In Asia, the well-travelled are well aware that the best place to spend fall within the region is in none other than Japan. In fact, for locals, there are seventy-two seasons in their country. They claim it is a result of their varied terrain concentrated into such a small land mass.
Essentially Japanese resort group Hoshino prepares for the upcoming red-leaf period with a slew of traditional events and openings for luxury guests looking for an authentic escape. We highlight their property in Tokyo, a ryokan style homestay modernized in all the right ways. The second part announces the re-opening of Hoshino Resorts RISONARE Yatsugatake in Japan’s less discovered wine region.
HOSHINOYA Tokyo: A Ryokan in the heart of Edo
Land in the capital, where Hoshino Tokyo’s 17-story hotel has been lauded for its infusion of local culture and natural environment. This property embodies the ryokan with its true sense of place. The concept involves turning a space into a compact universe built from the history, traditions and customs that define its locality.
Tatami mats cover every floor of Hoshino Tokyo, extending from the central lounge to the rooms. The latter are furnished with soft cotton futons and a bathtub for long, relaxing soaks. However, we would personally opt for the hot spring with a sky view on the hotel’s top floor. The outdoor open-air baths are segregated by gender, with unobstructed views of the sky. The waters come from the Otemachi Hot Spring, an alkaline water source below earth. The Japanese have used this water treatment for hundreds of years to help the body address low blood circulation or hypothermia and reduce fatigue.
Finally, for the curious, Hoshino Tokyo hosts cultural activities such as the Omotenashi Tea Ceremony, an Incense Workshop, river tours, rickshaw rides, helicopter cruises and trips to Mt Fuji.
Hoshinoya Tokyo is centrally located by Tokyo Station and the Imperial Palace. 1-9-1 Otemachi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-0004 Tel: +81-50-3786-1144. http://hoshinoyatokyo.com
Wine Resort Hoshino Resorts RISONARE Yatsugatake
Beautiful grapevines dot the landscape of this newly renovated wine resort two hours west of Tokyo. Hoshino Resorts RISONARE Yatsugatake is unlike any other in Japan: where else can guests enjoy close-ups of Japanese distilleries, and pair local and International dishes alike with fine wines? For the oenophiles out there, you must know that the Yamanashi/Nagano Prefecture area is acclaimed as a treasure trove for some of Japan’s finest wines.
What can you expect from this Japanese wine journey? We name but a few of the many exciting options:
Firstly, an exclusive exploration of resort partner Domaine Mie Ikeno winery, typically closed to the public. The latter insists on using all-natural distillation methods, and the hotel offers special programmes and events providing a rare glimpse into the winery’s inner workings. Hard-to-find Domaine Mie Ikeno wines are available at the hotel wine shop, the YATSUGATAKE Wine House.
Secondly, the VINO SPA®, featuring the VINO Scrub Pack – cosmetics made from the grapes in Domaine Mike Ikeno’s merlots.
Thirdly, a tour of the grape fields of the Yatsugatake Winery. Experience the passion of the winemakers on the very earth that gave birth to its 24 varieties of wine.
Wine Suite Room plans are available at Hoshino Resorts RISONARE Yatsugatake: 129-1, Kobuchisawa-cho, Hokuto-shi, Yamanashi-Ken. +81-50-3786-1144. http://risonare.com/yatsugatake/en/
Text:Julienne C. Raboca
Images: Hoshino Resorts