Nov 1, 2022, 6:01 pm
Last edit by: RichardInSF
Please also see this outstanding thread in which KI-NRT has reviewed a number of luxury ryokan:
https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=2095029&referrerid=14479
And here's a link to the main thread discussing luxury hotels in Tokyo:
https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1910955&referrerid=14479
https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=2095029&referrerid=14479
And here's a link to the main thread discussing luxury hotels in Tokyo:
https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1910955&referrerid=14479
Luxury hotels of Japan (outside of Tokyo)
Jun 15, 2017, 6:42 am
#451
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Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Parts Unknown
Posts: 10,053
Jun 15, 2017, 8:46 pm
#453
Join Date: Jun 2017
Posts: 5
While doing some more research, I discovered Nest Inn Hakone Hyosekikaku (https://hyosekikaku.jp) ... it seems to be attached to the Nest Inn Hakone (which seems like a mid-range).
Hyosekikaku is brand new (opened late 2016), and each room is a detached Villa (all with baths). They look pretty epic, but there's very little information on the hotel as a whole. Just throwing it out there for others looking for luxury accommodations in Hakone that are not Gora Kadan.
Hyosekikaku is brand new (opened late 2016), and each room is a detached Villa (all with baths). They look pretty epic, but there's very little information on the hotel as a whole. Just throwing it out there for others looking for luxury accommodations in Hakone that are not Gora Kadan.
Jun 16, 2017, 2:34 am
#454
FlyerTalk Evangelist
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Location: Parts Unknown
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Jun 16, 2017, 10:11 am
#455
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: IAD/DCA
Posts: 31,797
some interesting less traditional in japan, excluding name brands
anyone heard re following ?
hiramatsu resorts >
kashikojima - 8 rooms (4 main 4 annex)
atami - 13 rooms
ryokan collection has contemporary 4 room atami kaihourou, by kengo kuma
29 room contemporary SLH resort >
5 pool villa contemporary >
setouchi-aonagi.jp/en - 7 room designed by Tadao Ando as residence
hikarinoyakata.com/eng - can be exclusive-use , designed by James Turrell
a SLH in izu includes 2 pool villas
may not confirm # 312 , above # 313
zagyosoh.com/en/?page_id=2673#2
unique/expensive Deluxe Suite A on train
cruisetrain-sevenstars.com/guest-suite/deluxe-suites/
(can combine with tenkunomori.net - 3 / 5 villas)
anyone heard re following ?
hiramatsu resorts >
kashikojima - 8 rooms (4 main 4 annex)
atami - 13 rooms
ryokan collection has contemporary 4 room atami kaihourou, by kengo kuma
29 room contemporary SLH resort >
hikarinoyakata.com/eng - can be exclusive-use , designed by James Turrell
a SLH in izu includes 2 pool villas
may not confirm # 312 , above # 313
zagyosoh.com/en/?page_id=2673#2
unique/expensive Deluxe Suite A on train
cruisetrain-sevenstars.com/guest-suite/deluxe-suites/
(can combine with tenkunomori.net - 3 / 5 villas)
Jun 25, 2017, 12:40 pm
#456
Join Date: Jun 2017
Posts: 5
Can anyone who's stayed at Gora Kadan, Beniya Mukayu and Asaba speak to their thoughts on which they feel is better? Specifically around the quality of the room and the food?
I've narrowed it down to these three for a romantic getaway but can't decide. The lower price of Mukayu is leaning me in that direction; but Asaba looks absolutely serene, and seems like it could merit the extra cost. Gora Kadan is a last choice just based on the negative trip advisor reviews.
I've narrowed it down to these three for a romantic getaway but can't decide. The lower price of Mukayu is leaning me in that direction; but Asaba looks absolutely serene, and seems like it could merit the extra cost. Gora Kadan is a last choice just based on the negative trip advisor reviews.
Last edited by ultraman982; Jun 27, 2017 at 1:45 am
Sep 12, 2017, 7:40 am
#457
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Parts Unknown
Posts: 10,053
SOURCE
Cultural experiences at RC Kyoto
Cultural experiences at RC Kyoto
The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto is now offering guests three new Japanese cultural experiences, allowing visitors to Japan’s ancient capital an opportunity to have first-hand experience of the traditions and sights that make Kyoto one of the most culturally-rich cities in the world. Kyoto is a city where artisans practice rare skills, passed down through kin over the course of centuries.
To help guests gain insight into these ancient traditions, The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto created special activities such as the “Samurai Experience,” in which participants perform a Japanese sword dance called kembu, and “Your Own Zen Garden,” in which participants learn to make their own miniature bonsai plants.
And now, due to popular demand, The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto is now expanding its range of offerings to three new immersive experiences that are now available: The Kyoto Tandem Bike Ride takes guests on a fun-filled cycling adventure around Kyoto with a friend or loved one. Tandem biking along the riverside and visiting temples is one of the most enjoyable ways to see the real Kyoto.
To help guests gain insight into these ancient traditions, The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto created special activities such as the “Samurai Experience,” in which participants perform a Japanese sword dance called kembu, and “Your Own Zen Garden,” in which participants learn to make their own miniature bonsai plants.
And now, due to popular demand, The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto is now expanding its range of offerings to three new immersive experiences that are now available: The Kyoto Tandem Bike Ride takes guests on a fun-filled cycling adventure around Kyoto with a friend or loved one. Tandem biking along the riverside and visiting temples is one of the most enjoyable ways to see the real Kyoto.
Sep 12, 2017, 7:53 am
#458
formerly htang333
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: Wi-Fi
Programs: Virtuoso, Top Ranked: Four Seasons (Top 25 Advisor), AMAN (Top 50), Rosewood, Hyatt Prive, etc.
Posts: 1,455
We just could not agree on the color of the new wallpaper we want in the bathroom.
Sep 29, 2017, 7:30 am
#460
Join Date: Mar 2006
Programs: mileage plus,advantage
Posts: 13
Four Seasons Kyoto
Stayed at Four Seasons Kyoto last October shortly after it opened. Contrary to some other reviews, we found the decor beautiful, the staff very engaging and helpful, and an incredibly amazing pool. Was an easy cab or bus trip from downtown with many sights within walking distance. Certainly ranked with Aman Tokyo.
Sep 29, 2017, 9:57 am
#461
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Here there and everywhere
Posts: 6,303
Stayed at Four Seasons Kyoto last October shortly after it opened. Contrary to some other reviews, we found the decor beautiful, the staff very engaging and helpful, and an incredibly amazing pool. Was an easy cab or bus trip from downtown with many sights within walking distance. Certainly ranked with Aman Tokyo.
Sep 29, 2017, 9:58 am
#462
Suspended
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Posts: 8,764
Sep 29, 2017, 12:49 pm
#463
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Everywhere
Programs: UA GS 3MM, NH PLT
Posts: 767
We didn't stay there, but got a tour of Suiran shortly after it opened. It's an exquisite property and only has 37 total rooms. And it's definitely not a cookie-cutter hotel - the Suiran will really give you a sense of place. It's right along the Katsura River in a very tranquil setting. It's a fine choice, IMO.
I would recommend that you get at least a Deluxe Room, as the entry-level "Moderate" rooms are pretty small. And with your SPG status, here's hoping you get a nice suite upgrade
The one knock on the property (if it matters to you) is its location. The Suiran (and Hoshinoya Kyoto, which is close by) is definitely in a quaint area of Kyoto (at the base of Arashiyama), but it's a ways away from the main tourist centers (such as Gion). RC, FS and Westin Miyako are much more centrally located. That said, Kyoto is a relatively compact city, so as long as you avoid rush hour the Suiran really isn't TOO far from anywhere.
I would recommend that you get at least a Deluxe Room, as the entry-level "Moderate" rooms are pretty small. And with your SPG status, here's hoping you get a nice suite upgrade
The one knock on the property (if it matters to you) is its location. The Suiran (and Hoshinoya Kyoto, which is close by) is definitely in a quaint area of Kyoto (at the base of Arashiyama), but it's a ways away from the main tourist centers (such as Gion). RC, FS and Westin Miyako are much more centrally located. That said, Kyoto is a relatively compact city, so as long as you avoid rush hour the Suiran really isn't TOO far from anywhere.
Sep 29, 2017, 8:03 pm
#464
Join Date: Aug 2014
Posts: 75
Wife and I stayed at the Four Seasons Kyoto last month and thought it was one of the best designed city hotels we've stayed at (up there with Portrait Firenze in Florence). The grounds of the property were first rate. We thoroughly enjoyed having drinks/eating out on the terrace next to the 800 year old pond. Food & beverage were very good (didn't eat at the Sushi restaurant as we had our fill of sushi in Tokyo). They have a teahouse which they serve champagne at during the evening. Pretty nice experience. The gym and pool facilities were great and they even had nice new balance/asic clothing/shoes for guests to use.
Service was very good but not quite up to the level we experienced at FS Tokyo. That said I highly recommend and can't imagine staying anywhere else in Kyoto.
Service was very good but not quite up to the level we experienced at FS Tokyo. That said I highly recommend and can't imagine staying anywhere else in Kyoto.
Sep 29, 2017, 9:49 pm
#465
formerly known as deathscar
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Hong Kong
Programs: Virtuoso | Four Seasons Preferred Partner | Rosewood Elite | Hyatt Prive - and more
Posts: 2,096
We didn't stay there, but got a tour of Suiran shortly after it opened. It's an exquisite property and only has 37 total rooms. And it's definitely not a cookie-cutter hotel - the Suiran will really give you a sense of place. It's right along the Katsura River in a very tranquil setting. It's a fine choice, IMO.
I would recommend that you get at least a Deluxe Room, as the entry-level "Moderate" rooms are pretty small. And with your SPG status, here's hoping you get a nice suite upgrade
The one knock on the property (if it matters to you) is its location. The Suiran (and Hoshinoya Kyoto, which is close by) is definitely in a quaint area of Kyoto (at the base of Arashiyama), but it's a ways away from the main tourist centers (such as Gion). RC, FS and Westin Miyako are much more centrally located. That said, Kyoto is a relatively compact city, so as long as you avoid rush hour the Suiran really isn't TOO far from anywhere.
I would recommend that you get at least a Deluxe Room, as the entry-level "Moderate" rooms are pretty small. And with your SPG status, here's hoping you get a nice suite upgrade
The one knock on the property (if it matters to you) is its location. The Suiran (and Hoshinoya Kyoto, which is close by) is definitely in a quaint area of Kyoto (at the base of Arashiyama), but it's a ways away from the main tourist centers (such as Gion). RC, FS and Westin Miyako are much more centrally located. That said, Kyoto is a relatively compact city, so as long as you avoid rush hour the Suiran really isn't TOO far from anywhere.
Then again I suppose short of staying somewhere like Hoshinoya Kyoto or other ryokans/onsens, you'll always have some level of cookie-cutter rooms at Four Seasons, Ritz-Carlton etc as well.