Archives by Tag 'Onsen'

Guest Rooms in the Tenbou-kan & Plaza-kan are also remodeled

‘Kaze-no-terrace KUKUNA’-Part 3

 

Name	Kaze-no-terrace KUKUNA
Address:	70 Asakawa, Fujikawaguchiko-cho, Minamitsuru-gun, Yamanashi, 401-0303, Japan
Phone:	0555-83-3333
FAX:	0555-83-3111
URL:	http://www.kawaguchiko-hotel.co.jp
Chick in	15:00	Chick out	10:00

  

Special Suite ‘THE KUKUNA’ in the Plaza-kan House

 

 

The special suite room has an 8-mat Japanese room, living area, two sets of twin bed, and high qualified bathroom equipped with a bubble bath and even TV inside. Beautiful view of Mt. Fuji and the Lake Kawaguchi can be seen from the bathroom.  

Room rate with dinner and breakfast per person is over ¥31,500 including tax and service charge, but excluding local tax for hot spring.

 

‘Zayou Suite Room’ in the in the Plaza-kan House

 

 

‘Zayou Suite Rooms’ are laid out 2 rooms on the 3^rd and other 2 rooms on the 4^th floor in the ‘Plaza’ house. A high standard bathroom equipped with a bubble bath and TV inside is laid out next to the bed room separated by the glass wall.

 

A set of sofa, chair and table, arranged in the living & Terrace area, can be stored compactly in one piece. ‘Yukata’ (浴衣)　cotton kimono for bathing, and ‘Samui’（作務衣）or zen-style ware for sleeping are always prepared in various sizes  in all guest rooms. A refrigerator with freezer box is arranged each in 6 suite rooms in the Plaza-kan House and 14 suite rooms in the ‘Tenbou-kan’ House.

Room rate with dinner and breakfast per person is over ¥31,500 including tax and service charge, but excluding local tax for hot spring.

 

Guest rooms in the ‘Tenbou-kan House’ 

 

Guest rooms in the ‘Tenbou-kan House’ which was built in the 1^st stage renovation were also slightly adjusted this time. ‘Ryukyu-style tatami’(琉球畳) covered floor was changed to original design durable synthetic resin mat as the same material used in this renovation project.

 

‘Kukuna Club’

 

‘Tenbou-kan House’ has own club room on the 7^th floor where all guests in the club floor can use freely. Free drink is served in the evening and morning.

 

＜Reference materials＞

Monthly Hotel Ryokan November 2010

http://www.kawaguchiko-hotel.co.jp

Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

http://www.fujisan.ne.jp/stay/

http://travel.rakuten.co.jp/HOTEL/29755/29755.html

http://www.jalan.net/yad317194/

 

As a certified guide-interpreter in English and also a writer of the website “Cool Japan Guide”, I am very happy to introduce “Kaze-no-terrace KUKUNA” in Fujikawaguchiko Onsen. If you have something to ask, please feel free to contact us. Thank you for your kind cooperation, I am looking forward to your contact.

Please Contact Us/お問合せ

 

View Kaze-no-terrace ‘KUKUNA’ in a larger map

Completely New Concept Rooms ‘Zashitsu’ and ‘Zayoushitsu’

‘Kaze-no-terrace KUKUNA’-Part 2

 

Name	Kaze-no-terrace KUKUNA
Address:	70 Asakawa, Fujikawaguchiko-cho, Minamitsuru-gun, Yamanashi, 401-0303, Japan
Phone:	0555-83-3333
FAX:	0555-83-3111
URL:	http://www.kawaguchiko-hotel.co.jp
Chick in	15:00	Chick out	10:00

 

Comfortable room of stylish and resort minded healing place

 

  ‘Kaze-no-terrace KUKUNA’ at the Lake Kawaguchi, Yamanashi started its 2^nd stage renewal project in February, 2010 and completed it on July 17, 2010.

Total floor 7,564㎡ and 9-story building of ‘Kaze-no-terrace KUKUNA’ is stood on the lakeside of Lake Kawaguchi, where is about 10 minutes drive from the Kawaguchi-ko Inter Change on the Chuo Highway.

The lakeside hotel was originally a typical Japanese inn called ‘Kawaguchi-ko Daiichi Hotel’. The original inn had stopped its business in November 2005 and started the 1^st stage total renovation including new annex house with 14 guest rooms. The typical old style Japanese inn was completely changed and reopened as a Western style resort hotel and renamed as ‘Kaze-no-terrace KUKUNA’ in November, 2006.

 

2^nd stage renovation project

 

Actually, 45 guest rooms in the ‘Chuo-kan’ and 6 rooms in the ‘Plaza’ were slightly changed on the 1^st stage renewal project. This time, all interior decoration were completely removed from these rooms and furnished with new concept interior decoration. And also, public space ‘Hikari-no-terrace’ and ‘Aesthetic Salon Liko’ are newly added. The investment cost for the 1^st stage renewal was 1,800 million yen, and 500 million for the 2^nd stage.

The main target of the 2^nd stage renewal was how to remodel typical Japanese style 12 tatami-mat rooms to attractive and profitable rooms. New design concept ‘fusion of the easiness in Japanese room and conformity of the resort style’ was arrived as an answer after long consideration. Unique Japanese rooms named ‘Zashitsu’ and ‘Zayoushitsu’ are created under the new design concept.

 

Superior & Delux ‘Zayoushitsu’

 

20 rooms of the new concept room ‘Zayoushitsu’ are newly laid out in the ‘Chuokan’ house which can accommodate 4 guests. Bath room is not equipped but high standard shower both is laid out. A glass wall separates between bed room and shower both (equipped with sliding door) which provides wider look space.

 

About 10㎡ of living area where used to be a ‘Hiroen’ (広縁) in the old Japanese room, is newly laid out this time. Original design durable synthetic resin mat covers the floor and automatic window blind is equipped for relaxation space. Amenity set including, milky lotion, cleansing cream, facial pack, mouth cleansing is newly arranged. A three- way mirror is arranged on window side according to advice by their lady guests for getting natural lighting.

Room rate with dinner and breakfast per person is over ¥17,850 including tax and service charge, but excluding local tax for hot spring.

 

Superior & Delux ‘Zashitu’

 

Another type of new concept room named ‘Zashitu’ is also a remodel from an old 12-mat Japanese room. It has no bed in the room but provide wider living area. Sets of ‘Futon’ (布団) or sleeping mats are placed on living area when room guests get sleep. Both ends of ceiling are furnished with new material ‘Sakai Rib’ for expressing qualified design. High standard shower both is laid out instead of bath room.

 

A glass wall separates between bed room and shower both (equipped with sliding door) which provides wider look space. Unique design of furniture, resembling to a set of sake pot and cups, is arranged on the window side which allows providing wider space when sets of futon sleeping ware are placed on the floor. A set of glass, cups for green tea, a teapot, and saucers are neatly arranged in a built-in type ‘Mizuya’（水屋）or cupboard.

Room rate with dinner and breakfast per person is over ¥16,800 including tax and service charge, but excluding local tax for hot spring.

 

 

 

❶Instead of using natural straw ‘tatami’ mats, original design mats made of synthetic fiber covers the floor.

❷Replaced old bath unit with a shower both and washstand.

❸Automatic window blind is employed.

❹3-way mirror is arranged window side where sun light comes in.

❺Sets of tea and glass are neatly arranged in a built-in cupboard.

❻Soundproofing wall with lead plate inside and unique shaped interior material ‘sakai rib’ which gives high grade impression are equipped.

❼Lower height of 45cm beds are laid out.

 

 

＜Reference materials＞

Monthly Hotel Ryokan November 2010

http://www.kawaguchiko-hotel.co.jp

Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

http://www.fujisan.ne.jp/stay/

http://travel.rakuten.co.jp/HOTEL/29755/29755.html

http://www.jalan.net/yad317194/

 

As a certified guide-interpreter in English and also a writer of the website “Cool Japan Guide”, I am very happy to introduce “Kaze-no-terrace KUKUNA” in Fujikawaguchiko Onsen. If you have something to ask, please feel free to contact us. Thank you for your kind cooperation, I am looking forward to your contact.

Please Contact Us/お問合せ

 

View Kaze-no-terrace ‘KUKUNA’ in a larger map

Small Japanese inn reborn as one of the Leading Hotels of the World

Part-2

Mt. Zao Onsen Resort & Spa brings you to completely different world and it lingers on you unique imagery.

As the part two, I would like to inform a little bit about Onsen facilities of Chikusenso, Mt. Zao Onsen Resort & Spa including its attractive accommodations in detail.

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Umino Hotel Shimahana open in July

Renovated Royal Grace Hotel reborn as “Umino Hotel Simahana” under Hotel New Awaji Group

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Enjoy, Your own paradise at Private Onsen

August, 2002  Unyu Tenzan

Resting Area & Bathhouse Okuzashiki, Okunoyu

The resting area was one of the last temporary structures remaining from Tenzan’s opening in 1966. The old structure, located on the site near the erosion control bank in the Sukumogawa River, had used as private guest rooms for resting. The Tenzan management planned replacing it to new style private Onsen area.

A new two-story building was constructed in 2002, to replace it. In this new building, the 1^st floor was named “ZashikiI-bokko” or a Japanese Tatami-room for being pleasantly idle, and contained a resting area and a small library.

The 2^nd floor was named “Kakuregumo” or a detached cloud, and it enclosed 7 more private resting areas. Both floors are connected with the main building via a corridor and an overhead bridge.

“Zashiki-bokko” is built so its floor slowly descends toward the riverbank, where there is an abundance of steam in the air. Beautiful greenery landscape on the other side of the riverbank can be observed from the Japanese room. You can enjoy fresh air if you fully open the all wide glass windows, as you feel like resting in nature.

“Kakuregumo” on the 2^nd floor, is built like a circling mezzanine with an opening in the middle, which provides image of sequence, and guest can observe the scenery below.

A private outdoor bath is located at the deepest end, and reserved only for “Kakuregumo” users. Thanks to two additional wells, there is abundance of Onsen water available. The new private outdoor bath was named “Okunoyu” or remote Onsen.

A simple wooden hut structured with bare chestnut tree pillars was built as the changing room. The roof is covered with cedar bark, the veranda has a bamboo floor and only a lattice door is employed as an interior fitting. The Tenzan owner had strongly hoped that the changing room would look like a grass hut. Architect, Mr. Hiroshi Ebisawa understood his good sense.

The rustic outdoor bath “Yaten-buro” has no roof and is surrounded by green grass. It is simply laid out in the deep mountain.

You really feel something like bathing in nature. Abundance of Onsen water and surrounding nature is just reserved for you. It is a kind of supreme pleasure, isn’t it?

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A thatched Onsen inn, Yutorian opened

Old thatched houses are renovated as Onsen lodges

When you drive up along the Usunegawa River from Numata City in Gunma Prefecture, you will arrive in an old hot spring, Kawaba Onsen at a small basin in the Hotaka highlands. It is said that the Great Teacher, Kobo Daish founded the Onsen. Meanwhile, you will see several beautiful old Japanese houses with thatched roof along the street. These thatched old houses used to be private residences in Japan, but no more use for modern living. Read the rest of this entry »

Unique Onsen in the Central Osaka

Super Hotel City Osaka Natural Hot Spring

Every thing is quite unique in the Onsen hotel in Osaka, named the Super Hotel City Osaka. It is under one of the big hotel chains named “Super Hotel” in Japan. The chain has 95 business hotels as of April 1, 2010. Mr. Ryosuke Yamamoto, CEO, has put special concern on his hotel rooms providing comfortable conditions for good sleep. For example, all rooms are soundproofed form street noise. There are several kinds of pillows so that you can choose most suitable type among them. The next morning after good sleep, you can enjoy buffet style breakfast in the restaurant with reasonable prices, 730 yen for adult, and 480 yen for child. Read the rest of this entry »

Old “Banpeiyu” Onsen Renewed

Edo-style “My Lord’s Onsen” revived.

The origin of Banpeiyu” dates back to about 600 years ago in the Period of North and South Dynasties in history. The old document said that a deity in Rokuro’s dream suggested where should be dug for finding Onsen. Rokuro was a son of the defeated soldier, Ukon Hamada who was fleeing the enemy. The son was trying to find Onsen to cure his father’s sword wound caused by the civil war. He followed what the deity said and could find a hot spring there. It is said to be the origin of Hinagu Onsen in 1409. Although, nobody knows real story, at least “Hinagu” Onsen has existed since 600 years ago. Read the rest of this entry »

A Lodge “HAGOROMO”in Hakone Tenzan

Unyu Tenzan is located 30 meters below the old Hakone Kaido highway, at the front banks of Sukumogawa River. Visitors can see the stream rising between the trees. It looks something like a Shangri-La in the deep mountain. Sitting just next to the Japanese style Tenzan bathhouses, there was a Spanish style resort house owned by a financial institution in Tokyo. The combination of typical Japanese bathhouses and Spanish resort house had created something very unique contrast. Read the rest of this entry »

“SAIOU-NO-MIYA” is really a dramatic world of Heian dynasty

 We have three major Shinto shrines in Japan. They are Ise Jingu in Mie, Iwa-shimizu-hachiman-gu and Kamo-jinnja in Kyoto. The Hotel Sen-no-mori is very close to one of the three, Ise-jingu. The hotel added new attraction to their clients when opened “SAIOU-NO-MIYA” guest house in the hotel compound on November 7, last year. Read the rest of this entry »

“KAMA-BURO” is still trendy bathing style!

There are two ways of enjoyment of bathing. “Onyoku” or hot water bathing is one. Another is a sauna form of the steam bath.

Original bath in Japan is said to be a steam bath but not hot water bath, which dates back to ancient or even in pre-historical years. The Japanese word “FURO” or bath is considered to be the same meaning of “MURO” or room. The “FURO” or bathroom was actually a small cave with a vent behind. In the old days, a hole that is large enough for a person, were dug into a rock. Branches were burnt inside, and then wet seaweed or straw mats wet in sea water were laid on top to create steam for the sauna. The “ISHIBURO”or stone bath in the Itsukushima Island is typical one among them. It is said that “KOBO-DAISHI”or Great Buddhist Priest Kobo created it. This style of bathing still exists in a few places in the Seto Inland Sea area.

“KAMABURO”or earthen pot bath in Yase, Kyoto is also the origin of Japanese bath in different kind. It dates back to the Battle of Jinshin in 672 A.D. in Japanese history. It is said that Prince Ohama (Later Emperor Tenmu) was wounded by an enemy’s arrow on his back in the battle. He bathed in “KAMABURO” to cure his arrow wound. People says that the name of place 八瀬（矢背）“YA-SE” or arrow-back originated from this event.

Modern “KAMABURO” is usually made of concrete and plaster mixture, sitting on top heat absorbing bricks. Burner flames heat up the bricks, when then heat up the “KAMA” or a pot. Bathers lay on straw mat placed on the floor in a pot. Occasionally water is sprinkled over the straw mat to maintain the temperature of approximately 50 degree Centigrade (120 degree Fahrenheit), for longer enjoyment.

This “KAMABURO” process is rarely used now, due to lack of skilled builders. Fortunately, you can still enjoy this time honored bathing style in Hakone Tenzan. Is it considered to be something obsolete style? Answer is no. It is really a kind of simple and natural bathing style, and still very attractive and trendy even in today.

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How about Farmers’ Onsen!

“KARIN-NO-YU” Onsen opened in a Local Farm

As you know, I wrote about fishermen’s Onsen, “TORETORE-NO-YU” in Shirahama, last time. How about farmers Onsen!  Yes, one of the well known agricultural corporations, “WAGOEN” Group started Onsen business on June 23, 2009.

The group is successful agricultural company associated with local farmers in Katori, Chiba Prefecture. They are now planning to create new kind of theme park based on direct sales stores for their agricultural products. The plan includes rental farms, vacation cottages, a campsite, a small stock farm, and an open-air theater. These facilities will be laid out on the land that includes one local Onsen named “BENI-KOMACHI”. Read the rest of this entry »

Edo-style “UKIYO-BURO” was revived in Hakone Tenzan.

Hakone Tenzan renovated Men’s Inner Bath in 1998.

The men’s inner bath was redesigned with the similar improvements. An “URUSHI-BURO” or ancient cypress bath tub coated with japan was also employed, here. Actually, the “URUSHI-BURO” set for women’s inner bath could not last long and beautiful color of japan faded caused by ultraviolet rays in less than a year. Learned from this bad experience, experimental trials were done, and finally anti-fade lacquer was developed. The new type of anti-fade lacquer was applied to both inner bathes for men and women. So, now you can enjoy Onsen bathing in a beautiful “URUSHI-BURO” that is finished as the same quality as traditional japan lacquer ware.
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43. Onsen with the best Feng Shui – yukari

Strictly built according to the principles of Feng Shui, Yukari (深大寺温泉ゆかり） is a beautifully appointed hot spring in Tokyo’s western suburbs. The baths are marked with the cardinal directions for proper orientation during soaking. Read the rest of this entry »

Pretend yourself being a present-day “ISSUN-BOSHI”.

Architect, Mr. Hiroshi Ebisawa employed the same concept of “openness” used for the annex bathhouse “IKKYU.” An ordinal and mediocre old inner bath was completely redesigned and reconstructed in 1995.

New women’s inner bath was protruded to the outside next to the outdoor bath in half. You can enjoy feeling in outdoor while staying in an inner bath.

An “URUSHI-BURO” or old “HINOKI” cypress bath lacquered with japan was employed this time. The japan bathtub is maintenance free and can be used without weekly day off.

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