Asaba
Hotel and restaurant in a village
It is said that Kobo Daishi, the founder of Japanese Buddhism, bathed each morning in the river Katsura and emerged with his mind and body purified. A few minutes from the river, hotel Asaba submerges you in the Japan of legends where Zen takes over your five senses. After a game of golf in picturesque surroundings, leave your kimono behind to enjoy the pleasures of an open-air bath filled with spring water. The restaurant serves traditional dishes and shall delight you with its sweet and savoury combinations. While resting in the lounge in a chair by the famous Italian-American designer Harry Bertoia, , relax and philosophise on the fragrances of nature. ...Read more
Japan, Shizuoka-Ken

Restaurant Hôtel de Mikuni
Restaurant of a Grand Chef Relais & Châteaux in town
Kiyomi Mikuni, the maestro in the art of adding a Japanese flourish to French cuisine, has one of the most sought-after restaurants in Tokyo. Thyme, rosemary and chervil are skilfully paired with maitake (a fragrant mushroom) and kaiware (a local herb). The best of both cultures is showcased in daring creations like his pan-fried langoustines from Odawara and carrot cube fricassee in vermilion butter essence. In honour of his “masters”, Kiyomi Mikuni’s menu also features Paul Bocuse’s truffle soup and Alain Chapel’s lobster salad and chicken liver gateau in a crayfish butter sauce. ...Read more
Japan, Tokyo

Gôra Kadan
Hotel and restaurant in the mountains
The gentle swoosh of a sliding wall made of rice paper. The fragrance of fl ower incense. The taste of traditional Kaiseki cuisine. The touch of silk... A stay in Gôra Kadan, a former holiday retreat for the imperial family in the National Park Hakone, Kanin-no-miya, is an invitation to bring your five senses to life by submerging yourself in Japan’s most ancient way of life. In these calm and pleasurable settings, located in an area of springs heated by volcanic sources, you may move from your suite with its minimalist design, to a swimming pool or spa and beauty care experts while wearing a Yukata cotton kimono. Treat yourself to a well earned retreat in the natural beauty of Hakone National Park. ...Read more
Japan, Hakone

Restaurant Sant Pau
Restaurant of a Grand Chef Relais & Châteaux in town
After Catalan nights comes the Land of the Rising Sun! It is in the busy, almost Latin quarter of Nihonbashi that the Japanese version of the highly reputed Sant Pau restaurant has opened its doors. The people of Tokyo can’t get enough of the fabulous world of modern Catalan cuisine, between pink prawns’ tails with textured artichokes and Iberian pork fillet served with a chestnut gateau. Subtle and personal creations which elevate cooking into an art form. ...Read more
Japan, Tokyo