Okinawa is one of the most heart-calming destinations in Japan. Imagine finding exotic views of islands, diving in crystal blue waters, strolling down charming alleyways, re-visiting the ancient history of RyuKyu kingdom, and eating outlandish cuisines in one vacation trip. Cool, right? What interests visitors more is that unlike other parts of Japan, it’s not […]
Being highly volcanic, Japan has thousands of onsen (hot springs) all across the archipelago. To be classed as an onsen, an establishment’s water must contain at least one of 19 minerals, such as iron, sulphur or hydrogen carbonate, and be naturally warmer than 25 degrees Celsius. According to the Nippon Onsen Research Association, there are […]
From Tokyo to Amsterdam, people across the globe eagerly await the arrival of sakura season each year. Originating in Japan, the ancient tradition of hanami (flower viewing) sees communities coming together to celebrate the unrivalled beauty of cherry blossom in bloom. Legend has it that emperors and members of the Imperial Palace used to host […]
Kyoto’s Gion district, a 15-minute drive from Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto, is one of the few areas where spotting these women in their exquisite kimonos is less of a rarity. You might see them walking in pairs between the okiya (geisha house) and the ochaya (tea house) to preside over a dinner meeting. Delight your senses with a Kyoto-style kaiseki dinner sampling […]
Restored from a 20th century ryotei (traditional Japanese restaurant) in one of Japan’s most alluring destinations, Sowaka Kyoto – member of Small Luxury Hotels of The World – fuses the elegance of Japanese tradition with modernity.
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