Land Of The Rising Sun: Week One (classic Japan)

Dosho, KoboDaishi's own disciple, built Ekoin almost 1200 years ago. "Eko" originally means "Transference of Merit.

Staying at Ekoin temple for a night gives you the opportunity to share Buddhist Monks lifestyle and enjoy the relaxing environment of the temple, its garden and its hot spring bath, in a minimalist yet comfortable setting.

You are invited to try Syojin Ryori, the traditional Buddhist vegetarian cuisine, in your room, facing the garden. You may also participate in a meditation class in the afternoon, learn Buddha Sutra writing, join the morning ceremony honoring the ancestors or the Homa Fire Ritual.

This is the perfect stay for curious minds wanting to get an insight about Japanese Buddhism as well as for tired bodies craving for a peaceful and relaxing environment.

Hoshinoya Fuji is a glamping resort located on a red pine slope overlooking beautiful Lake Kawaguchi, a stone's throw away from Mt Fuji.

The minimalistic design of the cabins accentuate the majestic views on the lake and the iconic volcano.

Outside, a series of wooden platforms appear to float among the natural landscape like clouds. Guests are encouraged to spend time among the immense, pristine trees, relishing a Japanese whisky, chatting around a campfire or relishing a delicious meal prepared with local ingredients found in the wild.

Vintage elegance in the hip heart of Tokyo - An air of golden-age glamour hangs over The Tokyo Station Hotel. This domed, red-hued building has been part of the city skyline for over 100 years. Today, the hotel blends Omotenashi – the time-honored spirit of Japanese hospitality – with 21st century luxury. And with no less than ten eateries on-site, it promises an indulgent escape.

Step inside and you’ll find vaulted ceilings, polished floors and preserved period features. In the airy atrium you can have breakfast beneath the skylight, or unwind in the contemporary spa. Then head to one of the bars to sip cocktails on rich, leather chairs before an evening of fine dining.

From your palace side rooms you’ll have wonderful views of Tokyo, and when it’s time to get out and about you’ll find yourself right in the center of the city. You could stroll through the Imperial Palace Gardens, explore the historical station beside the hotel or spend an afternoon in the luxury boutiques of Ginza – Tokyo’s designer shopping district.

Although being right in the center of Kyoto with convenient access to town, Villa Sanjo Muromachi Kyoto is situated in an area where the sounds of life - unchanged since olden times - can be heard. This compact luxury hotel features only 12 rooms. The ideal place to feel home and go along with the leisurely pace of the ancient capital. Tradition and innovation are vividly present in the villa. The attention to details and the hospitality of the staff create the perfect environment to relax after long days of visits.

The luxury they boast is not limited to being sumptuous. they have prepared the guestrooms with a main focus placed on producing the compactness of having what is required in good, required quantities – on delivering quality that is substantial and fine-tuned.

An alley wet from water sprinkled for coolness and a soft light escaping through openings of a latticed door are two of the many features of this property.

Taketoritei is regularly cited as one of the best Ryokans in Japan. A Ryokan is a traditional Japanese Inn that features tatami matted rooms and are located mainly in hot springs areas of the country. Taketoritei is located in Arima Onsen, the oldest Onsen (hot springs) town in Japan, founded 1300 years ago and a timeless relaxing place for emperors, nobles and samurais.

The modern Japanese resort host two kinds of hot springs: the Silver one (Radium hot spring) and the Golden one (high temperature, containing high level of iron and salt). Soaking in these baths before savoring Kaiseki (Japanese Haute cuisine) dinner is the quintessential Japanese experience!