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Top 5 Luxury Ryokan in Japan
Fine food, romance and relaxation
come together in these minimalist inns.
By Danielle Demetriou (originally
published here)
Ginrinso
Hokkaido
The
elegant Ginrinso is a former private residence built in the 19th century in Otaru, on the island of Hokkaido. Beneath a temple-style
roof, every room is decorated in traditional ryokan-style, with touches of regional craftwork. But best is the sweeping panorama.
From its elevated position on a natural hot spring, it has expansive views over Ishikari Bay. Japanese and international cuisines
are served while a karaoke bar and games room provide alternative escapes.
Ginrinso,
1-1 Sakura, Otaru-shi, Hokkaido (00 81 35368 0790; www.luxuryryokan.com). Doubles start at US$998 (£587), half board.
Yoshimizu
Tokyo
Hidden
amid a forest of department stores in the Ginza district of the capital is an unexpected gem. Yoshimizu provides a serene
breath of fresh air in contrast to the city's business hotels. The traditional inn is filled with light and natural furnishings.
Non-chemical tatami mats, organic cotton futons, bamboo sliding screens and mud walls set the tone in the 11 guest rooms.
And as in most ryokan, there is not a telephone or a television in sight. Guests put on a cotton robe (yukata) and head to
a traditional cedar and stone bath on the top floor. Seasonal organic food is served in the restaurant while lectures, concerts
and meetings take place in the events hall.
Yoshimizu,
3-11-3 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo (00 81 33248 4432; www.yoshimizu.com). Doubles without a bathroom start at 21,200 yen (£100) rising to 27,500 yen (£130)
with a bathroom, both including breakfast.
Gora
Kadan Hakone
Stylish
and fashionable, Gora Kadan artfully combines the old with the new. Located in a green valley of cherry and pine trees at
the foot of Mount Fuji, it is housed in an elegant 1920s former summer retreat. The 44 rooms have tatami mats, red lacquer
boxes, sliding screens and cypress baths.
Gora
Kadan, 1300 Gora, Hakone, Ashigarashimogun, Kanagawa (00 81 460 23331;www.gorakadan.co.jp). Double rooms booked via Relais & Chateaux (00 800 2000 0002;www.relaischat-eaux.com) start at 114,000 yen (£540) half board.
Hoshi
Hokuriku
The
world's oldest inn - as confirmed by the Guinness Book of Records - its origins lie in a dream of a divine spring that came
to the Buddhist monk Taicho Daishi in 717AD. More than 1,200 years and 46 generations of hosts later, the inn is a thriving
100-room retreat in the hot-spring village of Awazu on Mount Hakusan on the west coast of Honshu island. Ageing gargoyles
known as onigawara ward off evil spirits at the entrance. Yukata are produced on arrival before traditional tea ceremonies
take place. Every room has a name poetically plucked from Saijiki, a book of words defining seasons in haiku. Its focal point
is the large outdoor hot spring baths and the health-giving powers of its water.
Hoshi
Ryokan, Awasa Onsen, Komatsu, Ishikawa, Hokuriku (00 81 761 65 1111; www.ho-shi.co.jp). Doubles start at 58,800 yen (£277), half board.
Asaba
Shizuoka
A
pebbled path leads guests into the heart of Asaba, a ryokan dating back to 1675, but updated with contemporary interiors.
It is situated near the hot spring (onsen) village of Shuzenji and bordered by a bamboo forest on one side and a lagoon on
the other. Each of the 19 rooms bears the hallmarks of a traditional inn: empty but for tatami mat flooring, a low table or
a futon depending on the time of day. There are also stunning forest views. A floating cypress-wood Noh stage over the water
boosts tranquillity. There are also natural baths both indoors and out.
Asaba,
3450-1 Shuzenji Izu-shi, Shizuoka (00 81 35368 0790; www.luxuryryokan.com). Doubles start at US$1,130 (£665), half board.
The Ryokan Collection is the superlative guide to these traditional inns, including luxury Ryokan.
The exclusive world of high-end travel accommodation
is breaking new ground with the launch of the Luxury Ryokan Collection (LRC), a pioneering brand of a selection of the finest
ryokans across Japan.
LRC is co-founded by Tokyo-based Mr Hiroki
Fukunaga, Managing Director of R Project Inc and Hong Kong-based Singaporean Ms Cecilia Tee, President & CEO of TravelOptions
Group. Both experienced hoteliers, they share a vision and passion to develop a brand bringing together a collection of the
finest ryokans in Japan and to promote these worldwide to discerning travelers with a taste for the finest things in life.
Managing Director, Hiroki Fukunaga, said “LRC
is unique in both concept and execution. Until now, because of language barriers and lack of international marketing exposure,
ryokans are not readily available to people outside of Japan. We are confident that LRC will help break these barriers and
lift the profile of luxury ryokans in the world.”
“Understanding these challenges, LRC
provides exclusive services to guests staying at any of the ryokans in our Collection. This is the first of its kind in Japan.
We encourage anyone who wants an exceptional discovery to come and experience one of the ryokans,” adds Ms Tee.
Ryokans are traditional inns that hark back
to medieval times and can be considered national treasures of Japan, particularly those at the highest end where there are
only about 200 in existence. “LRC consists only of Category AAA ryokans, each with its own rich history. When guests
stay at a ryokan in the LRC, they will experience authentic traditional Japanese culture and customs and indulge in old-fashioned
Japanese hospitality and service at its legendary best.” added Mr Fukunaga.
LRC plans to market its Collection in key
destinations like the United States, China, Hong Kong, Germany and the United Kingdom. Marketing channels will focus on LRC’s
website, partnership marketing with airlines, credit card companies, hotel partners as well as lifestyle publications.
“We will also be looking at appointing
GSA’s globally to assist us in maximising both the LRC brand and our ryokans” adds Ms Tee.
There are about 63,000 ryokans in Japan of
which about 200 are considered luxurious and extraordinary, with many located close to hot springs or onsens. Initially, LRC
has brought together 15 luxury ryokans, spread across the country from Tokyo and Hakone to Kobe and Kyoto, to showcase to
the world.
Ms Tee commented, “We have painstakingly
selected 15 of the best to launch the Collection. They have undergone a rigorous selection process and in the coming months
and years ahead, we expect to bring more on board.”
LRC will offer several initiatives that are
exclusive to the Collection, including Guide and VIP Excursions, Interpretation Service, Free Mobile Phone Service and a Wine
Cellar where guests can select from an extensive wine collection.
“These services are available only to
guests who book directly with LRC. We will also tie up with luxury hotels in key cities so that guests who wish to continue
their journey elsewhere will be taken care of even after they leave us.”
“The LRC motto is ‘Luxury Lifestyle.
Traditional Ryokan. Unique Collection’ and we are confident that we will live up to our promise,” concluded Ms
Tee.
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