5 Nights
Musician and composer Ryuichi Sakamoto is a key figure in the world of Japanese music and cinema. Sakamoto is best known to the general public for his appearances alongside David Bowie in the Furyo films and in Bernardo Bertolucci’s The Last Emperor, for which he also composed the Oscar–winning soundtrack. This pianist by trade has created a universe ranging from electronic music to the traditional Okinawa songs, with collaborations with artists like Iggy Pop and Caetano Veloso in between. Born in Tokyo in 1952, he lived in the Japanese capital for thirty nine years before flying off to New York. Deeply affected by the 2011 tsunami and its aftermath, he campaigns for a nuclear-free world. This Route du Bonheur follows his journey through the traditions of Japan.
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Hotel and restaurant in the mountains. A stay in Gôra Kadan, the former retreat of the Imperial Family, Kanin-no-miya, situated in the heart of Hakone National Park, is an invitation to bring your five senses to life by immersing yourself in the ancient Japanese way of life. Listen to the gentle swoosh of a sliding wall made of rice paper, smell the fragrant flower incense, taste the traditional Kaiseki cuisine and feel the touch of silk. This calm retreat is located in an area known for its springs, which are heated by volcanic rocks. The suites have been designed in a minimalist style, and the hotel’s facilities include a swimming pool, a spa, and a beauty salon. ... Learn moreless
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Hotel and restaurant in a village. It is said that the great teacher of Japanese Buddhism, Kobo Daishi, bathed every morning in the river Katsura and emerged purified. A few minutes from this river, the hotel Asaba submerges you in the Japan of legends: traditional “Noh” theatre performed by the riverside. After a game of golf in picturesque surroundings, leave your kimono behind and enjoy the pleasures of an open-air bath filled with spring water. The restaurant serves traditional dishes with delightful combinations of sweet and savoury flavours. In the lounge, relax in a chair designed by famous Italian-American Harry Bertoia and in the garden, be inspired by the sweet fragrances of nature. ... Learn moreless
Noh plays are regularly performed in the heart of the Asaba estate at a hundred-year-old theatre located at the water’s edge. Unfortunately, I did not get the chance to see a show during my last visit. Favoring emotion as opposed to texts, Noh combines song, music and dance. Only men perform and it is...
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Onsen are a true Japanese tradition. There are an estimated 3000 natural hot springs spread across the archipelago - from the coastline to the remotest parts of the mountains. I try to visit as often as possible. The end of the year is always a special time to relax in these thermal baths - whether they’re...
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As a teenager, I would often go with my friends to the lakes located at the foot of Fuji’s northern slope; tiny Lake Motosu stands out with its deep blue waters. Hokusai depicts Mount Fuji - the almost perfect form given to us by nature. On the UNESCO World Heritage list as a "sacred place and source...
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Hotel and restaurant in a park. In the heart of Japan’s “Northern Alps”, discover the secret charms of this hotel that opened in 1931. This little jewel is tucked away in the calm and serenity of the mountains, between the snowy peaks and fine traditional hot springs, located in the national park, and renowned for their therapeutic qualities. Tobira Onsen Myojinkan offers a divinely serene atmosphere in the forest, relaxing baths in the heart of nature, aromatherapy and superb rooms and suites. The sophisticated Kaiseki-style food is a marvellous balance of textures, flavours and colours. Organic French cuisine is also on offer, prepared by a talented chef who specializes in macrobiotic cuisine. ... Learn moreless
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Restaurant in town. The black and white Namako (traditional lattice) on the lower wall and the heavy vault doors and windows evoke the past of the building. This ancient “Kura”, a Japanese traditional storehouse, dates back to the 19th century and has been converted into a restaurant in 2007. In this peaceful place, minutes away from the Matsumoto castle, Chef Masahiro Tanabe, who has worked many years in acclaimed restaurants in Europe, prepares refined “natural French cuisine”. Passionate about the quality of ingredients, he travels across Nagano prefecture meeting farmers to select the freshest vegetables and products, such as Shinshu beef or Shinshu salmon, he will reveal at their best in his dishes. ... Learn moreless
Matsumoto is home to my favorite restaurant in Japan. Founded in 1894, Alps has just a few tables and only serves Soba (buckwheat noodles) that are handmade on the premises. In three words: freshness, flavors, purity. A simple and gastronomic delight…
Overlooking the city, Matsumoto Castle is one of the few castles designated as a National Treasure. Constructed at the end of the 16th century, it typifies the Sengoku period. Its towers are all made of black wood and the city’s inhabitants call it the "Black Crow". The entire castle looks like a giant...
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Matsumoto is famous for being one of the sunniest cities in Japan. In spring, hikers and tourists turn up en masse to discover Mount Kobo. On its slopes, some five thousand cherry trees show off their most beautiful blossoms for a time that is both precious and fleeting. It is a poem delivered by nature,...
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Hotel and restaurant in a park. Every room at Bettei Senjuan looks out on Mount Tanigawa, with its snow-capped peaks and the cherry blossom trees at its base that turn the landscape a beautiful pink in spring. Take the time to discover the hot spring baths in the rooms, the gardens and the tranquil wellness . Floor to ceiling windows frame the views of unspoilt nature and allow natural light to fill the zen-inspired interior, where modern design meets the art of Kumiko wood joinery and original calligraphy. The impressively presented traditional food with a contemporary twist is also influenced by the hot springs for which the region is famous. ... Learn moreless
Japanese ceramics probably originated in the 13th century, but they truly evolved around the traditional tea ceremony. During the Edo period (1603-1867), the feudal lords competed by encouraging new workshops to set up. Since then, Tochigi prefecture has established itself as one of the nation’s most...
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The shrines and temples of Nikko for centuries have been a sacred place where architectural masterpieces were erected, and are now a UNESCO World Heritage site. While the first temples were built on the initiative of a Buddhist monk in the 8th century, today’s site collection of 103 religious buildings...
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Restaurant in town. Chef Kazunori Otowa has dedicated his work to French cuisine, and opened his restaurant in his hometown, the vibrant city of Utsunomiya, after gaining experience in Europe and alongside acclaimed chef Alain Chapel. Beautifully presented and composed as sophisticated works of art, his dishes focus on seasonal and locally sourced ingredients such as Tochigi Wagyu beef, Yashio-Masu (local trout), eel, cheese from Nasu Highland or Asian pears. Balancing the French influence in the cuisine, the decor of the restaurant pays tribute to the regional heritage, using Oya stone and Mashiko pottery mixed with antiques, sculptures and iron art collected by Kazunori Otowa over the years. ... Learn moreless
**Offer cannot be combined, valid for an itinerary in at least 2 different Relais & Châteaux establishments before December 31, 2022, reserved with Relais & Châteaux concierges, discount applicable on certain rates and certain establishments. List available from our concierges.
Total price communicated as an indication, based on a stay of the number of nights recommended on this webpage, taking place in the next 3 months, and based on double occupancy (excluding recommended activities, excluding properties not bookable online).
To give you inspiration, Relais & Châteaux presents the Routes du Bonheur:
Suggestions for travel itineraries that you can fully personalise according to your wishes and the experiences you would like to discover. Our consultants are available to help customise your route and assist you in making reservations at our properties. It is up to you to reserve any recommended activities on-site or nearby that might interest you.
** Offer cannot be combined, valid for an itinerary in at least 2 different Relais & Châteaux establishments before December 31, 2022, reserved with Relais & Châteaux concierges, discount applicable on certain rates and certain establishments. List available from our concierges.
Call our concierge to tailormade your booking and itinerary*. *Price of a local call
