RYOKAN GUIDE 2015 - ENGLISH

THE 2015 GUIDE OF

LUXURIOUS RYOKAN WITH

HOT SPRINGS O M OT E N A S H I

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THE 2015 GUIDE OF

LUXURIOUS RYOKAN WITH

HOT SPRINGS O M OT E N A S H I

CONTENTS The more you know about hot springs,

04 the more you will enjoy them

06 Gunma Sightseeing and Event Information 08 SENJUAN 10 RYOKAN TANIGAWA 12 YAKUSHIONSEN HATAGO 13 KAWABAONSEN YUTORIAN 14 Tochigi Sightseeing and Event Information 16 NASU BETTEI KAI 18 NIKI CLUB 20 Hakone Sightseeing and Event Information 22 KINNOTAKE 24 KINNOTAKE TONOSAWA Seven Tips for Enjoying Your Stay in a Luxurious Ryokan

Publisher Yasuko Suzuki Editorial staff Ayako Sogo Miki Onishi Design Kay Wu

26 with Hot Springs

GUNMA •SENJUAN •RYOKAN TANIGAWA

TOCHIGI •NASU BETTEI KAI •NIKI CLUB •YAKUSHIONSEN HATAGO •KAWABAONSEN YUTORIAN

Writer Tor Ching Li Planning Global Daily Co., Ltd. WAttention Co., Ltd.

KANAGAWA •KINNOTAKE •KINNOTAKE TONOSAWA TOKYO OSAKA

Cover photo : RYOKAN TANIGAWA, KINNOTAKE, SENJUAN, YAKUSHIONSEN HATAGO, NASU BETTEI KAI,

The more you know about hot spr Hot springs are enjoyed by people around the world for their beneficial and relaxing effects. Here are the essential things you need to know for the full enjoyment of Japanese hot springs.

What is a hot spring?

There are 9 types of hot springs.

A hot spring, which is when hot water springs from the ground, can be roughly categorized into 9 types. (1) Simple thermal spring: clear, hot water that everyone is familiar with; (2) Chloride spring: water that contains salt and has the effect of keeping you warm; (3) Sodium bicarbonate saline spring: the minerals will make you feel refreshed; (4) Sulphate spring: heals cuts and burns; (5) Carbon dioxide spring: promotes circulation and creates bubbles on your skin; (6) Ferruginous spring: known as the women’s spring, iron-rich water is believed to help treat anemia; (7) Sulphur spring: has a distinct smell of rotten eggs and also expands the blood vessels; (8) Acidic spring: its antibacterial effect is said to be beneficial in treating dermatitis; (9) Low-alkaline bicarbonate spring: smooth spring water that makes your skin smooth. You may believe that every kind of hot spring is similar, but in fact, the color, smell, and temperature vary for different types of hot springs.

Choose the best one for yourself, and enjoy!

Established codes of etiquette for hot springs

When in Japan, do as the Japanese do There are many rules regarding hot springs. Following the established etiquette for hot spring baths will ensure an enjoyable experience for everyone.

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Take a hot shower before soaking Imagine how uncomfortable it can be if someone enters the public bath without cleansing his or her body.

Pouring hot water onto yourself before entering the bath will also allow your body to be accustomed to the high temperature.

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Do not dip your towel If you have seen people on TV enjoying a hot spring with a towel, then you should know they did this in order to prevent public nudity.

Japanese hot springs are enjoyed naked, so do not wrap a towel around yourself, and keep the towel out of the water.

ings, the more you will enjoy them Desirable ways to enjoy hot springs 1 | Three times is the norm

3 | Make sure you drink enough water

Try to bathe three times: upon arrival, after dinner, and during the next morning. However, be careful not to soak in the water for too long. It is believed that dipping in a hot spring of 42 degree Celsius for 10 minutes will burn as many calories as jogging for 10 minutes. Get out of the water when you are tired and have low immunity.

You will begin to feel thirsty, as you dip in a hot spring. You can drink a cup of water before or after enjoying the hot spring.

Having a beer or a drink of alcohol after bathing may be tempting. However, it is important to keep in mind that alcohol will not hydrate you in the same way as water.

4 | Dipping for too long makes you tired

2 | Put a towel on your head to prevent dizziness

Dipping in the water for a long period is not necessarily better. Sweat on your forehead is a signal for you to rest. Try to take a break after soaking for 3 minutes, and repeat the procedure 3 times. If you want to stay longer, then you can try hot springs in a lower temperature.

Put a soaked towel on your head. However, make sure you keep it out of the water.

In the summer, this is done to prevent dizziness. In the winter, this is done to prevent lightheadedness after you stand up.

No running, no noise, no swimming

Tidy up everything back to the original place

Running in the bathroom is dangerous because the surface of the floor is slippery. Performing rowdy activities, such as swimming or making excessive noise, is prohibited so that others can relax.

Do to others as you would want them to do to you. Return amenities, such as stools and shampoo, to their original spots as a courtesy for the next person.

Dry yourself before stepping into the changing room Do not go to the changing room if you are dripping wet. Dry as much as you can with the small towel that people put on their heads while bathing. Then, use the bath towel to dry yourself carefully.

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GUNMA

Welcome to

Gunma!

Blessed with an abundance of nature and onsens, this is a foodie’s paradise!

Situated almost in the center of the Japanese peninsula, Gunma Prefecture is blessed with mountain ranges soaring over 2,000 meters, wetlands and gorges that change dramatically with the seasons.

This abundance of nature and its seasonal scenery makes Gunma the perfect setting for snow activities in the winter, outdoor sports such as rafting in the spring and summer, and autumn leaf gathering and fruit picking in the Autumn. The availability of good quality hot spring water gushing forth at various spots in the prefecture make it a major hot spring spot, with over 200 onsens! With a rich vegetable and dairy farming culture, Gunma is also a treasure chest of tasty ingredients.

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From Tokyo To Gunma via the map Access Information>> From Tokyo •Take the JR Joetsu Shinkansen／ Hokuriku Shinkansen – 50 minutes by train from Tokyo Station to Takasaki Station •Tobu Railway, Express “Ryoumo” – Asakusa - Tatebayasi estimated 1 hour.

Gunma OSAKA

TOKYO

Gunma Sightseeing and Event Information>> http://gunma-dc.net

Don’t Miss This in Gunma!

Steam Locomotives Gunma is a railway haven with various types of steam engines chugging through it. Running through nature with its shiny black carriages, steam engines are popular with everyone. There is a truck resort train that runs along the river, and the Usuitoge Railway History Museum as well. A slow rail journey accompanied by an ekiben and beautiful scenery is highly recommended.

Tomioka Silk Mill and Related Sites Japan’s first fully automated silk mill was established in 1872. Improving on methods imported from overseas to produce high quality silk that was then exported throughout the world, this symbol of the development of the silk industry was recognized as a World Heritage Site in 2014. The building maintains the same wooden structure and red bricks as when it was first built, a testament of the times as they were back then.

Photo provided by Tomioka City, Tomioka SIlk Mill

Autumn leaf gathering, fruit picking Gunma in Autumn means autumn leaf gathering and fruit picking. The mountains, spotted with yellow and red hues, looks almost like a natural mosaic! As the temperature difference between noon and night is vast in Gunma, this makes it an ideal place to grow delicious apples and pears, and makes for fun fruit harvesting outings.

Dine on Gunma Gourmet Foods!

Ginhikari High grade rainbow trout, called the Ginhikari, is a branded food item from Gunma. Bigger than the usual rainbow trout, it is rich in both taste and flavours, and its texture also indicates its balanced body fat content, making it perfect for sashimi or fried etc and various other dishes.

Himokawa Udon Himokawa is a thin and broad kind of udon that Kiryu City in Gunma Prefecture is famous for. It is loved for its smooth texture that glides down one’s throat easily, and was awarded the best udon in Japan award at the “U-1 Grand Prix 2013”.

Sukiyaki Gunma’s specialty omotenashi dish is the “sukiyaki”. From high quality wagyu “Joshu beef”, to konnyaku, Shimonita negi, shiitake, lettuce and garland chrysanthemums, all the ingredients are made in Gunma Prefecture.

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GUNMA

SENJUA N

A HIGH-END RYOKAN WITH TOUCHES OF ART AT THE FOOT OF MT. TANIGAWA Experience genuine Japanese hospitality amid a fusion of nature and art.

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Senjyuan, the ultimate in modern Japanese style, is like an art museum. Occupying a spacious ground of more than 80,000 square meters, the inn boasts magnificent views of Mount Tanigawa. SORA, the beauty salon, offers total conditioning for the skin, body, and mind, especially for female guests.

The eight-meter-high curved corridor fits perfectly with nature, offering you enjoyment of the changing seasons. Activities range from a starlit concert to firefly watching and open-air tai-chi. Seasonal activities are also available nearby: golf, skiing, outdoor activities, and fruit picking.

Private free-flowing open-air bath The open-air bath allows you to dip in the hot spring while admiring the magnificent views of Mount Tanigawa. All 18 guest rooms are barrier-free and have private outdoor baths. Public baths and foot baths are also available.

Star-filled sky How about gazing at a sky filled with glittering stars while in the embrace of Mother Nature?

An internationally recognized Japanese inn Luxurious Japanese cuisine Enjoy cuisine that emphasizes the best seasonal delicacies in two types of private compartments.

Senjyuan is one of the few luxury inns in Japan selected by Relais & Châteaux, a prestigious French association of luxury hotels.

•614 Nishidaira, Tanigawa, Minakami-machi, Tone-gun, Gunma •+81-278-20-4141 •Alkaline Simple Thermal Spring •http://www.senjyuan.jp/e/ R YO K A N C O L L E C T I O N

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GUNMA

RYOK A N TA NIGAWA

A HISTORIC ACCOMMODATION FAVORED BY MEN OF LITERATURE A hot spring loved by great writers continues to gush water throughout its history 10

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Two hours traveling from Tokyo by car or train will take you to the foot of Tanigawadake, a mountain widely known for its beautiful peak.

Situated here is Ryokan Tanigawa, a hot spring resort known since the Edo period for its family-style hospitality and peaceful rustic atmosphere reminiscent of an older age. While enjoying a relaxed stay in its traditional Japanese-style building and guest rooms that exude a calm atmosphere, guests enjoy magnificent views that change with the seasons, displaying new leaves, summer greenery, autumn leaves, and winter snow. The appearance of Tanigawadake also changes with the seasons. Guestscan take inthe great view of snow-capped Tanigawadake from the first snow in early winter to the last one at the end of June. Many celebrities have been attracted by its charm and visited here. Osamu Dazai, a much-loved writer who was most prolific in the 1940s, is one of them.

High-quality hot spring The hot spring has been gushing water since the Edo period and boasts abundant high-quality spring water that is good for the skin. Relax your mind and stretch your body in an open-air bath made of local stone or in a public bath made of Japanese cypress.

Memories of the acclaimed writer Commemorating Osamu Dazai, who stayed here for about one month to write one of his novels, the inn has a gallery for displaying his belongings.

Local specialty cuisine Ryokan Tanigawa offers creative Japanese cuisine using plenty of seasonal ingredients from Gunma prefecture. Especially recommended are Joushu beef and stream fish, such as char and rainbow trout.

•524-1 Tanigawa, Minakami-machi, Tone-gun, Gunma •+81-278-72-2468 •Alkaline Simple Thermal Spring •http://ryokan-tanigawa.com/

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GUNMA

YAKUSHIONSEN

HATAGO

A ryokan where one can experience Japanese culture amidst the natural surroundings of mountains and rivers

Enjoy a dip in this outdoor onsen with a view of the waterfall right before your eyes.

Enjoy a traditional onsen with character at Yakushionsen Hatago

Enjoy the ambience of a hearth and the taste of local produce.

All “yasuragikan” rooms come with an open-air bath.

Japanese rooms with a hearth-space and another separate room.

An old country house sprawling over 23,000 sq m and a reconstruction of the village days of old in Japan, Yakushionsen Hatago is a popular ryokan just two-and-a-half hours from Tokyo. Set amidst the glory of nature, one can enjoy natural hot spring that has been gushing forth for over 200 years here. There are two types of rooms, the “yasuragikan” which comes with a partially open-air wooden bath, and the “seseragikan” which is a new block along the stream. A kaiseki meal cooked over a “irori”(hearth) using local produce is very popular.

•Gunma Prefecture Agatsumagun Higashiagatsumamachi, Motojuku 3330-20 •Tel: +81-279-69-2422 •Sodium, Calcium choride, and sulfate •http://www.yakushi-hatago.co.jp/

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GUNMA

KAWABAONSEN

YUTORIAN

Find yourself in luxurious tranquility just 2 hours from Tokyo

Relax at the outdoor hot springs, known for beautifying one’s skin.

Experience Japan’s original surroundings at this hot spring inn

Kawaba Village in Gunma Prefecture, which is blessed with good quality onsen water, is where the elegant ryokan Kawabaonsen Yutorian – rich in history and nature – is located. What is unique about this place is not just the fact that the kayabuki building was constructed using kayabuki from all over Japan, and that it comprises “Annex Yuzan”, which prides itself for its view from 634 meters above sea level, but the way of getting around via electric carts and monorails is also unique. The onsen water here is known to be highly effective in beautifying the skin.

Spacious suite s over 100m² wide, complete with their own outdoor hot springs.

A kaiseki dinner at kawabaonsen Yutorian featuring local produce in all 11 dishes.

A private monorail will bring you to Annex Yuzan.

•Gunma Prefecture Tonegun, Kawabamura, Yubara 451-1 •Tel: +81-278-50-1500 •Pure Alkaline Onsen •http://kawaba-yutorian.jp

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TOCHIGI

Welcome to

Tochigi!

Starting from grand historical buildings, there are too many sights to see!

Tochigi, which is a 50-minute Shinkansen ride from Tokyo, is a tourism spot bursting with tourist attractions.

From the historical legacy of Nikko to the waterside healing spots of Chuzenji Lake and Kegon Waterfall, to the popular Nasu Highlands, which is where the Royal Household has a summer residence; in addition to such stunning seasonal scenery, there are around 630 natural hot springs within the prefecture. Strawberries and milk products are famous local produce, and there is a wide spread of local soul food. Recently, activities that involve cooling off in waterfalls and streams are gaining attention.

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From Tokyo To Tochigi via the map Access Information>> From Tokyo •By JR Tohoku Shinkansen—Tokyo Station-Utsunomiya around 50 minutes, and 1 hour 10 minutes to Nasu Shiobara Station.

•By JR Shonan Shinjuku Line Special Express—Shinjuku Station-Utsunomiya Station within 1 hour 45 minutes •Tobu Special Express—Asakusa Station—Nikko Sation in 1 hr 45 minutes.

OSAKA

Tochigi TOKYO

Tochigi Sightseeing and Event Information>> http://www.tochigiji.or.jp

Don’t Miss This in Tochigi!

Nikko Toshogu Shrine This is Japan’s representative world heritage, the shrines and temples of Nikko. Amongst them, the most famous is the Nikko Toshogu Shrine.

This is where the first shogun of the Edo Shogunate, Tokugawa Ieyasu worshipped, and is a stunning and opulent showcase of craftmens’ skills and techniques. The area around the Toshogu Palace is also known as a power spot, and a popular attraction.

Edo Wonderland Nikko Edo Village Ashikaga Flower Park Famous for its variety of blossoms, especially during the spring when a large wisteria that is up to 80 meters long blooms spectacularly.

Over 140 years old, the “miraculous wisteria” – almost akin to the “tree of souls” in the movie “Avatar” – was chosen by CNN as “The World’s Top 9 Dream Destination Spots” (2014).

This is a theme park where you can experience how it felt to live in the Edo era some 300 years ago. Walking amidst kimono-clad people in the recreated streets of Edo within the park, it’s almost as if one has been transported back in time! There are also many action-packed ninja shows and events, and the option of dressing up as a samurai or street maiden.

Dine on Tochigi Gourmet Foods!

Sano ramen Tochigi Prefecture’s Sano City is where green bamboo is used to knead noodle floor for noodles with “bite” and “depth”.

This is the secret to Sano’s popularity. There are over 200 ramen stores in the city competing fiercely, and each chasing the perfect taste of clear soup.

Strawberries

Utsunomiya Gyoza Tochigi Prefecture’s Utsunomiya City is the top consumer of gyoza in Japan! There are over 300 gyoza shops along the streets, and the fact that each shop is pursuing a unique flavor is the secret to its popularity. This is definitely a must-try for local food.

Tochigi is the top producer of strawberries in Japan! Plenty of sweet, large, perfectlyshaped and delicious strawberries are grown. Within the prefecture, there are many places where one can experience farming and harvesting, and nothing beats the taste of freshly-plucked strawberries.

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TOCHIGI

NASU BETTEI K A I

ENJOY A RELAXING TIME IN A HIGHLAND RESORT WHERE THE ROYAL FAMILY’S RESIDENCE IS LOCATED Unwind your mind and body in the private free-flowing hot spring bath.

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The Nasu Highlands is well known as the summer resort of choice for many famous poets and writers for its natural scenery and is where people from all over Japan go to enjoy cool and refreshing weather even amidst the summer heat. The Sansuikaku Nasu Bettei Kai, which has a long history behind it, recommends a new-style resort, Nasu Bettei Kai, which is situated on the highest mountain of the Chausudake mountain range at 800 meters above sea level. It is a sophisticated Japanese-style inn combining Japanese traditional beauty with modern sensibility. Moreover, guests can enjoy the same quality of hot spring water of the Shin-Nasu hot spring that has long been favored by famous people. Surrounded by a garden that incorporates trees naturally in the area, all guest rooms are suites that come with a bedroom, a lounge space, and a private freeflowing hot spring bath. Each room is more than 70 square meters in size and meals are served in your room for the memorable experience of lounging comfortably in your own suite.

Contemporary Japanese Traditional Japanese elements are incorporated into a highly sophisticated modern Japanese design.

Private bath Enjoy the view from a large and comfortable bathroom.

Various types of guest rooms In addition to guest rooms with a private open-air bath, a cottage-type “Hanare” is also available for people looking for the utmost privacy.

Fully enjoy the food of Nasu From organic vegetables and fruits to rice, soybean paste, meat, fish, and eggs, local food and ingredients produced in Nasu are carefully selected in preparing the meals.

•206 Yumoto, Nasu-machi, Nasu-gun, Tochigi •+81-287-76-3180 •Simple Thermal Spring •http://bettei-kai.jp

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TOCHIGI

NIK I CLUB

GREAT NATURE BLENDED IN A MASTERPIECE OF LANDSCAPE DESIGN Taking full advantage of the beautiful landscape, the building has received numerous architectural awards.

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An auberge for your gastronomic pleasure, and a spa for revitalizing the body and soul - the Niki Club offers top-of-the-class service for two styles of holiday enjoyment.

The main building boasts impressive landscaping on the 36acre grounds, incorporating stone and Japanese pine that stand quietly awaiting your visit. The Niki Club is acclaimed for its warm hospitality and various activities such as bird watching or the eco tour guided by the Forest Concierge.

Release yourself and enjoy the easy flow of time with the various possibilities, tailored to the different seasons and to your requests.

Vast and soothing space The Niki Club was a collaboration among three famous creators.

From the spacious open-ceiling restaurant to the outdoor Kagami stage that was crafted out of seven stones, every space in and out of the hotel is simply relaxing.

Enjoy chemical-free vegetables produced in the hotel’s kitchen garden The two restaurants take full advantage of the kitchen garden and carefully selected ingredients.

Besides spa cuisine, in your room you can savor the gourmet food prepared by the chefs (Chef’s Table service), or you can enjoy picnic baskets outdoors.

Enjoy the forest bathing Submerge yourself in the serene nature by taking a walk in the forest, or try the popular aroma therapy salon.

Various types of rooms that suit your needs Be it Japanese or Western style, with or without a kitchen, each guest room is unique and caters to your special needs. The first six rooms that started it all, designed by Akira Watanabe, have received numerous awards.

•2301 Takaku-Otsu Michishita, Nasu-machi, Nasu-gun, Tochigi •+81-287-78-2215 •Sodium Chloride Spring / Calcium Magnesium Sulphate Spring •http://www.nikiclub.jp/en/index.html R YO K A N C O L L E C T I O N

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K ANAGAWA

Welcome to

Hakone!

Nearest to Tokyo Metropolis, yet not far from the embrace of mother nature Located right next to Tokyo, the Hakone area in the Kanagawa Prefecture is one of the best places from which to view Mount Fuji.

As one of Japan’s top resorts, it has long been loved by foreigners living in the Tokyo suburbs, and many holiday villas have been built here. In addition to the various vantage points from which to view Mount Fuji, there is also an abundance of onsens, as well as historical spots such as the Hakone Shrine and the stone pavements from the Edo era. With several galleries in artisan towns, and fresh catch from the sea and harvests from the mountains, food produce is aplenty. It’s hardly surprising this area sees over 20 million international visitors every year.

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From Tokyo To Hakone via the map Access Information>> From Tokyo •Take the JR Tokaido Shinkansen – Tokyo Station-Odawara Station in 35 minutes •Take the JR Tokaido Line – Tokyo StationOdawara Station in 1 hour 30 minutes *From the Odawara Station to Hakone Yumoto takes around 15 minutes on the Hakone Tozan Line

•Odakyu Romance Car – Shinjuku Station-Hakone Yumoto in 1 hour 25 minutes OSAKA

TOKYO

Hakone

Hakone Sightseeing and Event Information>> Hakonenavi http://www.hakonenavi.jp

Don’t Miss This in Hakone!

Hakone Tozan Railway

Ashinoko This caldera lake of the Hakone volcano is thought to have first formed around 3,000 years ago.

This is a great spot from which to view Mount Fuji, and this heavenly beauty has been called as the “colour of God’s cloak”. There are also onsens around the lake, and every July there are firework events and such activities going on.

Owakudani

Hakone is also famous for its wide array of transport options – rail, cable car, ropeway and private ships. Amongst them the Hakone Tozan Railway, which seems to weave through the hills, provides a breathtaking view from the sakura in spring, to the fall leaves in autumn. During the early summer, this is famous for going through a path of 10,000 hydrangea, which are also lit up at night.

Owakudani is an active volcanic zone where sulfurous fumes, hot springs and hot rivers can be experienced. This is where one can feel the dynamic power of Hakone as a volcano can be felt. It’s also a popular area for trekking and sightseeing and getting a feel of the core of the earth.

Dine on Hakone Gourmet Foods!

Tofu Where there is good water, there will be good tofu. With a rich and natural sweetness, the tofu here is highly appraised for bringing out the flavours of tofu.

There is a tofu shop here that has been around for the past 200 years. Tofu pudding desserts are also popular.

Owakudani Black Egg Soba Blessed with a rich source of water and clear air, Hakone’s soba scene is highly competitive. Using famous water with soba flour as a base, and mountain yam and eggs in the race for the best taste, it’s hard to decide which soba shop to try!

A famous product of Owakudani is the black egg. This is boiled in onsen water until the shell turns all black. It’s common to eat this while enjoying the view, and each egg is supposed to extend your life by seven years!

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K AANAGAWA N AGAWA K

K INNOTA K E

SPEND A SPECIAL MOMENT IN THE FAIRY TALE WONDERLAND There are only ten rooms in this boutique hotel, each with a private open-air bath and offering exclusive services.

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Once upon a time, a beautiful princess was born out of a golden bamboo. The much-loved fairy tale was written over 1,000 years ago and has inspired the design of Kinnotake, from basic concept to details of interiors, meticulously combined to offer a perfect stay that gets you out of your routine.

There are only 10 guest rooms here and each room has a different design. Each equipped with a large private open-air bath that features green bamboos as the main element of decoration, the rooms boast exclusive views of golden bamboo artwork and a water basin reflectingthe moonlight at night just like a mirror.

Beautifully arranged Kyo-Kaiseki (Kyoto’s traditional cuisine) with a delicate flavor is served at meals. Relax in the bar or indulge in the spa treatments inspired by aromatherapy; you can spend a fantastic time in this fairy tale wonderland.

Bamboo Garden Inspired by an ancient tale, the garden is designed for guests to enjoy the moon and bamboo. It is illuminated at night, providing a fantastic view.

Relax in the bar Enjoy a relaxing time in the elegantly designed bar with a glass of wine or a cocktail in your hand, while viewing the dream-like garden.

Kyoto Kaiseki Cuisine For dinner, indulge in the finest Kyoto kaiseki cuisine created by the most polished of chefs.

Contemporary Design Each contemporary-style guest room has a different design based on sophisticated Japanese traditions.

•817-342 Sengokuhara, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa •+81-460-84-3939 •Acid Calcium Sulphate Spring •http://kinnotake.com R YO K A N C O L L E C T I O N

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K AANAGAWA N AGAWA K

K INNOTA K E TONOSAWA

Walk across the private suspension bridge built over a gorge and you’ll find yourself in a chic and modernly designed building surrounded by bamboo forests. Based on a unique concept, Kinnotake Tonosawa opened in the summer of 2013 in Hakone, a famous hot spring resort in the suburbs of Tokyo that has a long history and

ENJOY A SERENE VIEW OF THE SKY AND TREES FROM THE PRIVATE OPEN-AIR BATH Refresh yourself in this brand-new hotel opened in July 2013.

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easily accessible from the city center.

This Japanese inn has its own hot spring source which was unearthed by digging deep underground. Its highquality hot spring water is proudly called “konjiki-no-yu,” or golden hot spring water. The name comes from the color of the water’s surface sparkling in the sunshine. Each of the 23 guest rooms features an open-air bath on the spacious balcony so you can enjoy the invigorating greenery while dipping in the hot spring.is

Traditional Tatami Mat Rooms The traditional Japanese atmosphere evoked by tatami mats cannot be ignored even in a modern ryokan. There are 5 tatami mat rooms available.

Stylish guest rooms Included in some accommodation options is a couch next to the bathtub that allows you to cool down in the fresh air after bathing.

Japanese full course dinner The chef, who honed his skills in a Japanese restaurant in Kyoto, prepares Japanese full-course dinners using seasonal ingredients. The dinners go well with sake and wine.

塔ノ澤

Spacious public bath In the spacious public bath, the view from the window looks like a painting, making you feel more relaxed.

•191 Tonosawa, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa •+81-460-85-9800 •Alkaline Simple Thermal Spring •http://kinnotake-tonosawa.com R YO K A N C O L L E C T I O N

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Seven Tips for Enjoying Your Stay in a Luxurious Ryokan with Hot Springs Familiarize yourself with background information

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The ryokan may have been the favorite of celebrities or the house of ancient feudal lords. The more you know about the place, the better you will enjoy staying there.

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Learning about the quality of the spring water will get you more relaxed Learn the various benefits of different types of hot springs and become a more healthy and attractive you.

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What is Omotenashi?

Omotenashi is a culture of Japanese hospitality that has been developed alongside the history of each and every Japanese ryokan.

SPA and massage Enjoy a spa or massage for its beauty or relaxation benefits. It is said that the spa has its roots in Western civilization and massage has its roots in East Asian culture.

Enjoy various activities Horse-riding, skiing, tennis, pottery-making, and so on. Try the various activities offered by the ryokan or in the nearby tourist attractions.

Shun and Chisan-Chishou Shun refers to delicious seasonal ingredients, and Chisan-Chishou means that the food is produced and eaten locally. Japanese ryokan value the two concepts greatly and aim to offer cuisines of the highest quality.

T H E 2 015 G U I D E O F LU X U R I O U S R YO K A N W I T H H OT S P R I N G S

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When is the best time to visit?

Do you prefer to see cherry blossoms, autumn leaves, or winter snow? It is advised to check in advance as to what kind of scenery is waiting for you.

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