The ‘onsen’ (hot spring) chain “Ichinoyu” introduced a new overnight ‘yosegi-zaiku’ plan in Hakone on August 9th for people to experience and appreciate yosegi works and even visit yosegi museums. ‘Yosegi’ is a traditional type of Japanese parquetry that uses wood to create beautiful mosaic pieces that come in a range of different colours and shapes.
Mount Hakone stands alongside Arashiyama in Kyoto and Mount Daisen in Tottori as a location home to one of Japan’s most dense forest regions. In Hakone style Yosegi,
people take advantage of the nature’s colours in the trees and shrubs against the backdrop of this blessed environment. They create all kinds of different pieces that are triangular, square, round and more with the finest and most detailed geometry, producing small boxes, trays and much, much more.
Its history begins with Jinbei Ishikawa (1790-1850) who lived in Hatajuku and who first established Hakone parquetry ware during the closing years of the Edo period. It was appointed as one of Japan’s traditional crafts in 1984.
“Ichinoyu” have introduced a woodwork workshop plan for people who stay overnight where they can experience making their own traditional-style yosegi coaster.
You will have the opportunity to create your own original coaster using yosegi parts. The session will last approximately 40 minutes, and once you have made your coaster, you’ll be able to take it home with you. The plan also gives people the chance to visit a yosegi-zaiku museum where woodworker Noboru Honma has delivered 200 different pieces over many years including parquetry pieces and damascene ware.
So that this Hakone onsen and yosegi-zaiku service can be delivered to people both in Japan and tourists coming from overseas, the sign-up page on the website is also available in English.
If you’re coming to Japan, then don’t miss this opportunity to delve into a truly traditional Japanese artform and make your very own original yosegi piece.
■Information
“Tonosawa Ichinoyu Honkan”
Plan Booking (Japanese): https://directin.jp/?y=A2XP95
Plan Booking (English): https://directin.jp/?y=A2XPA2
[Overnight Accommodation Dates]
August 28, 2017 to November 30, 2017 *based on the company’s calendar
[Running]
August 9, 2017 to November 15, 2017 (applications accepted up to 14 days before overnight stay)
*Plan may be subject to sudden cancellation should circumstances cause it
[How to Apply]
You can reserve and book your plan from the membership page of the Ichinoyumi website.
*You will need your credit card when booking. It is also recommended that you arrive by car, but you can also use public transport.
Yosegi Museum Website: http://www.yoseki-honma.com/
Tonosawa Ichinoyu Honkan Website: https://www.ichinoyu.co.jp/honkan/
Related article：The 3rd wave of artists announced for “KAGA MUSIC FESTIVAL 2017” including tofubeats, Maki Nomiya & more!
Related article：Got plans for this summer? How about staying at one of the most highly ranked travel lodges or villas in Japan?
RELATED ENTRIES
-
The colorfully painted street pianos seen around Japan are set to make an appearance in Kanagawa Prefecture! Two of Yamaha’s upright LovePianos will be installed at two stations along the Hakone Ropeway from September 12 until September 25. During this time, anyone can freely play these pianos at Sounzan Station and Togendai Station. From the five distinctly designed LovePiano designs, numbers 1 and 2 will be installed for this event.
LovePiano #1
LovePiano #2
The Hakone Ropeway connects Sounzan Station and Togendai Station, a distance of about 4 kilometers, in 25 minutes. Those travelling this unique cable car line can catch glimpses of Mount Fuji and Lake Ashinoko along the journey. From March 18 until March 31, one of the LovePianos was installed at Sounzan Station to massive crowds and fanfare. Yamaha Music Japan has continued installing pianos in open spaces such as train stations, airports, and other facilities as part of the LovePiano project, which promotes activities to get the masses interested in piano playing. So far, LovePianos have popped up at over 60 locations, including Shinjuku Station, Shinagawa Station, Sapporo Station, and Osaka International Airport. LovePiano will also be installed at Odawara Sannomaru Hall and Umemaru Square in the HaRuNe Odawara underground shopping mall from September 5 until the 17th. Would you want to play one of these pianos in public?Information
LovePiano
LovePiano
LovePiano Unit 1
Hakone Ropeway, Sounzan Station, 2F cu-mo Hakone
(1300 Gora, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa)
Running: September 12 – September 25, 9:00-16:00
LovePiano Unit 2
Hakone Ropeway, Togendai Station, 1F Event Space
(164 Moto-Hakone, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa)Running: September 12 – September 25, 9:00-16:00 (September 12, 12:00-16:00)
Official Site: https://jp.yamaha.com/products/contents/pianos/lovepiano/
-
Hoshino Resorts KAI Hakone has announced a special hydrangea-themed hotel plan for Japan's rainy season which will run from June 12 to July 4.
Hydrangeas bloom before guest room benches
At KAI Hakone, there is a special guest room with an outdoor bench seating area which looks out into the green forest. Hydrangeas will bloom, providing a gorgeous backdrop as guests enjoy the sounds of the Sukumogawa River. Hydrangea accessory kit
Guests will be given an accessory kit in their rooms to make their own flower accessories from hydrangea leaves and wooden mosaics. These accessories can be fitted to yukata, used as piercings, and more to serve a Japanese summer vibe. Enjoy hydrangea sweets and shaved iced
Guests can turn their rooms into a little tearoom with the wooden mosaic plaques provided on which they can tuck into a range of hydrangea-flavoured sweets and desserts along with a cup of matcha. The shaved ice is a KAI Hakone-original made with jelly and syrup coloured purple with hydrangea. The hydrangea is perhaps the most celebrated flower in all of Hakone, arriving in early summer. It's hailed in a variety of ways, one of the most popular being the Hydrangea Train, a nickname given to the train that runs from Odawara Station to Gora Station. Passangers are treated to an incredible view out the train window as their vision is filled with vivid hydrangea flowers. This year marks the second that KAI Hakone is offering its seasonal hydrangea plan. If you're able to visit during this time, don't miss out. Information
Hoshino Resorts KAI Hakone – Hydrangea Plan
Running: June 12, 2021 – July 4, 2021
Capacity: Max 2 people
Bookings: https://kai-ryokan.jp/hakone/ (Must be made 10 days in advance)Details: https://kairyokan.jp/hakone/features/ajisai/index.html]
-
Hakone Kowakien Yunessun, a hot spring amusement park in Hakone, began teaming up with Neon Genesis Evangelion on July 1 for a series of events. The newest event to be announced is the "Evangelion Laser Trap" escape game which is set to begin on July 23. The park's cave baths are also taking on a theme inspired by the Second Impact in Evangelion with special lights and sounds.
Evangelion Laser Trap Escape
Guests must become Evangelion characters and use their knowledge, experience, and whole body to make it through the dark room and avoid the red lasers. Those who clear the room will receive an original Evangelion sticker. Second Impact Cave Baths
The cave baths will be illuminated with bright red lights inspired by the Second Impact cataclysm from Evangelion. Evangelion themed food and drinks will be served at the event, and fans can get their hands on exclusive merchandise. Information
Evangelion Laser Trap Escape
Running: July 23, 2020 – August 23, 2020
Location: Hakone Kowakien YunessunOpening Hours: 09:00-19:00 (Last Entries 18:00
Entry Fee: General ¥2,500 / Children (3-12 Years) ¥1,400Participation Fee: ¥500 per person
Second Impact Baths
Running: January 10, 2020 – September 30, 2020
Location: Hakone Kowakien Yunessun
Opening Hours: 09:00-19:00 (Last Entries 18:00
Entry Fee: General ¥2,500 / Children (3-12 Years) ¥1,400Participation Fee: Free
Official Website: https://eva-hakone.com/
-
May is the most colourful time of the year at Hotel de Yama near Lake Ashi in Hakone, when a total of 3,000 rhododendronsーcomprised of 30 different typesーbloom their beautiful flowers in the large Tsutsuji Garden, where one can enjoy a great view of Mount Fuji and Lake Ashi.
Tsutsuji Garden at Hotel de Yama
“Tsutsuji” is the Japanese word for rhododendron. The Tsutsuji Garden at Hotel de Yama was once the villa of Koyata Iwasaki, “the fourth and last president of a unified Mitsubishi.” During that time, numerous varieties of rhododendrons were planted in the garden, which have since been maintained. There are plants amongst them that are over 100-years-old, ones that tower over the human stature, and more; with petals that bloom pink, red, purple, and white. A combined view of the kaleidoscopic rhododendrons and Mount Fuji
The staff who are experts on the garden have set up two photo frame stands in two of the best spots in the garden for taking picturesque photos. Snap some Instagrammable and memories with the colourful rhododendrons and Mount Fuji together. Rhododendron Desserts: Saison a colorier - ¥1,634 / Tea Set - ¥2,360 (Before Tax)
Salon de thé Rosage, the dessert restaurant that sits in front of the hotel, is serving up a new special dessert called “Saison a colorier” in line with the full bloom of the rhododendrons. It captures the colourful pink, red, white, and purple appearance of the flowers, and looks like a mini version of the hotel’s garden on your plate. The main part of the dessert is the tea mousse, which has a bright red colour as it is coated beautifully in a strawberry puree nappage. The tea used in the mouse is an original rhododendron blend exclusive to the restaurant. The white rhododendron dessert is a macaron that’s filled with raspberry sorbet. The red which contrasts with the white is a rhododendron milk tea cream and fresh raspberries. The rest of the plate is adorned with pink jelly and edible flowers. The perfect afternoon tea to finish off your time at Tsutsuji Garden.Information
Hotel de Yama / Salon de thé Rosage
Address: 80 Motohakone, Hakone, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa
Official Website: https://www.hakone-hoteldeyama.jp/en/ -
If you're looking for a unique onsen experience in Japan then spa resort Hakone Kowakien YUNESSUN is for you. From Japanese sake to coffee, there are a range of unique baths for you to enjoy a soak in. The resort is also home to a number of water attractions for those looking for a splash of fun. From January 10 to June 30, 2020 the resort will be doubling up the excitement by collaborating with Evangelion. The upcoming Second Impact no Yu event provides a chance for Evangelion fans to discover the exciting world of Evangelion while soaking up the spa goodness.
The Second Impact no Yu event is being held in cooperation with the Evangelion Hakone 2020 MEET EVANGELION IN HAKONE project run by the Odakyu Group. As the first step of this project, the Evangelion series' global catastrophe "Second Impact" will be invading the swimsuit area of the Yunessun spa. If you're looking to plunge straight into some thrilling action, make sure to head to the cave bath and water slide. From the inside to the outside, the resort has been completely invaded by Evangelion-themed decoration. More details on the collaboration event contents will be released on the resort's official website so make sure to check it out if you are interested. Information
Second Impact no Yu
Running: January 10 – March 31, 2020
Location: Yunessun Swimsuit Onsen Outside Area
Opening Days and Times:
Weekdays:10:00 – 18:00
Weekends and National Holidays: 9:00 – 19:00 (Last Entry: 1 hour before closing time).
Prices:
Adults: ¥2,500, Children (3 y/o – Primary School-Aged): ¥1,400 (Tax Included)
* You must be over 110cm tall to enter Rodeo Mountain.
Resort Evangelion Decorations
Running: January 10 – June 30, 2020
Location: Hakone Kowakien Yunessun
Opening Hours:
Weekdays: 10:00 – 18:00
Weekends and National Holidays: 9:00 – 19:00 (Last Entry: 1 hour before closing time)
Hakone Kowakien Yunessun
Address: 1297 Ninotaira, Hakone, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa
Collaboration Website: https://eva-hakone.com/
-
ONSEN GUEST HOUSE TSUTAYA is a new hot spring and guest house facility set to open in the town of Sokokura in Hakone on November 26. The building is being renovated from an old guest house that has enjoyed a long history of hot springs since the Edo period.
Sokura Onsen is about a 90 minute car drive from the city centre and is considered one of Hakone's "7 Hot Springs," a list that has been around since the Edo period. The place is said to have been used and loved by many military commanders back in the day for the high water yield gifted by the water source. When the building was first constructed it was known as "Tsutaya Ryokan" and became a famous guest house with not only locals but travellers who would arrive all the way from Tokyo. ONSEN GUEST HOUSE TSUTAYA combines history of both Sokura Onsen and Tsutaya Ryokan. The renovated building was built 29 years ago. Though it has been revamped, it still maintains a nostalgic air to it in the style of a traditional guest house. It's home to 6 spacious ryokan-type rooms and 46 compact rooms. There is a space where one can gaze at the river after taking a dip in the hot springs, as well as a lounge with tables which encourages you to socialise with people you have just met. There are male and female open-air baths and indoor baths as well as a cooking space and laundry service for those looking to stay longer. The facility offers a retro environment in which each guest can relax and enjoy their own time as they please. Throughout the guest house is original old-fashioned furniture that has been upcycled, including kotatsu tables and shelves, to give that sense of traditional Japanese culture. This has been combined with contemporary art to create a fusion of the old and new. It is a harmonious combination of a traditional Japanese hot spring ryokan, or inn, and a guest house, which means travellers from abroad will be able to enjoy the beauty of the country's traditional culture. Escape the noisy city and enjoy peace and tranquillity surrounded in the colours of autumn at ONSEN GUEST HOUSE TSUTAYA Information
ONSEN GUEST HOUSE TSUTAYA (Sokokura no Yu Tsutaya Ryokan)
Address: 240-1 SokokuraHakone, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa 250-0403
Arrival: 10-minutes on foot from Miyanoshita Station or 12-minutes on foot from Kowakidani Station, both via the Hakone Tozan Line
Grand Opening: November 26, 2019 (Bookings begin in late October)Official Website: https://hakone-tsutaya.com/