Major real estate developer Mitsui Fudosan and Mitsui Fudosan Hotel Management will open “sequence SUIDOBASHI,” the third branch of their “sequence” hotel chain, in Chiyoda, Tokyo, on November 25, 2020.

A convenient stay in Tokyo

sequence SUIDOBASHI is just a 1-minute walk from Suidōbashi Station’s JR Line and a 6-minute walk from its Toei Subway-Mita Line. Its convenient location puts it near the Tokyo Dome City entertainment complex where you can enjoy sports events, concerts, an amusement park, and more. It also means easy access to other places like Akihabara, Kagurazaka, and Otemachi.

Suidobashi is home to many office buildings, and so to blend in with its environment, sequence SUIDOBASHI features monotone colouring with chic and sophisticated design.

An easy check-in with facial recognition technology

At the hotel entrance is the facial recognition check-in counter. Guests use an app to register in advance and can use facial recognition or a QR code to self check-in easily. The hotel lobby also has a counter table and DJ booth as well as a cafe counter.

One checked-in, guests can enter the hotel to find their rooms or other facilities throughout the building. sequence SUIDOBASHI is the second branch to incorporate facial recognition, which lets the hotel do everything for you from checking-in to entering your room, following sequence KYOTO GOJO. The hotel chain is also the first in Tokyo to incorporate it.

The concept of “MOMENT”

The hotel is built around the concept of a moment, offering a range of spaces for guests to enjoy different moments like the theatre and the lounge, all of which can be experienced with proper COVID-19 precautionary measures in place.

Bar and dining at KANPAI TERRACE

The hotel’s bar and dining restaurant KANPAI TERRACE has a spacious open terrace where guests can enjoy a selection of sandwiches, French toast, mains and sides for breakfast and lunch. During bar time, pick from a range of alcohols and pair them with various Japanese, Western, and Chinese foods.

SHUNKAN LOUNGE

Up on the 2nd floor is the guest-only “SHUNKAN LOUNGE,” a 40m² mini theatres with an enormous 120-inch screen where guests can enjoy sports, entertainment, and more. They can also take food and drink they bought from KANPAI TERRACE in there.

SHUNKAN LOUNGE also has its own art gallery showcasing art themed on the concept of “MOMENT” from young, up-and-coming artists.

Guest Rooms

There are eight types of rooms to choose from, all of which can accommodate 2+ people. Rooms are compact and functional whether it be for guests’ morning routines or for desk work. The hotel has selected black as the base colour for the backstage area while the bed area uses white which softly illuminates with the light to create a chic contrast in the room design. There are also speckles of orange throughout the room which is the brand’s colour and adds accent to the overall design.

Floors 3-6 and 12 feature bunk bed rooms perfect for friends and families travelling together. The rooms are compact with everything guests need in there including the washrooms with showers and toilets. There’s also a concept room called “Bunk Bed 4 LIVE” which features a projector and BOSE speakers for guests looking for more of a party room.

If you’re looking for a place to stay in Tokyo, why not check out the “next-generation” lifestyle hotel sequence SUIDOBASHI?

Marriott International has announced that W Osaka will have its grand opening on March 16, 2021. Room bookings opened via the hotel's official website on Wednesday (November 18).

W Osaka is a luxury lifestyle hotel that will open along Midosuji, the primary main street in central Osaka, positioning it within walking distance of Shinsaibashi which is home to world-leading luxury brand stores, Dotonbori which hails as one of the main tourist spots in Osaka where one can find an unending selection of restaurants and places for a great night out, and Minamisenba where you can find Osaka-based designer stores, coffee shops, and more. It's also conveniently situated near the business district of Honmachi.

The Hotel’s Theme: A fun place for Osaka’s merchants

The hotel’s design was overseen by Osaka-born international architect Tadao Ando. The 32- storey building is coloured a simple yet stylish black and is based around crystals.

The interior design was carried out by Concrete Architectural Associates from the Netherlands who have recreated the image of Osaka’s city lights with dazzling neon lights. Under the rule of the Tokugawa shogunate during the Edo period, extravagance was banned, but that was well over a century ago, so it is of course permitted now. But while W Osaka incorporates flashy design, its interior isn’t overly-sophisticated and maintains an air of light-hearted fun to it.

A single button caters to whatever, whenever when it comes to guests

The 337 guest rooms boast beautiful vivid colours and contemporary designs that are sure to leave an impression. Washrooms are spacious and are equipped with rainfall showers. The rooms’; windows also stand from the floor to the ceiling, allowing for a perfect view of Osaka’s beautiful streets. Best of all, all room telephones are fitted with a “Whatever/Whenever” button on them which enables hotel staff to cater to guests’ needs and wishes at all times no matter what it is.

A Michelin-star chef’s menu

In the lobby, guests will see a mic on a mic stand which is a nod to Osaka’s famous manzai culture of comedy duos. The hotel also plans to open a bar area. For now, however, guests can enjoy the all-dining restaurant which boasts a menu supervised by a Michelin-star-winning chef who has also ranked in Asia’s Best Restaurants 50. In the future, W Osaka plans to be host to unique wedding ceremonies too.

If you’e planning a trip to Osaka next year, be sure to check out W Osaka, opening March 16, 2021.

Hoshino Resorts Tomamu, Hokkaido’s top snow resort where you can stay, has announced that this year’s Ice Village will open from December 10, 2020 to March 14, 2021.

Ice Village opens up at Tomamu in wintertime only and has done so every year since 1998. It boasts 3.2 hectares of land and houses 10 enormous igloos to create a little village of ice. At its lowest, the temperature there can drop to -30°C which is what works the magic behind the Ice Village.

Many events around Hokkaido have been cancelled this year as a result of the pandemic, and so Tomamu has decided to remain open to both guests and non-guests while operating under strict countermeasures against COVID-19. This way, people can still enjoy the wonderful winter season of Hokkaido. This year sees the opening of the Ice Milk Cafe and Ice Fruit shop in the Ice Village where they can order a variety of food and drink to take out onto the Ice Terrace. There’s even the Ice Hotel and Ice Chapel.

Draw fresh milk from the Ice Milk Cafe

The one-meter tall Ice Milk Bottle lets visitors who order a glass of Ice Milk at the Milk Cafe draw fresh Tomamu Milk which has a distinctly deep flavour during winter. You can also mix the milk on an ice sheet to create gelato.

Ice Milk Cafe

Opening Hours: 17:00-22:00 (Last Orders 21:30)

Enjoy chilled fruits at the Ice Fruit Shop

Visitors can enjoy a range of whole frozen fruits that have been shaved into smaller pieces as well as frozen fruit beverages. They also serve fruits on skewers you can pick which fruit combinations you like to enjoy out on the Ice Terrace.

Ice Fruit Shop
Opening Hours: 17:00-22:00 (Last Orders 21:30)

Enter a magical frozen world at the Ice Terrace

Once you’ve ordered your takeout drink or dessert, you can go out onto the terrace to sit at the tables and chairs, which are also made of ice, and enjoy the frozen world around you, like the giant snowflakes.

Ice Terrace
Opening Hours: 17:00-22:00

Order a crisp drink at the Ice Bar

The ice bar serves over 50 different alcoholic beverages at the ice counter, with drinks like colourful cocktails served chilled in ice cubes.

Ice Bar

Opening Hours: 17:00-22:00 (Last Orders 21:45)

Dogs are allowed at the Ice Hotel

Everything at the Ice Hotel, from the ceiling to the walls, is made from ice. It’s available to one group per day and has its own ice bath and hot springs. Dogs are also allowed and get their own pup igloo.

Running: January 18, 2021 – February 28, 2020
*Reservations required 7 days in advance

The Ice Chapel made entirely of ice

A chapel made entirely of ice which represents “the unbreakable love between two pure souls which shall last forever.” From the altar and crucifix, to the wedding aisle and benches, everything is made of ice and snow. Firework displays will take place to congratulate newly-wed couples.

Running: January 18, 2020 – February 14, 2020

Visiting Times: 17:45 / 19:45 / 21:45 (10 minutes each)
Ceremony Times: 14:00 / 17:00 / 19:00 / 21:00

Crafts at the Ice Atelier and shopping at the Ice General Store

Visitors can craft things made from ice at the Ice Atelier as well as buy a selection of ice and snow-themed items like crafts, accessories, mugs, and more at the shop.

Ice Atelier / Ice General Shop
Opening Hours: 17:00-22:00

Kids and adults can have fun at the Ice Slide and Ice Rink

The Ice Slide is the most popular part of the Ice Village where kids and adults alike can slide down and overlook the bustling village. Right next to the slide is the Ice Rink, another bustling spot popular with visitors.

Ice Slide Opening Hours: 17:00-22:00
Ice Rink Opening Hours: 17:00-21:45 (Last Entries 21:30)

Solare Hotels & Resorts has announced that the new Hotel & Rooms Kyoto Shichijo will open in Spring 2021. It will be located just a 7-minute walk from the JR side of Kyoto Station’s Central Exit, making it a convenient hub for tourists looking to sightsee in the city.

The casual yet stylish hotel caters to couples, families, and groups travelling together.

“Verical Garden” in the Elevator Hall

Enjoy the open central garden at the hotel cafe

The hotel takes advantage of the building’s old Kyoto-style townhouse design and incorporates a contemporary feel to its interior. The décor is a merging of traditional and contemporary Japan. Guest rooms are centred on groups 2-3 people with double and twin rooms available, allowing for comfort and relaxation.

Spacious washroom with wooden décor

A traditional and modern fusion of stylish mirrors and warm wood

The washrooms offer a relaxing respite from the day’s travels, incorporating the beauty of traditional Kyoto with the modern. The hotel also has its own cafe on the first floor which serves breakfast and lunch and even turns into a bar in the evenings. It’s open to both guests and non-guests to serve as a hub for travellers and locals to enjoy the fruits of Kyoto together.

If you’re planning a trip to Kyoto next spring or beyond, be sure to check out

Japanese art collective teamLab opened its teamLab: Rinkan Spa & Tea Ceremony, Ruins and Remains series of artworks at Mifuneyama Rakuen in Kyushu as permanent exhibitions on November 10. The artworks can be enjoyed as part of a set which includes enjoying the exhibits as well as a soak in Mifuneyama Rakuen Hotel’s sauna and a complimentary cup of Japanese tea.

Rakan no Yu, a sauna located at Mifuneyama Rakuen Hotel, won the Saunachelin Grand Prix two years in a row in 2019 and 2020. The sauna and open-air baths enjoy natural water from Mt. Mifune and are surrounded by the vast nature of the local area.

A sauna and new art experience fusion

Sitting on the borderline of Mifuneyama Rakuen Park is the 3,000-year-old sacred Okusu tree of Takeo Shrine, which is Japan’s 7th largest. Also in the heart of the garden is another 300-year-old sacred tree. Knowing the significance of this, Japan’s forebears turned a portion of this forest into a garden, utilizing the trees of the natural forest. The border between the garden and the wild forest is ambiguous, and when wandering through the garden, before they know it, people will find themselves entering the woods and animal trails.

Visitors can get their hands on a combo ticket which includes access to teamLab’s exhibition as well as daytime entry to the sauna. These are limited to 40 people per day.

Below are some of the artworks that visitors can experience.

Megaliths in the Bath House Ruins
teamLab, 2019, Interactive Digital Installation

Graffiti Nature – Living in the Ruins of a Bathhouse, Red List
teamLab, 2017-, Interactive Digital Installation, Sound: Hideaki Takahashi

Butterflies Dancing in the Depths of the Underground Ruins, Transcending Space
teamLab, 2019, Digital Installation, Sound: Hideaki Takahashi

Forest and Spiral of Resonating Lamps in the Forest – One Stroke, Autumn Mountain
teamLab, 2018, Interactive Installation, Murano Glass, LED, Endless, Sound: Hideaki Takahashi

Japanese real estate company Cosmos Initia teamed up with The Pokémon Company last year to offer Pokémon themed hotel rooms at two branches of APARTMENT HOTEL MIMARU in Tokyo and Kyoto. The rooms have received high praise from guests, and so they have decided to offer the rooms in two more branches.

The new rooms will open at MIMARU TOKYO Ginza EAST on December 1, 2020 and MIMARU Osaka Nanba NORTH on January 14, 2021. Room bookings opened at both hotels on Friday (November 13).

Each part of the Pokémon Rooms are decorated in all things instantly-recognisable to fans of the franchise including in both the dining and bedroom spaces.

Guest kitchens also come with a batch of original plates and mugs to make their Pokémon stay even more fun. Rooms also come with various themed novelties such as a small bag, welcome card, and hand towel.

Fans of Pokémon planning a trip to Tokyo or Osaka will definitely want to check out APARTMENT HOTEL MIMARU.

©2020 Pokémon. ©1995-2020 Nintendo / Creatures Inc. / GAME FREAK inc.

Pokémon, ポケットモンスター, and ポケモン are registered trademarks of Nintendo, Creatures Inc., and GAME FREAK inc.

Online travel website Booking.com has revealed its 5 must-visit and places in Japan for seeing the autumn colours, all of which can be enjoyed safely with the necessary social distancing measures in place.

According to a survey carried out by Booking.com, when asked what the next desired travel destination is, 37% of users in Japan responded that they wanted to plan a sightseeing trip outdoors in nature. With the autumn leaves still ripe in Japan and the winter spectacle on the horizon, the website has compiled a list of recommended destinations.

Sanga Nikko in Nikko, Tochigi

If kicking back and relaxing is your thing, but you still want to keep active then Sanga Nikko is a place to consider. Mid November is the peak of the autumn season when all the trees are dyed reds and yellows. There, friends and families can stay in a villa all of which avoid the three C’s: closed spaces, crowded places, and close-contact. The owner is an advocate of the outdoors and so guests can rent bicycles there to feel the breeze on their faces while lost in nature. (User Rating: 9.3/10)

Rakuyu in Fujikawaguchiko, Yamanashi

Rakuyu is a hotel where guests can relax in luxury while embedded in the expanse of the outdoors. It sits high on Lake Kawaguchi, and all rooms offer a breathtaking panoramic view of the lake. There are open-air baths and rentable private baths where guests can enjoy the view, one which is gorgeous to behold even from the hotel lobby. If you book through Booking.com there’s a meal plan which offers Japanese-style food made with seasonal ingredients. (User Rating: 9.0/10)

Jeugiya Inn in Higashiyama, Kyoto

Those looking for an authentic Japanese experience that also incorporates autumn should check out Jeugiya Inn. Nobel Prize-winning Japanese novelist Yasunari Kawabata stayed at this inn and likened it to a Kyoto-style home. Its favourable location also puts it within 5-minutes walking distance of many Kyoto sightseeing spots such as Yasaka Shrine and Chion-in, as well as Gion-Shijō Station, making it easy to get to. One group can stay at the single building for one day, giving them a chance to enjoy the traditional Japanese garden. There’s a spacious bath too from which guests can enjoy nature. (User Rating: 9.9/10)

Tsukihitei in Kasuganocho, Nara

Tsukihitei is separated from the hustle and bustle of the city which is perfect for those looking for a quiet and tranquil time. It’s limited to three groups per day and is sits within Kasugayama Primeval Forest which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Guests can open the sliding doors to reveal an unbroken view of autumnal woods. Food served here is served as authentic Japanese-style kaiseki-ryori made with carefully-selected seasonal ingredients. (User Score: 9.6/10)

Sanso Tensui in Hita, Oita

If you’re talking seeing the autumn colours the popular Hita area of Kyushu then Sanso Tensui is a must-mention. There are various room types available such as the Special Rooms which are limited to three groups per day, single buildings, and more. Sanso Tensui is another place that serves up meals with abundant seasonal ingredients. After strolling around to see the red and yellow hues, guests can take a dip in the hot springs to enjoy a soak under the autumn colours.

The “GO! WAKU WAKU ADVENTURE with Pixar” project has announced its second batch of original merchandise. Let’s take a look at a sample of the line-up.

About GO! WAKU WAKU ADVENTURE with PIXAR

JR Kyushu signed a promotional license agreement with Walt Disney Japan to launch the “GO! WAKU WAKU ADVENTURE with PIXAR” project, which began on September 12, 2020, and sees select shinkansen bullet trains decorated in characters from Pixar’s animated filmography.

Original Merchandise – Batch ②

Pixar Torimon | ¥1,512 (Tax Included)

The Hakata Tormin is a popular souvenir confection in Fukuoka Prefecture. This collection features exclusive Pixar packaging.

Pixar Stainless Steel Bottle | ¥3,190 (Tax Included)

Pixar Mobile Battery | ¥4,180 (Tax Included) *Available online only

Two items which are must-haves when travelling are a drink bottle and a mobile battery. The Pixar stainless steel bottle holds 130ml and is perfect for keeping hot drinks during the autumn and winter season.

minimaginationTOWN Toy Story Woody Set | ¥2,480 (Tax Included)

minimaginationTOWN Toy Story Ducky & Bunny Set | ¥3,278 (Tax Included)

Cute Pixar plush toys riding the Pixar bullet train. There’s also Buzz and Little Green Men designs!

Pixar Arita Ware Plate (Up design) | ¥3,080 (Tax Included) *Available online only

Little Green Men Hand Towel | ¥2,816 (Tax Included) *Available online only

Two traditional Japanese items with an Arita ware plate inspired by Up as well as hand towels which are available in navy and brown.

Original Merchandise – Batch ②

Release Date: November 13, 2020
Available: Kokura Souvenir Shop, Hakata Souvenir Shop at Hakata Station’s Hakata Entrance, Hakata Souvenir Shop Dates, Hakata Souvenir Shop at Hakata Station’s Shinkansen area, Oita Souvenir Shop, Kumamoto Souvenir Shop, Nagasaki Souvenir Shop, Kagoshima Souvenir Shop, Miyazaki Souvenir Shop, and elsewhere
Online Shop: https://jrk-kyushutabi.shop/html/page2.html
*Limited in stock so available while supplies last

Instagram campaign to win more original merch

©Disney/Pixar

Prize: Embroidered Pouch With Pin

The WAKU WAKU ADVENTURE Instagram Campaign will run from November 16, 2020 to January 16, 2021 for a chance for 20 people to enter to win an embroidered pouch with a pin. All they need to do is follow the official Instagram page @wakuwakuadventure and post a photo related to the project with the Japanese hashtag #わくわくアドベンチャーキャンペーン.

©Disney/Pixar

Riviera Zushi Marina opened the new MALIBU HOTEL Kamakura Terrace inside MALIBU HOTEL, a hotel which just opened in March of this year. The hotel is now offering a special combination plan which includes a stay at MALIBU HOTEL as well as a glamping experience.

MALIBU HOTEL Kamakura Terrace offers a luxury glamping experience and more freedom when it comes to a hotel stay.

Luxury and freedom

Kamakura Terrace offers high quality and sophisticated interior design that allows guests to enjoy their stay however they like whether it be as a workation or a fancy stay to wine and dine. Guests can enjoy both a hotel and glamping experience at the same time.

The perfect workation

All sites at the facility are fitted with Wi-Fi so that guests can enjoy a workation while surrounded by 800 palm trees with a view of Mount Fuji and Enoshima in the back.

PETALS TOKYO opened on November 9, 2020 as Japan’s first ‘floating hotel’ on the Tennozu Canal in Shinagawa, Tokyo.

The Tennozu area is connected to Shinagawa-juku, a station famous for its Edo history, which has resulted in a fusion of both traditional and contemporary culture. Situated next to the water, it’s a location rich with contemporary art. It’s an easy place to reach from Haneda Airport which has granted it an increase in visitors over the years.

PETALS TOKYO is a ‘cottage-type’ hotel facility situated on the Tennozu Canal. Telephone poles have been set up underground which has given it the benefit of both being within the walking distance of Shinagawa Station and the busy city while enjoying a more natural look. Guest rooms too are loaded with amenities with naturally-derived ingredients and other environmentally-friendly aspects.

PETALS TOKYO and its four multi-coloured boats

Tennozu is a warehouse district that has transformed into an art city. From here emerges PETALS TOKYO, Japan’s first floating boat hotel. It consists of four multi-coloured hotel boats anchored beside T-LOTUS M, an event venue on the Tennozu Canal. Its name PETALS TOKYO is inspired by the imagery of lotus petals floating on the water.

Like the houseboats in Amsterdam, which was developed as a city of canals, each of the four boats has been meticulously handcrafted with its own individual design concept. The interiors are all unique and boast a premium feel. Located at a junction between the river and the sea, this canal connects Tokyo, one of the largest cities in Asia, to the world beyond the sea.

If you’re looking for a place to stay in Tokyo but don’t want to be in the hustle and bustle of the big city, then consider booking with PETALS TOKYO for a stay on the water.

Sai Sai Jaran Jaran is a featured series here on MOSHI MOSHI NIPPON from the members of the all-female band SILEN SIREN (aka Sai Sai) who visit various hot spots in Japan and experience different things, the Sai Sai way.

In Episode #10, SILENT SIREN drummer Hinanchu wanted to go and stay at a hotel in Tokyo, so she decided to take a trip to sequence MIYASHITA PARK, a new hotel inside Shibuya’s new landmark shopping complex MIYASHITA PARK which itself opened in August 2020.

The newly-reborn MIYASHITA PARK is a four-storey shopping complex with stores located on the first three floors and the top floor being home to the park. The park houses a range of exercise and sports sites like a skate park and bouldering wall as well as the green area and even a Starbucks. This park is so spacious that it’s easy to forget it’s right next to busy Shibuya Station. It has been open for three months now and is already adored by the community.

sequence MIYASHITA PARK is an 18-storey hotel that stands on the north side of MIYASHITA PARK. It can even be accessed from the complex’s fourth floor park which leads visitors to the lobby lounge. The park side of the hotel is also home to a cafe called VALLEY PARK STAND.

VALLEY PARK STAND can be used by non-guests at the hotel too and is open from morning to night time. The windows tower from the floor to the ceiling, allowing plenty of natural light into the cafe. There’s plenty of seating areas with table seats, sofas, and benches.

MIYA PITA CHICKEN SHAWARMA ¥900 | FRENCH FRIES & COCKTAIL COMBO ¥800 (Tax Included)

VALLEY PARK STAND is a cafe themed on a fictitious valley park, acting as one big park situated in the middle of bustling Shibuya. Adventuring through the valley park is best done with one of the cafe’s signature “MIYA PITA” pita sandwiches in hand.

The cafe offers a selection of coffees, pastries, and pitas for lunch and breakfast. In the evenings, customers can switch to the bar to enjoy something alcoholic. Their original craft cocktails are very popular and are made by a bartender who honed their craft while working in New York.

Hinanchu ordered the “Park & Pomegranate Bellini.” Normally hotel cocktails are small, but the ones served at VALLEY PARK STAND are much more generous.

The cafe even sell their own merchandise, from mugs to tumblers and even picnic blankets so you can have a picnic in MIYASHITA PARK if the weather calls for it!

For more information about VALLEY PARK STAND, check out our full breakdown here.

VALLEY PARK STAND
Address: sequence MIYASHITA PARK 4F, 6-20-10 Jingumae, Shibuya, Tokyo
Opening Hours: 7:30-23:00 (Last Orders 22:30)
TEL: 03-6712-5442

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/valleyparkstand/

The hotel check-in lounge can be found on fourth floor, the same as VALLEY PARK STAND. Check-in uses a new unmanned self-service system so all you need to do is follow the instructions.

Guest rooms are simple but the furniture and fixtures are of high quality. Hinanchu stayed in the 4-person “BUNK BED 4” room. Prices vary depending on the season, but it can cost less than ¥5,000 for one person to stay in a 4-person room which is a bargain!

The wide windows in guest rooms look out across MIYASHITA PARK. Depending on the hotel room you’re in, you’ll also be able to see landmarks like Tokyo Tower and Tokyo Skytree. The windows also read “Hi, TOKYO!” on them which makes for the perfect photo opportunity.

All rooms are also fitted with reading material by young authors. If you scan the QR code next to their piece, you can learn more about them and even make a donation.

Check-in is at 17:00 and check-out is 14:00 so guests can enjoy their stay leading into the early afternoon of the next day. The MIYASHITA PARK shops open at 11:00, so after checking-out, guests can go straight to shopping or lunch.

So, how did you find MIYASHITA PARK, Hinanchu?

“I’ve always lived in Tokyo, so I never imagined I’d stay in Shibuya, but you can really feel like a queen staying here! Despite it being smack bang in the middle of Tokyo, it’s right next to the park which feels good. I definitely recommend it to those who live in rural areas that want to come and play in Tokyo since places like Shibuya and Harajuku are close by. The hotel is littered with art and stylish design, so it’s not simply a stay but a creative experience too which I think will be popular with foreigners. I want to come here again on my own for a relaxing time!”

On the fifth floor of the hotel is the restaurant and bar Dōngxī Restaurant & Sakaba which offers both breakfast, and dinner. The new entertainment restaurant and bar SOAK is also opening on November 13.

If you’re thinking of staying in Tokyo or Shibuya, be sure to look up sequence MIYASHITA PARK.

Photo: Kayo Sekiguchi
Text: Sayoko Ishii

Translation: Joshua Kitosi-Isanga

UDS Ltd. opened SOKI ATAMI on Sunday (November 1), a new hot spring accommodation situated in the town of Koarashicho in Atami, Shizuoka.

The town of Koarashicho is considered the annex, as it were, to Atami. SOKI ATAMI can be reached in around 40 minutes by bullet train from Shinagawa Station. The accommodation takes into account the value of Atami’s hot spring resorts and what’s on offer there. It serves a ‘sojourn style’ of accommodation that allows you to return to yourself as you are, without any stresses, something which is enhanced thanks to being situated away from the hustle and bustle of the city in nature.

The accommodation’s name originates from the Japanese characters so (素) and ki (器), the former roughly translating to ‘origin,’ ‘source,’ or ‘foundation’ and the latter as ‘utensil’ or ‘vessel.’ Together, the words combine to make up what SOKI ATAMI prides itself on: seeking authenticity and being yourself without decorations in a space that welcomes nature, natural features, and incorporates raw materials.

Atami is one of the primary hot spring locations in Japan, prospering as a place that treats illness and injury, something which began after Tokugawa Ieyasu himself bathed there during the Edo Period. The city has since continued as a place to pass down the Japanese culture of hot spring bathing, and SOKI ATAMI cements this fact once again with its grand opening as it serves as a facility offering the nurturing of the body and soul. At the same time, it will promote local culture and cuisine.

The accommodation, surrounded by nature, offers a panoramic view of the ocean, and consists of a reception wing, guest room wing, and restaurant wing. In the ‘Village Garden,’ there are trees growing citrus fruits and a variety of plants and crops, showcasing the regional lifestyle and natural features.

Guest Rooms

There are 54 guest rooms in total ranging from 40㎡ to 65㎡ which can fit up to 4 people. Guests can enjoy the hot springs with all room types.

TONERICO:INC. is in charge of the inter design who have given it a natural feel.

In the rooms, guests will find sencha and kisetsucha tea grown in Shizuoka Prefecture as well as a Japanese confection made with mugikogashi barley flour which is said to promote longevity and sound health.

Numerous amenities are also available in all guest rooms including relaxing self-care items.

Baths

The public baths benefit from the changing seasons which changes up the bathing experience. The water is perfect for de-stressing, moisturising, and making your skin look beautiful.

There’s also a traditional steam sauna in the women’s area for detoxing and moisturising.

Tea Room

The tea room on the top floor of the accommodation offers a panoramic view of Atami Bay. Guests can enjoy watching the annual fireworks launched there throughout the year.

Menu Sample: Seasonal Yoseicha Course ¥3,000 | Wakan Gin & Tonic ¥1,200 (Before Tax)

A variety of menu choices to stabilise the mind and body will be available to order, many using local ingredients from Atami and Shizuoka Prefecture.

Food

Menu Sample: Breakfast – Seasonal Yosei Gozen | Dinner: SOKI Course, Nabe Course, Chef’s Course

In the restaurant wing is the dining room which has an open kitchen in front of guest tables where the chefs cook locally-sourced fish and vegetables among other delicious foods. and other ingredients are all sourced locally and directly.

The dining room was designed by age co.,ltd which has worked on many different ryokan and restaurants. The open and dynamic space has a high ceiling towering 4.5 meters overhead.

Garden

The garden area can be seen from the restaurant and is home to a variety of citrus fruits from the Izu Peninsula as well as seasonal vegetables and herbs. It offers beautiful scenery throughout the year .