture) – like building – also home to a café – is straddles past and present. The wrapped in flowing waves of pale traditional setting (tatami mat floor, bamboo, with interior glass ceiling sliding screens, ikebana blooms) panels, swathes of blonde woods and wraps around a pond, with private floating staircases. More than a place onsen bathing plus timeless to read books, the space has been contemporary touches from a Lee Ufan created to encourage discussion, painting to the lines of a Harry Bertoia philosophical thinking and friendly chair. interactions. Relaxation Relaxation The Charm of Setouchi Luxury Cruise Train 1000-year-old temples, tidal torii The Kyushu Railway Company that gates, art islands, elegant gardens, created the Seven Stars has come up folk houses, castle towns, soaring with a new sightseeing train, the mountains, yawning gorges, hot enigmatically named 36+3. springs, scenic straits, pristine beaches, finless porpoise and Designed by Eiji Mitooka who also peregrine falcon – Setouchi is one of created the ultra-luxurious Seven Stars Japan's most bountiful regions. sleeper train, it features a copper bar Spread over seven prefectures and carriage, cabins with shoji screen 350 islands scattered in the Seto doors, intricate lattice wood paneling Inland Sea, the Setouchi Islands, that and tatami flooring – all encased in are situated within Setonaikai National sleek black and gold paint. Park, can easily be visited on a day trip from Osaka or Hiroshima but with It's a jewel box on wheels with white- so much to see it's worth sticking gloved staff. It has six carriages, around a while longer. transports up to 103 passengers and the design of private cabins and seats For an authentic local experience try a differs between each carriage. holiday rental from newly established Japanese company Setouchi Cominca Gliding through all seven of Kyushu's Stays, which has a selection of prefectures along five different routes, historically important homes (including passengers can book a seat for a Ori, a Meiji-era miso factory single day, hop on and off on different townhouse in Uchiko) on its books, all days or cover the full five-day loop. of them between 100 and 250-years old. Japanese and Italian-style dishes prepared by local restaurants using Cominca's emphasis is on ingredients sourced along the train’s preservation; safeguarding the style path – can be added, with different and structure of each building. menus available on each route. Also Meanwhile this helps create jobs and changing daily is the scenery; on the boost tourism to lesser-visited parts of Hakata to Kumamoto to Kagoshima- Japan such as the historic merchant Chuo line you'll travel along the town of Uchiko, known for its splendid beautiful blue coastline. kabuki theater, with streets barely altered in 100 years. The word From Miyazaki to Beppu you can ogle "Cominca” (Kominka is the Japanese local farms, gold sand coves, and way to spell out) means a traditional steam emanating from hot spring Japanese style house. It comes from towns. Monday's run from Hakata the word “Ko” which means old, and takes in rippling rice fields, sea caves “Minka” which means a private house. and pottery towns, and ends in It is a combination of the two words. Kyushu's dynamic capital Nagasaki (don't miss the chance to tuck into a Setouchi Cominca has three homes in big bowl of champon, a favorite local the area. The first, Kozako-Mori is an ramen dish; buttery, bold and 100-year old farmhouse with an swimming with pork slices, seafood outdoor living area with a firepit for and fresh vegetables). Car 3 sells sunshine-y breakfasts and after-dark snacks, sake and souvenirs but there barbecues. Chojaya dates back 200 are also stops along the way to allow years and was once the fanciest guests to visit tourist sites and shop for house in the village. local artisanal products. Services run all year round. It has a mountain location, spectacular views of the sunset and a bathtub big enough for a couple of sumo wrestlers. And Furosen House in the Valley of the Hermit, is a historic home ringed by thick stone walls in the depths of a remote valley. For long walks, bicycle rides, leaf- peeping and birdsong book the Shobara house, ringed by rice fields, apple farms and rippling mountains.