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There is something about water that is simply calming and therapeutic.
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Your body and mind will be at ease when you step into an onsen, a hot spring where water vapors come naturally from the earth.
There is a uniqueness to the onsen at The Mitsui Kyoto Hotel in Kyoto, Japan. It can be described as gentle water that can disarm and soothe at the same time, relaxing mind, body and soul.
The hotel's general manager, Manabu Kusui, explains that the origin of their onsen is 1,000 meters below the surface of the hotel and is a rarity as there are not many of them in the city.
“It’s not very common to have starts in Kyoto,” Kusui said. “People who come to Kyoto usually go out sightseeing all day. When we were designing this hotel, we wanted to create something unique.
“People tend to get tired (after walking). So we dug 1,000 meters down and found an attack. So we said we could use this hot spring to make it something completely different compared to different hotels.”
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There are two ways to experience the beginning at the hotel.
An onsen is located in the luxury hotel's spa, which also includes a therapeutic hot spring. Reserved for one-hour sessions, this hot spring includes a traditional bath/shower area commonly found in bathhouses, a dressing table for you to doll up on, and a lounge area where you can relax after your onsen experience.
However, if you want an even more private experience, guests can book a stay in the onsen suite, which features personal hot springs so you can relax and soak without leaving your room.
RESTORING BEAUTY IN CERAMIC ART
Some believe that once there is a crack in the foundation, it cannot be rejuvenated.
This is certainly not the case with ceramics, where filling a simple crack with gold and lacquer can bring new life and beauty to the ceramic. In Japan, this process is known as kintsugi, an ancient craft that is now celebrated for its sustainability through the repair and restoration of a unique work of art.
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Visitors to the Tokinoha Ceramic Studio (tokinoha.jp) in Kyoto can learn the art of kintsugi and repair ceramic pieces that they can take home as a unique souvenir. The workshop is very interactive as visitors learn about ceramic restoration.
Led by master ceramicist Daisuke Shimizu, Tokinoha is a studio where you will find beautiful ceramic art created through a modern version of Kiyomizu pottery, which has its origins in the Momoyama period (between 1568 and 1600). Shimizu's take on Kiyomizu combines traditional and contemporary techniques.
Tokinoha pottery can be found in many local restaurants, such as Toki, located at Hotel The Mitsui Kyoto.
WHAT TO SEE
THEY ARE NOT A CASTLE — It's not every day that you can visit a castle in the heart of a modern city.
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They are not castle was built in 1603 and was once the home of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first shogun (military leader) of the Edo Period (1603-1868). After the fall of the Tokugawa Shogunate in 1867, the castle later became an imperial castle before being donated to the city of Kyoto and designated a historic site.
The castle grounds are made up of two Kuruwa (strong walls), Ninomaru Palace, the ruins of Honmaru Palace and several buildings and several beautiful gardens lined with plum and cherry trees.
Visitors can freely explore the castle grounds or hire an English guide at the entrance for a more cultured self-guided tour.
KIYOMIZU-DERA TEMPLE — Founded more than 1,250 years ago, Kiyomizu-Dera is a Buddhist temple situated on Mount Otowa, a peak in the Higashiyama Mountains.
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The temple was created in 778 at the end of the Nara period by the Nara priest Enchin Shonin. It is popular among locals and visitors as they pay homage to Kannon, a deity of mercy and compassion.
While at the temple, you can climb the steps, turn around and enjoy the incredible view of the Kyoto skyline and neighboring Osaka.
Depending on the time of year, visitors can enjoy cherry blossoms in spring or beautiful autumn leaves in autumn.
TOURS IN ARASHIYAMA — The city of Kyoto is a special mix of traditional and modern Japan. A great place to get a perfect balance of both is to explore the Arashiyama district in western Kyoto.
A popular attraction for tourists, Arashiyama is known for several destinations, including Togetsukyo Bridge, Tenryu-ji Temple, Kameyama-koen Park, and the stunning Bamboo Grove, to name a few. Everything can be explored on foot or by rickshaw, courtesy of Ebisuya Rickshaw (ebisuya.com).
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WHERE TO STAY
HOTEL MITSUI KYOTO — This perfectly balances Japanese traditions, luxury and unity with the environment.
Located next to Nijo-jo Castle in the heart of Kyoto, Hotel The Mitsui Kyoto (hotelthemitsui.com) is a sanctuary rich in tradition. The hotel can best be described as a modern version of a traditional Japanese tea room, boasting 160 rooms made from natural materials that offer guests the perfect place to unwind and relax in luxury.
Mitsui Kyoto is located in the former Mitsui family estate, which has been maintained for 250 years. The hotel offers guests a refined experience, showcasing the country's traditions, architecture, crafts and cuisine.
The best features are the onsen, a private hot spring where guests can relax in a relaxing bathing experience, and the hot spring, where guests can soak in the calming spring waters.
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To deepen the relaxation experience with yoga or meditation, you can do so in the hotel's beautiful 1,300-square-meter garden courtyard, designed by landscape architect Shunsaku Miyagi. Reflecting the deep respect for Kyoto, the garden is a modern recreation of the one that once adorned the Mitsui residence.
Depending on your gastronomic tastes, there is no wrong place to eat within the hotel, as there are four restaurants to choose from: Toki, Forni, The Garden Bar and Shiki-No-Ma – all surrounded by a beautiful view of the gardens.
Led by chef Tetsuya Asano, Toki's menu showcases Kyoto culinary art with dishes made from seasonal ingredients. Forni is the hotel's Italian restaurant, where guests can savor grilled dishes and authentic pizzas or enjoy a rich breakfast menu.
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Grab a drink (or two) and watch the sunset before dinner at The Garden Bar. It's a great place to reflect on your experiences after a day exploring Kyoto.
Shiki-No-Ma is a faithful recreation of part of the Mitsui family home. This is the place where you will have fine dining experiences or traditional tea ceremonies. One can even witness geiko music and dance performances.
THE TOKYO EDITION — Although Japan's capital, Tokyo, is rich in history, the skyscrapers that adorn the skyline speak to its modernity.
One place that has an incredible view of the city is The Tokyo Edition, Toranomon, a luxury boutique hotel in the heart of Tokyo's Toranomon neighborhood.
When arriving in Japan via Narita International Airport, there's no reason why you can't stop in Tokyo and stay at The Edition before heading to Kyoto.
With 206 rooms and 22 suites overlooking the modern skyline, The Edition is a great place to indulge in luxury while pampering yourself in the spa, working up a sweat in the futuristic gym, or sipping and dining at one of its three restaurants.
Located near several subway stations and just steps away from Tokyo's popular neighborhoods, The Edition is the perfect hub to stay and rest before taking the Shinkansen bullet train to Kyoto or other parts of Japan.
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