A Cultural Discovery of South Korea and Japan

Overview

In Seoul’s exclusive Gangnam District, the Park Hyatt’s towering glass structure encloses a thoroughly modern and understatedly elegant city hotel. It has an unmistakably Korean soul, littered as it is with select Korean antiques and works by local artists.

There are a grand total of 185 guestrooms including 38 suites, the generous space maximised by the floor to ceiling windows and incredible city views in every room. Bathrooms don’t scrimp on size either with deep soaking baths and a rain shower.

A particular highlight of the hotel is the 24th floor infinity pool with expansive vistas best at sunset. There’s also a modern fitness studio and spa.

The Park Hyatt Seoul has three dining options; Cornerstone, an open kitchen restaurant specializing in grilled meats and seafood prepared in wood-burning ovens, the 24th floor Lounge’s Korean dishes and light snacks, and the Timber House, with its three bars (Sake/Soju/Sushi, Whisky and Cocktails) and exquisite Japanese cuisine.

Overview

Located in the heart of Seoul, the Four Seasons is a luxury five-star hotel perfectly positioned to allow guests to soak up the energy of this vibrant city.

The hotel decor is a mix of old and new. Its 317 rooms and suites combine classic Korean motifs with a clean, modern aesthetic. Floor-to-ceiling windows ensure rooms are filled with natual light, and offer incredible views out over the city towards the mountains in the distance.

Eating and drinking at the hotel is a real treat, with seven restaurants and bars to choose from. Enjoy sushi and Japanese sharing plates at  Kioku, Italian cuisine served straight from the open kitchen of Boccalino, Korean favourites at Maru, or Cantonese at the Michelin-starred Yu Yuan.

Indulge in a treatment in the spa, unwind in the Korean sauna, work out in the gym or take a dip in the indoor swimming pool. There is also a golf simulator where five 3D screens display courses from around the world and state-of-the-art technology means you can analyse swing and posture without having to step foot outside.

Overview

Opposite the Imperial Palace gardens, bordered by a serene moat, the Palace Hotel Tokyo offers one of the best city views of any hotel here.

278 rooms and 12 suites take inspiration from the neighbouring gardens, with leafy carpet motifs, earthy tones and contemporary lines. Floor to ceiling windows, some with private balconies, make the most of the surrounding panorama.

The brand of luxury is innate but restrained, a modern take and tribute to omotenashi – Japanese hospitality. There are ten restaurants and bars here, with something for everyone, whether it’s French fine dining at Crown, authentic Japanese at Wadakura or refined Chinese at Amber Palace. Bars include the brooding Royal Bar, chic Lounge Bar Prive and the exclusive Club Lounge.

Also on site is an Evian spa for a range of French savoir-faire and Asian wellness therapies after a day out in the city.

Overview

After a smooth and speedy trip on the world-famous bullet train, you’ll find yourself at the elegant Shangri-La Tokyo, a haven of refinement set amid the relentlessly buzz of Tokyo, just opposite Tokyo Station.

With some of the largest rooms in the capital, the Shangri-La is a calming, sleek retreat from the 24-hour energy of Tokyo. There’s one lobby bar and two restaurants, including the Japanese restaurant Nadaman, located on the level 29, where you can sample Chef Takehiro Yoshida’s sautéed eggplant wrapped in thin slices of Wagyu beef.

The palette of dark wood, chocolate brown and burnt orange is complimented by low, amber lighting, exuding a sense of elegance and sophistication. Many of the spacious rooms have views across Tokyo, a scene that is best viewed at night.

That’s ideal, because you’ll be spending your days out and about exploring the endless fascinations of Tokyo. Within walking distance of the hotel, you’ll find the Ginza shopping district and the Imperial Palace in its park surroundings, and a 20-minute train ride will deliver you to the Buddhist Asakusa Senso-ji Temple, Tokyo’s oldest temple.

Overview

Embracing the minimalism of traditional Japanese architecture, Aman is a stylish, bespoke hotel that will offer you an array of amenities and easy accessibility to the city’s sights.

Each of the 84 guest rooms and suites have unique layouts with uncompromising city views and every contemporary convenience. You’ll find the design inspiration evident throughout the hotel, from traditional Japanese residential structures to the use of classical materials such as camphor wood, washi paper and stone alongside modern luxurious fabrics. The hotel also offers an exquisite dining experience in their elegant mediterranean fine dining restaurant on the 33rd floor with views of the Imperial Palace Gardens and Mount Fuji.

Take a dip in the infinity pool on the 34th floor, high above the hustle and bustle of the city or head to the spa to relax after a long day of exploring the city. You’ll also enjoy Ginza, the upmarket shopping area just a pleasant 15 minute walk away.

Overview

Nestled in the heart of the central business district of Marunouchi, the Four Seasons Tokyo is a luxurious bolthole from which to explore this exciting and vibrant capital.

57 rooms and suites and bright and spacious and feature contemporary design and slick modern furnishings. Floor-to-ceiling windows flood the room with light and offers views out across the city skyline.

The hotel restaurant, Motif, serves French-inspired cuisine and adopts a ‘farm to table’ concept to offer exceptional freshness and quality. If it’s light
bites you’re after then you can enjoy tapas, a sumptuous afternoon tea or cocktails and nibbles at the bar.

When you’re not out sightseeing, relax and unwind at the spa which features jet showers, a sauna and a traditional onsen hot spring bath. There is also a fitness centre.

Overview

Built of amber Namibian granite, The Peninsula Tokyo is a construction of sheer opulence occupying a covetable position opposite the Imperial palace and Hibiya Park in the business district of Marunouchi. The hotels offers you commanding city views, elegant design, luxurious comfort, sophisticated facilities and extraordinary dining.

With 314 spacious guest rooms, this hotel is as large as it is luxurious. Designed by the renowned interior designer Yukio Hashimoto, the hotel intertwines rich earth tones, woods, stone and lacquers with modern design and functionality to create a stunning luxurious living environment. Customise your space with the use of the bedside panels allowing you to tweak the room’s ambience from the comfort of your bed.

Taste the delicious European Cuisine at Peter with stunning views from the hotel’s 24th floor over the Imperial Palace, or visit the Hei Fung Terrace for a sophisticated Cantonese dining experience. Make sure you don’t miss out on the sensational Japanese cuisine at Kyoto Tsuruya where you can watch the skilled chefs prepare Japan’s oldest and most loved culinary delights.

Overview

Relax in contemporary luxury at the Mandarin Oriental. Located in the heart of Tokyo, this hotel offers serenity above a ever-growing metropolis.

When you arrive in the 38th floor lobby, you’ll find yourself stunned by the dramatic views over the city’s skyline. The 157 guest rooms and 21 suites are heavily inspired by the Japanese aesthetic, blending futuristic luxury with a typical Japanese understanding of sense of space, aesthetically capturing the country’s rich culture within the modern luxury that Mandarin Oriental are renowned for.

Step out of your hotel and you’ll be in the middle of Tokyo’s metropolis, just a five minute walk from Ginza shopping district. After a busy day enjoying the buzz of Tokyo, relax in the Sense Tea Room or head to the Mandarin Bar and enjoy a signature cocktail by their award-winning chief bartender whilst listening to live jazz.

Overview

Unwind in the calmness of this luxury Japanese ryokan, and it wont take you long to feel like you’re immersed in tranquility. You can start your day with yoga, take part in a traditional tea ceremony and finish it the hotel’s hot springs.

Combining Japanese and western decor, the 17 guest rooms and suites are all decorated uniquely. Comprising of solely Japanese-style rooms, Western-style rooms and some of which are a hybrid between the two, this ryokan is like no other. The hotel’s architecture elegantly emphasises contrast between light, shade and neutral colours creating a peaceful atmosphere for total relaxation.

During your stay taste the phenomenal Kaiseki cuisine in the inclusive 10-course meal. With a strong cultural emphasis on fresh, local produce enjoy the exquisite flavours of this region.

Overview

This luxury ryokan is located in the small hot springs village of Yamanaka, which is untouched by time. Surrounded by thick forested hills and stunning natural beauty, find yourself immersed in rich Japanese culture whilst you unwind at this tranquil inn.

The 10 guest rooms and suites are arranged in the traditional sukiya style of a tea ceremony pavilion. The decor is discreet and elegant from the tatami walkways to the original painted screens, the luxury and exclusive ambience of this ryokan is undeniable. During your stay relax in the natural hot springs renowned for their soothing and curative properties.

The piece de resistance of this ryokan is the cuisine. During your stay you will be served in your room, feasting on the delicious true Japanese kaiseki cuisine. Taste the exquisite local ingredients you are in for a true culinary delight.

Overview

Dating back over 800 years, this ryokan is immersed in Japanese history. Relax in the hotel’s onsen which have won international acclaim.

In authentic Japanese Sukita style, the 18 luxury guest rooms face the tranquil zen-designed garden. The natural beauty of the garden is echoed in the rooms, where the traditional Japanese use of light and space is evident, from the washi-paper sliding doors and tatami-mat flooring, you’ll find yourself emerged in this rich culture.

During your stay you will dine in on an abundance of local cuisine, tasting delicacies from the nearby sea and the bountiful land that surrounds the area. Find yourself totally emerged in local culture, even down to your clothing, this will be an experience you will never forget.

Overview

Located in the heart of Kyoto, the stylish Hyatt Regency offers spacious rooms and excellent hospitality. This hotel is perfect for those looking for a relaxed atmosphere whilst exploring the rich culture of Kyoto.

Each of the elegant 189 guest rooms and suites are decorated in light neutral tones combining the aesthetics that Japan is famed for with the style and comfort of western living. During your stay marvel in the culinary excellence offered by the Hyatt, from authentic Italian cuisine to a French grill to flavourful Japanese dishes, there is something for everyone at this luxury hotel.

Explore the wonders of Kyoto, with countless temples and shrines and other historical structures, marvel in this city’s fascinating culture. After a busy day of exploring why not visit the hotel’s spa for a relaxing massage or visit The Touzan Bar to taste the hotel’s boutique sake collection.

Overview

Set along a river in the beautiful Arashiyama countryside within the grounds of the Tenryu-ji temple, Suiran is composed of two 100 year-old buildings which have been carefully renovated to meet the high standards of a luxury resort.

With just 39 rooms, the Suiran offers guests a personal experience at a traditional Japanese hotel. Interiors have been designed in culturally significant hues and traditional motifs and there’s a lounge, restaurant, fitness centre and spa to enjoy.

Poised in western Kyoto’s scenic Ukyo-ku, 30 minutes drive or so away from the city centre, the hotel is a perfect retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city and an ideal location for cherry blossom and autumn leaves viewing.

Overview

Traditional Japanese aesthetics can be found throughout the luxury Four Seasons in the centre of historic Kyoto. Lanterns brighten interiors filled with artisanal furnishing and sleek hardwood floors while fusuma screens and urushi lacquerware create an engaging cultural experience.

The guest rooms enjoy balconies with incredible views overlooking the fascinating cityscape, Shakusuien Pond Garden or the distant Higashiyama Mountains. Upon imperial purple carpets, a custom Four Seasons bed waits after freshening up in a private rain shower oasis. The suites contain spacious living areas with sofas, coffee tables and marble-topped desks, natural light streaming in through floor-to-ceiling windows. Special touches such as shoji paper lamps and tatami-inspired wall panels contributes to a rich and contemporary residence.

Savouring views of the beautiful 12^th-century Myoho-in Temple, the Presidential Suite consists of Asa-no-ha hexagonal patterns and an approach to artisanal décor that authentically and intimately captures the essence of Japan.

The Four Seasons has two restaurants. Brasserie boasts a relaxed atmosphere and a simple yet delicious menu. Locally-sourced ingredients combined with modern cooking techniques contribute to seasonal dishes throughout the day and into the evening.

Sushi Wakon operates under the skilled hand of Michelin-starred Chef Rei Masuda, preparing a fine-dining extravaganza at the 200-year-old, 10-seat Hinoki counter.

Drink tea while relaxing beside the 800-year-old pond garden, taking in the true essence and mystery of the Land of the Rising Sun. Additionally, the Spa is a haven of healing, restoring your mind and body to a state of blissful serenity.

Overview

The Ritz Carlton Tokyo occupies the top nine floors and the first three levels of the 53-storey Midtown Tower in the heart of the capital. It offers incredible views out over the skyline and towards Mount Fuji, and it is a great base from which to explore this vibrant and exciting city.

There are 245 spacious and elegant rooms, many of which offer wonderful views out over Tokyo. Guests are spoiled for choice when it comes to dining, with modern French and
traditional Japanese on offer, as well as grilled seafood and meat at Towers restaurant. There is also a cafe and deli, lobby lounge and a bar on the 45th floor, which offers one of the best views of the city.

One flight higher, on the 46th floor, is the Ritz Carlton’s spa, with indoor lap pool, dry sauna, steam sauna, treatment rooms and fitness studio.