The area surrounding Tokyo Station is home to many different types of hotels. One standout location is Hotel Ryumeikan Tokyo. This hotel, which featured in Michelin Guide Tokyo 2017, renovated 30% of its guest rooms as part of its 10th anniversary. Its concept is a modern-style ryokan (a traditional Japanese in) and it stands just so as the closest to Tokyo Station. Today, we will take a look at the hotel’s design rooms.
Of its 38 rooms, 33 of them take on a ryokan style design. The rooms are fitted with small tatami flooring spaces where guests must take their shoes off on which sits a small chabudai, a short-legged table, on a raised floor. These elements have a nostalgic quality to them with Japanese guests and an inherently Japanese feel to them for foreign guests.
The carpet is decorated with a chrysanthemum design in a traditional Japanese dusky purple colour.
There are also kendama toys, books on Japanese confections and more to elevate that feeling of Japanese culture. There is plenty of space for tired bodies to relax after a long day trip.
The other 5 rooms are “Office Rooms” made with business workers in mind. They come with a big sofa and whiteboards to create a lounge-type space.
All of the bed mattresses are the highest quality models provided by long-standing bed makers Nishikawa. They aren’t excessively soft which I really liked and ensure a long, deep and natural sleep.
Rooms come with three types of original tea blended by the staff so you can pick whichever caters to your mood that day.
The feature you must absolutely try however is the hotel’s breakfast. It’s served in a buffet style so there is plenty to choose from with everything from Japanese-style food to Western-style. The buffet is packed with vegetables too so you can get your daily intake nice and early.
All of the new rooms are double rooms and are priced from ¥27,000 per night. The price changes depending on the season to be sure to check the official website for more details.
If you’re looking for a taste of Japan with that ryokan feel then be sure to check out Hotel Ryumeikan Tokyo.
Information
Hotel Ryumeikan Tokyo
Address: 1-3-22 Yaesu, Chuo Ward, Tokyo
Access: 3-minutes on foot from Tokyo Station’s JR Yaesu Exit
Official Website:https://www.ryumeikan-tokyo.jp/english/
RECOMMENDED ENTRIES
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TRASTA is opened the third branch of its Stay Hotel brand “Sutei” in Kiyomizu Gojo, Kyoto on March 20. This hotel is made to feel like you’re actually living in Kyoto.
There are three types of rooms to choose from: Standard Twin, Superior Twin and Japanese-Western. The two twin rooms each have two beds while the Japanese-Western room has a Western-style area with two beds and a Japanese-style area with futons. This offers guests a chance to experience the tradition of rolling out a futon to sleep and rolling it back up again to put away.
Standard Twin: From ¥20,000 (Tax & Service Charge Included. Accommodation Fees Separate)
The Standard Twin has two single beds which can be pushed together to make a double bed. The room is relaxing and compact while having everything you need.
Superior Twin: From ¥25,000 (Tax & Service Charge Included. Accommodation Fees Separate)
The Superior Twin also has two single beds. These rooms however enjoy plenty of bright natural light filtering through thanks to the large windows which also give the room a feeling of openness.
Japanese-Western (4 People Max): From ¥42,000 (Tax & Service Charge Included. Accommodation Fees Separate)
Japanese-Western is split into two areas: one with two single beds that can be pushed together and another with tatami flooring, a table and futons. Its larger capacity makes it the ideal choice for families and groups.
The first thing guests will encounter at any Sutei hotel are their original indigo dye entryway sign curtains. Known as noren, these curtains are unique to Japan and not found in the US, Europe, or other countries around Asia.
The curtains give a hospitable feeling upon entry. The more they are dyed, the deeper the colour becomes. The hotel hops that the curtains will leave a deep impression of staying in Japan to those visiting the hotel.
Sutei was established to give people an authentic Japanese experience to those travelling to and staying in Japan. But Japanese culture has strict social rules, so they also wanted to ensure it is comfortable and fun for guests too. Staying with Sutei gives guests an opportunity to get their fill of the country.
The hotel is also situated in a favourable location within walking distance of many Kyoto tourist spots such as Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Sanjusangendo Temple, Kyoto National Museum, Gion, Shijo and more. Its interior design is also based on Japanese architecture and blends in with the natural environment. Amenities and other services are also prepared to give guests a taste of Japanese omotenashi, or “hospitality.”
Information
Hotel Sutei Kiyomizu Gojo
Address: 1-396 Sayamachi, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture
Access: 2-minutes on foot from Kiyomizu-Gojō Station via the Keihan Main LineOfficial Website: https://stay-hotels.jp/sutei-kiyomizugojo/
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When I’m searching for a hotel for my travels, the cleanliness and beauty of the hotel is the most important to me. No matter how luxurious the hotel is, I always prefer something new with a business hotel vibe over something that looks old. Of course, the service and the size of the room are also important, but old sinks in bathrooms and areas that are difficult to clean are things I really don’t like.
Thankfully, a new hotel called an/other TOKYO which prioritises this level of cleanliness has recently opened just an 8-minute walk away from Tokyo station. It’s also within easy walking distance from Ginza. What a wonderful location! It’s a stylish hotel with carefully coordinated furniture and interior design.
This is what it looks like from the outside. It even has an outdoor seating area. The hotel’s cafe called CAFÉ an/other sits on the first floor and is the perfect place to relax with a cup of coffee. The coffee here uses beans sourced from a popular coffee stand located in Naka-Meguro called “Sidewalk Stand”. You can enjoy the wide range of original light snacks which were made with the careful skill and precision of the chef.
Climb the stairs and you will arrive at the reception. The reception includes a cutting-edge digital sign. This information board’s hidden secret is a stylish dice which decorates the counter! Please check it out!
Cabin
S-size compartment
L-size compartment
The room options consist of individual “cabins” and individual rooms called “compartments”. The room size options are S, M and L. I know we aren’t ordering drinks here but I found this method of categorising room sizes easier to understand than the standard single, twin and double. “S” is, as the name implies, small. “M” is a comfortable size and “L” is spacious.
The cabins are cheap and the shower and toilet facilities are shared. Each room has a curtain to close for privacy. There is no way to lock your room and there are separate floors for men and women. If you’re looking for something cheap, I recommend the cabin rooms. If you want more privacy and security, then the compartment rooms are better for you.
Each room is equipped with the essentials; shampoo, conditioner, body soap, pyjamas, air freshener, and Brew Tea Co. loose leaf tea. You can even turn up here spontaneously and the staff would be happy to instantly book you a room. They even have makeup removal products, face lotion and much more. The compartment rooms have large bathrooms which are perfect for your nighttime and morning body care routines.
The room may be simple but everything in the room is stylish from the warmth of the lamp to the BALMUDA the pot kettle. If you like fashionable furniture and appliances, you just have to check out this room from corner to corner!
I headed to the restaurant on the second floor called EAT an/other for dinner. The concept of this restaurant is a Japanese take on western-style food.
There were so many things on the menu that made me feel nostalgic after my travels to Europe such as carpaccio ajillo and much more.
I ordered salmon, aji-fry fish and steak. The fried fish was crispy and fresh and so delicious ♡ I ate my way quickly through the tender steak down to the perfect potatoes.
One major highlight of the restaurant is its stylish and modern interior! This also uses HAY furniture and Tom Dixon lighting. No matter how you look at it, it’s all stylish…
You can enjoy breakfast and dinner here and I highly recommend you eat here during your stay!
Opening hours: Breakfast: 7 am ー 10:30 am.
Lunch: 11:30 am ー 3 pm
Dinner: 5:30 pm ー 11 pm
You might think that a hotel this clean and in close proximity to a station would be expensive, but you can stay at a cabin for just ¥3,900 and treat yourself to a compartment room for ¥10,600 which I think is reasonable.
For those of you who want to enjoy the nightlife of Ginza, or are looking for a hotel with easy access to the rest of Tokyo, but also value a clean and stylish atmosphere, look no further than an/other TOKYO hotel! The hotel is currently celebrating its grand opening with the release of a special stay plan so please check out the website!
Writer：Sayuri Mizuno（ASOBISYSTEM）
Information
an/other TOKYO（アナザー トウキョー）
Address: 2-5-4, Kyobashi, Chuo Ward, Tokyo
TEL：03-3651-0254
Bookings: https://advance.reservation.jp/another01/stay_pc/rsv/index.aspx?lang=ja-JP&hi_id=1
Official site：https://another.ooo/
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BnA Alter Museum is a new art hotel set to open Kawaramachi-Takatsuji, Kyoto on May 17 that will showcase Japanese artwork to guests from across the globe. Its 31 rooms feature artwork from 16 up-and-coming artists, there is a gallery on the 10th floor, and more. The hotel hopes to serve as a hub to promote new culture from the Kansai region through unprecedented and experimental artwork.
Each and every room is its own unique art project. This is the third hotel that BnA has opened. The hotel chain has been picked up by over 250 media companies around the world including The Guardian and Conde Nast for its approach to compensate artists by giving them part of the revenue earned from guests.
The number of hotels using art and artwork is in the increase, but at BnA this isn’t simply a painting on the wall. The entirety of each room is a whole art piece from the furniture to the materials used.
9 art directors are also on board with the project in addition to the 16 artists to ensure the hotel becomes an important player in Kansai’s art scene. There will be a room in the hotel with a 24-hour video produced by Daito Manabe who has worked on Perfume’s performances and is a key player in the upcoming Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
There’s also a room with interactive sounds and lights created by BOREDOMS vocalist Yamantaka EYヨ, and room that plays with water and produced by Tetsuya Umeda who has created various installations and art performances around the world, and more. Art directors include Noboru Tsubaki from Kyoto University of Art and Design, Ogaki Gaku of ASITANOSIKAKU, and more.
There will also be a bar called Untitled, a cafe, gallery and art shop, all of which can be used by non-guests.
As you climb the stairs of the 10th floor gallery of the BnA Alter Museum you are met with a towering 6 meter tall art piece. Events will also be held at the hotel so that non-guests can enjoy the facility too.
Information
BnA Alter Museum
Address: 267-1 Tenmacho, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto
Business Hours:
・Front: 24 hours
・Staircase Gallery: 11:00-18:00 (Also open 7:30-11:00 for guests only)
・Cafe: 12:00- 18:00
・”Untitled” Bar: 18:00-02:00TEL: 075-748-1278
BnA Official Website: https://www.bna-hotel.com/
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Hoshinoya Tokyo, a traditional ryokan in Otemachi, has announced the New Year’s Kabuki Plan, a two-day, one-night stay from January 5 until January 7, 2023. During the Edo Period, citizens enjoyed watching Kabuki plays during the New Year’s holidays, often sipping tea at connected teahouses. This event will invite visitors to experience what this was like, complete with traditional food and decorations.
Watching Kabuki was a chic way for those in Edo to ring in the new year. Theater teahouses were also a popular gathering place–along with arranging tickets, the teahouses offered plot notes, tea, sweets, boxed lunches, snacks, and other drinks.*
*Hiroshi Fujita, Yoshihide Tomizawa (2012) / The Updated Kabuki Dictionary, Kashiwa Shobo
Relax Before Enjoying Tea and a Play
Guests are invited to relax in the Ochanoma (Living Room) Lounge, decorated to look like a traditional teahouse with fans, ukiyo-e prints, and formal curtains. Hanabiramochi, or rice cakes with flower petals, will be served with green tea. These rice cakes are said to date back to the New Year’s tradition of eating hard foods like daikon and rice cakes in the hopes of prolonging one’s life. Characterized by its curious burdock root aroma, the cakes are sweetened with white miso bean paste.
Enjoy a Post-Viewing Mont Blanc Shaped like Soba with Sweet Dessert Wine
At theater teahouses in the Edo period, sake, snacks, and desserts were served one after another. During this special event, a menu inspired by this practice and prepared by Hoshinoya Tokyo Executive Chef Noriyuki Hamada will be served! Soba noodles were often served after a play in the past. Inspired by this tradition, Mont Blanc made with chestnut paste and sponge cake will be served up to look like this popular dish. Paired with a dessert wine aged in oak barrels, the sweet will be served in a traditional lacquerware basket. In addition, the dish will be paired with Wasabi Pralines, Shichimi Meringue, and Ginger Pate de Fruits.
Take a Rickshaw to the Kabuki-za Theater
Guests will be taken on an Edo-style tour on their way to the Kabuki-za Theater. Passing through the Nihonbashi area, the first stop will be the Fukutoku Shrine. It’s said that Hidetada Tokugawa paid a visit to and praised the shrine on New Year’s Day in 1614. The next shrine on the docket, Hodo Inari Jinja, was enshrined in Edo Castle during the Edo period to protect the heir to the Tokugawa family. It’s said that the shrine provides blessings for child rearing, matchmaking, and business prosperity.
This tour will provide a more elegant way to explore Tokyo as guests enjoy exposition from their chauffeur. To make the rickshaw ride even more enjoyable, guests can rent kimonos for an extra charge.
Would you like to take a step back in time this New Year?
Information
New Year’s Kabuki Plan
Running: January 5 – January 7, 2023
Capacity: 1 couple per day (1-2 people)
Price: ¥110,000 per person, ¥180,000 for 2 people (Including Tax & Service charge, excluding accommodation charge)
Reserve/Details – Official Site: https://hoshinoya.com/tokyo
*Reservation required at least 14 days in advance
**Exclusive experience for Hoshinoya Tokyo guests
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The official Chiikawa store, Chiikawa Land Tokyo Station, will open on September 16, 2022 on Tokyo Character Street beneath Tokyo Station!
Chiikawa is a popular character created by Japanese illustrator Nagano on Twitter. In December 2020, the character’s official online store, Chiikawa Market, was opened, and the many comics featuring the character posted on Twitter were compiled into a book. Now with a massive fanbase, Nagano’s follower count on social media has reached 1.3 million, and a number of collaboration cafes and exhibitions featuring his characters have popped up around Japan. Chiikawa even has his own anime series broadcast on Mezamashi TV!
Purchase Bonus
One Hologram Sticker included with each purchase.
Manmaru Bottled Water with each purchase of ¥3,300 (Tax Included) or more
Small Plushie Friends (6 varieties) with each purchase of ¥8,800 (Tax Included) or more
Not for Sale / Limited Quantities Available
Chiikawa Land Shopping Bag (4 varieties)
Chiikawa Land Tokyo Station Exclusive Items
Layered Acrylic Stand / Smartphone Ring
Square Magnet
Clear Folder
Washi Paper Sticker in Smartphone Size
Printed Card
Large Face Towel / Bath Towel
Towel (Set of 3)
Large Tote Bag
Cookie Set in Cube Box
Salt (Set of 5)
Japanese Paper-style Pin in Capsule (12 varieties)
Commemorative Opening Stamp
The Harajuku and Umeda, Osaka Chiikawa Land stores, which opened last August, have seen massive success. In June 2022, the Fukuoka PARCO store opened, followed by the Kyoto Shijo Kawaramachi store in July. In August, the limited-time Magical Chiikawa store opened on Tokyo Character Street, and due to its massive popularity, it will now be permanent.
The Chiikawa Land Tokyo Station store features special commemorative products using newly-drawn illustrations, including exclusive purchase bonuses and exclusive shopping bags.
©nagano / chiikawa committee
Information
Chiikawa Land Tokyo Station
Opening Day: September 16, 2022
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Shin Yokohama Prince Hotel will be offering a special room and collaboration menu inspired by the popular anime series The Vampire Dies in No Time from September 22 until November 30, 2022. Reservations will open on the hotel’s official website starting September 12 at 1:00 PM.
The Vampire Dies in No Time follows the hilarious adventures of the vampire Draluc and the vampire hunter Ronaldo. Set in the city of Shin-Yokohama, it makes sense that this collaboration would be taking place!
Original Goods
Collaboration Menu
Guests and fans of the series will be able to enjoy a fully-decorated room and collaboration menu inspired by characters from the popular anime series.
The concept room, located on an upper floor overlooking the Shin-Yokohama cityscape, is decorated with illustrations of Draluc, Ronaldo, and other characters. The guest-only goods feature newly-drawn illustrations.
Sweets plates and drinks will be served at the restaurant on the top floor of the hotel. Guests can enjoy desserts shaped like Ronaldo’s red hat and Draluc’s ashes, so don’t miss it!
©盆ノ木至（秋田書店）／製作委員会すぐ死ぬ
Information
Shin-Yokohama Prince Hotel x The Vampire Dies in No Time
Available: September 22 – November 30, 2022Collaboration Menu
Available: September 22 – November 30, 2022
Venue: Top of Yokohama Bar & Lounge (42F)
Hours: Weekdays 4:00-7:00 PM / Weekends & Holidays 2:00-5:00 PM
Reservations Open: September 12, 1:00 PM
https://www.princehotels.co.jp/shinyokohama/plan/contents/94 -
Art subscription service Casie is collaborating with HOTEL SHE, KYOTO! A special art exhibition titled GALLERY HOTEL SHE, will be held from September 17 until October 16, inviting guests to enjoy the once-in-a-lifetime experience of staying in a gallery overnight!
During the event period, guests of HOTEL SHE, KYOTO will be able to select their favorite piece of artwork from an on-site gallery. The piece will then be hung in their guestroom, and visitors can spend the night appreciating it at their own pace. This is a great way to learn more about art appreciation, and guests can enjoy discussing the art world with their friends and family.
“Although we may view art in museums and other venues, it is rare to have the opportunity to select and display a work of art of our own choice,” the project description reads. “Through this unique experience, we aim to provide guests the chance to actively engage with art and inspire them to make art a part of their daily life going forward.”
Information
‘Stay in a Gallery’ HOTEL SHE, KYOTO
Running: September 17 – October 16, 2022
Works on Display: https://casie.jp/features/404?notrented=0&order=added_at_desc
*No fee required, works on display for all guests of HOTEL SHE, KYOTO during the event period.
HOTEL SHE, KYOTO: https://www.hotelshekyoto.com
Address: 16, Higashikujo-Minamikarasumacho, Minamiku, Kyoto
Details/Reservations: https://www.hotelshekyoto.com/
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Tokyo Station Hotel to Offer Accommodation Plan in Conjunction with the 150th Anniversary of Railway in Japan Exhibition
Starting on October 8, Tokyo Station Gallery will begin the 150th Anniversary of Railway in Japan Exhibition. To celebrate the opening of the event, Tokyo Station Hotel will begin offering a special lodging plan which includes a special ticket for entry starting September 15.
2022 marks the 15th anniversary of Japan’s first railroad. The exhibition will look back at the history of railroads from their inception in 1872 to the present day, and will also feature modern and contemporary Japanese art.
Over 150 works will be on display, from oil paintings to photographs. The exhibition will also include Kawanabe Kyosai’s Jigoku Gokuraku Meguri-zu and Utagawa Hiroshige’s masterwork Steam Train Running Along the Shore at Yokohama. The train headmark was designed by Katsuhiko Hibino in 2021.
The accommodation plan will include a special tour held on the morning of check-out day before the gallery opens to the public. Visitors can enjoy the exhibition in depth while listening to explanations by the curators who planned the exhibition. After the tour, visitors can enjoy the exhibition again. The special ticket features Utagawa Hiroshige’s painting Steam Train Running Along the Shore at Yokohama and is perfect as a souvenir.
Enjoy a rare moment surrounded by the historic architecture of Tokyo Station’s Marunouchi Station Building and immerse yourself in the history of the railroad.
Information
150th Anniversary of Railway in Japan Exhibition Room Plan
Available: October 14 – December 23, 2022
Reservation Period: September 15, 12:00 – December 23
Details: https://www.tokyostationhotel.jp/stay/plans/details/tsg_train150th
Official Site: https://www.tokyostationhotel.jp/
150th Anniversary of Railway in Japan Exhibition
Running: October 8, 2022 – January 9, 2023
*Please check the official website for closure dates.
Venue: Tokyo Station Gallery
Official Site: https://www.ejrcf.or.jp/gallery/
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From August 19 until September 1, a special Chiikawa shop will open on Tokyo Character Street, located inside Tokyo Station!
Chiikawa is a popular character first revealed by Japanese illustrator Nagano on Twitter. The artist’s creations have become massively popular, with Nagano’s follower count on social media reaching over 1.2 million fans. From collaboration cafes and exhibitions to a recent anime series, the sky’s the limit for these adorable characters!
Commemorative Stamp
Purchase Bonus: Holographic Card (6 varieties, random) *Not for Sale
Bonus for Guests Spending ¥3,300 (Including Tax): Heart Fan *Not for Sale
Bonus for Guests Spending ¥8,800 (Including Tax): Bath Towel (2 varieties) *Not for Sale
*Available while supplies last.
Exclusive Merchandise
At this limited-time Magical Chikawa shop, fans can find exclusive products featuring new illustrations, as well as special purchase bonuses and commemorative stamps for guests!
©nagano / chiikawa committee
Information
Magical Chiikawa
Open: August 19 – September 1, 2022
Venue: Tokyo Character Street, Ichiban Plaza
Details: https://chiikawa-info.jp/p22/magical/
Official Site: https://www.tokyoeki-1bangai.co.jp
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The Grand Prince Hotel Takanawa in Tokyo will offer a special suite inspired by the upcoming Toshio Suzuki Studio Ghibli Exhibition from July 1 until August 31, 2022. This will include tickets to the exhibition, which will take place at Warehouse Terrada in Shinagawa from July 1 until September 7.
Toshio Suzuki, a producer at Studio Ghibli, has worked with both Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahata on a number of beloved masterpieces. The exhibition will feature a large bookshelf housing 8,800 of Suzuki’s publications and favorite tomes. Many of these were published before Suzuki joined Studio Ghibli, and guests are invited to see how the producer was inspired to join the legendary studio after working as an editor at a manga magazine. To commemorate the exhibition’s opening, this special suite is filled with books written by Suzuki along with other books that visitors may enjoy during their relaxing stay.
In the suite, guests will find a list of 106 books that influenced Suzuki the most. This list will be available to take home. Visitors will also find reproductions of Suzuki’s calligraphy.
©TS ©Studio Ghibli
Information
Toshio Suzuki Studio Ghibli Exhibition Special Suite Package
Venue: Grand Prince Hotel Takanawa
Available: July 1 – August 31, 2022
Reservation: https://www.princehotels.co.jp/takanawa/plan/ghibli_conceptroomToshio Suzuki Studio Ghibli Museum Accommodation Plan with Ticket
Available until September 6, 2022
Reservation: https://www.princehotels.co.jp/takanawa/plan/ghibli/
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Banyan Tree Group, one of the world’s leading independent hospitality groups, held the grand opening of Galleria Nijo Castle Kyoto, on Friday, June 17, 2022. This is the first of the group’s hotels to open in Japan.
Hotel Exterior
Located south of Nijo Castle, a World Heritage Site, and named after the beautiful winter flower, Galleria Nijo Castle Kyoto is a small, modern, and minimalist luxury hotel that offers simple guests a chance to recharge themselves.
Wellbeing Room
For the grand opening, a new Wellbeing Room has been opened where visitors can experience quiet meditation.Visitors can stroll through nearby gardens, temples, and shrines, take a tour of Kyoto’s many historical sites, or spend time in the Wellbeing Room meditating or practicing yoga to recharge their batteries away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
The French Restaurant Singular will also offer up healthy and tasty meals with a focus on local ingredients and producers.
Enjoy a visit to Kyoto in this peaceful space perfect for resting both body and soul.Information
Garrya Nijo Castle Kyoto
Address: 180-1 Ichinocho, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto
Access: 2-minute walk from Nijojo-mae Station on the Kyoto City Subway Tozai LineOfficial Site: https://www.banyantree.com/ja/japan/garrya-nijo-castle-kyoto
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Buffet Inspired by ‘Moominvalley Turns Jungle’ to be Held for the First Time at Keio Plaza Hotel Hachioji
From June 1 until August 31, Keio Plaza Hotel Hachioji is inviting guests to travel to the adorable world of Moomin by partaking in two tasty buffet events at the Le Clair Restaurant on the second floor. In Moomin’s home country of Finland, people start enjoying the summer following the solstice in June. The theme of this project is ‘Moominvalley Turns Jungle,’ inspiring the hotel’s chefs to create a spectacular original menu. A tasty lunch buffet will be held Tuesday through Friday during the event period, while a sweets buffet will take place on weekends and holidays. The restaurant’s interior will be decorated with artwork from Tove Jansson’s 1956 comic Moominville Turns Jungle.
The Moomin Lunch Buffet is titled ‘Jungle Party in Moominville,’ and will depict a fun summer lunch get-together in the titular character’s home village. The lineup of foods includes smoked salmon canapes, marinated herring, and sardine sandwiches, all typical of Scandinavian cuisine. Plenty of spiced dishes and veggies will be available, the latter looking like they came from Moominmamma’s garden. August 9 is Moomin Day, and the chefs will be preparing some extra goodies for each guest on that day only.
The Moomin Sweets Buffet will feature adorable desserts created by expert pâtissiers and will be inspired by Moomin and his friends enjoying the summer. From red velvet cake made to look like Little My’s dress to chocolate mousse in the style of Moominpappa’s Silk Hat, fans of the series will want to snap plenty of pictures before they dig in! Tons of sweets will include popular Scandinavian ingredients like red currants, raspberries, and blueberries. The welcome plate, limited to one per person, will change monthly, with a Tropical Parfait coming in July and an Edible Jungle coming in August. Light meals will also be available to compliment the sweets.
The Sweets Buffet will also include a special table plan limited to three per day, using plates and mugs included in the Moomin by Arabia 2022 Summer collection. Guests participating in this plan can order a special non-alcoholic cocktail created by the restaurant’s bartender and made with rose-colored ice inspired by Moominmamma’s love for flowers.
Information
Moomin x Keio Plaza Hotel Hachioji
Moomin Lunch Buffet ~Jungle Party in Moominvalley~
Running: June 1 – August 31, 2022 [Tuesday-Friday only]
Location: Le Clair Restaurant, 2F
Hours: 11:30-15:30 (2-hour seating) *Last order 30 minutes before reservation ends.
Moomin Sweets Buffet ~Moominvalley Turns Jungle Fun Summer Time~
Running: June 4 – August 28, 2022 [Weekends and Holidays only]
Location: Le Clair Restaurant, 2F
Hours: [1] 11:30-13:00 [2] 12:00-13:30 [3] 14:30-16:00 [4] 15:00-16:30Buffet Bonuses: https://www.fujibi.or.jp
Advanced Reservations begin on May 17, 14:00 for hotel email subscribers, LINE Friends only
Standard reservations begin May 19 at 10:00
Details/Reservations: https://www.keioplaza.co.jp/hachioji/event/moomin/Moomin by Arabia Product Information:
https://www.arabiajapan.jp/products/list.php?category_id=61
Sekiguchi Product Information: https://www.sekiguchi.co.jp/collection/ -
Starting July 1, guests visiting the five-star Conrad Tokyo hotel can enjoy a new peach-filled afternoon tea menu for a limited time. Designed in collaboration with the British luxury brand Wedgwood, the lineup includes both savory and sweet items perfect for summer. The afternoon tea will be available on the 28th floor at the aptly named Twenty Eight Bar and Lounge.
In collaboration with Wedgwood, a 260-year-old porcelain and fine china brand used by the British royal family, this special service will feature an afternoon tea plate with a tempting array of sweets. The plate itself is from Wedgwood’s world-renowned Gio collection and features a honeycomb pattern embossed on fine bone china. The contrast between the modern setting, the classic and refined shape of the white tableware, and the beautiful pink treats will come together to create the most memorable summer moment imaginable.
Coconut & Earl Grey Panna Cotta / Rose Jelly / Peach Compote
Wine and Peach Gelatin / Vanilla Mousse
White Peach Mousse / Raspberry Gelatin
White Peach and Soy Milk Sandwich
Apricot Tart / Peach Cream
Peach Soup / Lobster Consomme Jelly
White Peach and Chicken Mousse Tart
Pork Rillettes and Peach Slider
Highlights from the sweets menu include coconut & Earl Grey Panna cotta served with rose jelly and peach compote, peach gelatin infused with red wine and vanilla mousse, and a delectable white peach and soy milk sandwich. For those with less of a sweet tooth, the afternoon tea service also offers delectable dishes like a white peach and chicken mousse tart, a pork rillettes and peach slider, and more. Guests can also enjoy a selection of scones in either plain or coconut, each served with clotted cream and either peach or guava jam. Over 20 beverages will be on offer, including Wedgwood teas.
Information
Glamorous Peach Afternoon Tea with Wedgwood
Running: July 1 – August 31, 2022
Hours: Daily from 11:00-16:30 *2-hour time slots
Location: Twenty Eight Bar and Lounge (28F)
Details: https://conrad-tokyo.hiltonjapan.co.jp/plans/restaurants/afternoon_tea/twentyeight-2207 -
Tokyo Character Street, located within First Avenue Tokyo Station, has opened a special pop-up shop dedicated to the popular character Shirotan! The store will be open until May 26, 2022.
Shirotan, an adorable harp seal, represents “comfort, healing, encouragement, and connectedness.”
Aiming to cover Tokyo Station in this cute and inspiring character, the pop-up shop isn’t the only Shirotan appearance going on. Those strolling from the Nozomi Plaza in front of the Yaesu Underground Central Exit ticket gate towards Character Street will see Shirotan covering the walls, welcoming guests.
In addition to standard Shirotan products, fans can also grab 17 brand-new items being sold exclusively at the pop-up shop.
The book Welcome to Shirotan’s World will be available on July 7, so be sure to preorder!
Information
Shirotan’s Fluffy Store
Address: First Avenue Tokyo Station (1-9-1 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo)
Open: May 13 – May 26, 2022
Hours: 10:00AM – 8:30PM (Closing at 6:00PM on May 26, 2022) -
Sumiya Kihoan, a cozy inn at Yunohana Onsen in Kameoka City in Kyoto, opened a unique new guest room on April 28, 2022. The room’s concept is “where guests can stay in the middle of contemporary art,” and was inspired by the works of internationally-acclaimed contemporary artist Yukinori Yanagi. The new room, created as part of the Art Room Project, has been named ‘Kofuu.’
The Icarus Corridor Connecting Heaven and Earth
Heavenly Bath Welcoming a Rainbow at Dusk
In-Ground Bath Featuring Oribe Glazed Ceramic
Concept Drawing of the Art Room Project by Yukinori Yanagi
The new room includes an open-air bath where guests can be transported into the world of Yanagi’s contemporary art while gazing at the gorgeous Kyoto landscape. Upon entering the inn, guests are greeted by a long corridor leading to the bedrooms, dining room, and two creative open-air baths. The space was created in collaboration with Yanagi and local artists and craftsmen, such as potter Ishii Naoto, obi craftsman Yamaguchi Genbei X, plasterer Kusumi Akira, and Japanese paper craftsman Hatano Wakaru. A delicious menu is prepared by chef Hosoi Kunihiko.Information
Ryokan Sumiya Kihoan
Address: Yunohana Onsen, Kameoka City, KyotoRoom Details: https://hakutai.sumiya.ne.jp/artroom-kohoo/
Room Reservations: https://reserve.489ban.net/client/sumiya/0/plan/id/119287/stay?noSearch=1
Official Site: https://www.sumiya.ne.jp/
