You can now fly directly to Osaka, Japan from Toronto

February 7, 2024 No Comments

Air Canada has unveiled a new seasonal, direct service between Toronto and Osaka.

Flights between Pearson International Airport and Kansai International Airport will run three times a week from June 17 to Oct. 25, 2024, onboard the Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft. Paired with increased frequency on their popular Vancouver-Osaka flight, this will more than double Air Canada’s capacity to Osaka, compared to the previous summer.

Direct service to Japan

Japan continues to be an expanding market for the airline, which has steadily increased both their capacity and number of direct routes to accommodate the demand.

During peak summer season this year, Air Canada will offer more than 12,000 seats a week between Canada and Japan, resulting in an overall capacity increase of approximately 20 per cent compared with last summer.

Air Canada currently runs direct flights between:

Toronto-Osaka (KIX) *Seasonal
Toronto-Tokyo (HND)
Toronto-Tokyo (NRT)
Montreal-Tokyo (NRT)
Vancouver-Osaka (KIX) *Seasonal
Vancouver-Tokyo (NRT)

A vibrant city

Thanks to its continual growth and development, Japan is now more accessible than ever for Canadian tourists, opening a direct gateway for visitors to experience the land of the rising sun for themselves.

Osaka is a vibrant city best known for its food, fun and nightlife. A convenient 30-minute train ride from Kansai International Airport, it is a gateway not only to the Kansai region but to the rest of Western Japan, with convenient access to the many attractions in Kyoto, Nara, Hiroshima, Fukuoka, Nagasaki and beyond.

Four Seasons is opening a second luxury hotel in China

November 6, 2023 No Comments

The bustling downtown core of Hangzhou, China, will soon welcome a Four Seasons hotel as part of the highly anticipated Hangzhou Centre mixed-use development project.

Four Seasons Hotel Hangzhou at Hangzhou Centre will offer a luxury hospitality experience inspired by the timeless elegance of the city’s natural landscape. Characterized by Hangzhou’s islands, historic temples, expansive parkland, freshwater lakes and rolling hills, the hotel will provide a peaceful contrast to the city’s busy downtown district. The 150,000 square metre (1.6M square foot) complex consists of two 130 metre (426 feet) towers and 8,500 square metres (91,493 square feet) of vibrant outdoor green space throughout.

About Four Seasons Hotel Hangzhou

The new hotel features 214 luxuriously appointed rooms and suites with river and West Lake views ranging from 54 to 300 square metres (581 to 3,229 square feet).

Four Seasons Hotel Hangzhou at Hangzhou Centre will feature an array of restaurant, lounge and event spaces. With panoramic city views, the culinary offerings will include a signature Chinese restaurant with five private dining rooms; a glamorous rooftop bar with gardens to enjoy whiskey and artfully crafted beverages; a garden tea pavilion for serene afternoon refreshments and an all-day dining outlet featuring a globally inspired menu with an interactive hot pot experience with live stations for seafood, butchery and snacks.

our Seasons Hotel Hangzhou at Hangzhou Centre will be joining the existing Four Seasons Hotel Hangzhou at West Lake as well as a growing collection of properties throughout China including the upcoming Four Seasons Hotel Dalian, Four Seasons Hotel Suzhou and Four Seasons Hotel Xi’an.

Cruise line adds 10 new Asian countries for 2024-2025 sailings

June 19, 2023 No Comments

Holland America Line’s 2024-2025 Asia season includes departures from Hong Kong, China; Yokohama (Tokyo), Japan; and Singapore to some of the most exciting cities across 10 countries, with a strong focus on Japan.

Noordam will sail a series of nine different 14-day itineraries that travel around Cambodia, Indonesia, Japan, the Philippines, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam. The cruises showcase the diversity of the countries while celebrating their unique histories.

Late departures and overnight ports allow extra time for sampling the nightlife, cuisine and culture of the region.

Westerdam also heads to Asia on a new 53-day “Majestic Japan” Legendary Voyage roundtrip from Seattle. Travelers can visit the Far East with a convenient North American flight, easy embarkation and jetlag-free journey spanning several time zones.

Longer voyages

LEGENDARY VOYAGE: New 53- or 52-Day “Majestic Japan” aboard Westerdam departing Sept. 1 or 2, 2024, either roundtrip Seattle, Washington, or between Vancouver, Canada, and Seattle. Featuring 21 total ports, 13 calls throughout Japan and overnights at Yokohama (Tokyo) and Kobe, Japan, and Honolulu, Hawaii.
LEGENDARY VOYAGE: New 28-Day “Coral Triangle, Volcanoes and The Great Barrier Reef” departing Jan. 5, 2025, roundtrip from Singapore aboard Noordam that explores 10 ports in five countries, including Indonesia and the Philippines, with scenic cruising in the famed Great Barrier Reef, Torres Strait, and past the Kumba and Krakatau volcanoes.

Highlights of the 2024-2025 Asia season

Noordam explores Asia from September 2024 through April 2025.
Overnight calls include Yokohama (Tokyo) and Kobe (Osaka); Laem Chabang (Bangkok), Thailand; and Da Nang, Vietnam.
The cruises visit a combined 49 ports in the region, including 24 in Japan.
“North Pacific Crossing” between Vancouver and Yokohama:
- 13 days, departing Sept. 29, 2024, Vancouver to Yokohama, including calls at Sitka and Kodiak, Alaska, and Kushiro, Japan.
- 15 days, departing April 27, 2025, Yokohama to Vancouver, including Kushiro, and Alaska’s Kodiak, Juneau, Ketchikan and Glacier Bay.
“Circle Japan” — 14 days, roundtrip from Yokohama. Three itineraries:
- Osaka (Kobe), Kochi, Fukuoka, Sakaiminato, Niigata, Aomori, Otaru (Sapporo) and Hakodate, all in Japan, as well as Sokcho, South Korea.
- Kochi, Kagoshima, Nagasaki, Kanazawa, Niigate, Otaru, Aomori and Hakodate, all in Japan, as well as Busan(Pusan), South Korea.
- Shimizu, Kobe, Kochi, Hiroshima, Sakaiminato, Tsuruga, Toyama, Akita, Hakodate and Miyako, all in Japan; as well as Sokcho.
“Japan, Taiwan and the Philippines” — 14 days, between Yokohama and Singapore. Calls at Osaka (overnight), Nahaand Ishigaki, Japan; Keelung (Taipei) and Kaohsiung, Taiwan; and Manila, Boracay and Puerto Princesa, Philippines.
“Far East Discovery” — 14 days, between Hong Kong and Singapore. Calls at Halong Bay, Da Nang (Hue), Nha Trangand Phu My, Vietnam; Sihanoukville, Cambodia; and Laem Chabang (Bangkok, overnight) and Nathon (Koh Samui), Thailand.
“Far East Discovery Holiday” — 14 days, roundtrip from Singapore. Thailand: Nathon (Koh Samui) and Laem Chabang (Bangkok, overnight). Vietnam: Ho Chi Minh City, Nha Trang, Phu My, Halong Bay and Da Nang (overnight).
“Indonesian Discovery” — 14 days, roundtrip from Singapore. All calls are in Indonesia and include Probolinggo and Semarang, Java; Celukan Bawang and Benoa (Denpasar), Bali; Komodo Island; Lembar, Lombok; and Tanjung Priok, Jakarta. Scenic cruising by the active Krakatau Volcano.
“Japan and Taiwan” — 14 days, roundtrip from Yokohama. Japan: Amami (Naze), Naha, Ishigaki Island, Nagasaki, Abruatsu, Kochi and Kobe. Taiwan: Hualien and Keelung (Taipei).
“Japan and South Korea Discovery” — 14 days, roundtrip from Yokohama. Japan: Kobe (overnight), Kochi, Hiroshima, Nagasaki and Kagoshima. South Korea: Sokocho, Busan, Jeju City (Cheju) and Incheon (Seoul).

This Canadian airline is now flying non-stop from Vancouver to Singapore

June 16, 2023 No Comments

Air Canada has added non-stop flights between its trans-Pacific hub at Vancouver International Airport (YVR) and Singapore’s Changi International Airport (SIN).

The new route will operate four times weekly beginning April 3, 2024*, onboard Air Canada’s flagship Dreamliner fleet. Seats are available for purchase now at aircanada.com, via the Air Canada App, Air Canada’s Contact Centres, and travel agents.

Flight schedule

Flights will be operated with Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft featuring three cabins of service for customers to choose from, including Signature Class with lie-flat seats, Premium Economy and Economy Class.

The schedule has been built to conveniently connect to and from destinations across North America via Air Canada’s hub at YVR and, in Singapore to and from destinations across Southeast Asia, South India and Western Australia with Star Alliance and codeshare partner Singapore Airlines.

A new luxurious clamping experience just opened in Tibet

May 29, 2023 No Comments

Songtsam, a collection of boutique luxury Hotels, Resorts & Destination Management Company in the Tibet & Yunnan Provinces of China, announced the official opening of Songtsam Glamping Palpa, its first glamping property in Tibet.

Located in Baiba Village (home to just 37 houses) situated on the Niyang River in Nyingchi, the glamping property provides guests with a luxury outdoor camping experience, where they are surrounded by snow-capped mountains, forests and pastures.

Accommodations

Songtsam Glamping Palpa has 30 accommodation tents, four dining tents and 1 public leisure tent. All tents in the camp are made of Tentipi, the top outdoor brand in Nordic. Tentipi tents have a unique patented ventilation design which features an opening and closing of the top ventilation cap that can also be adjusted according to the weather conditions, the wind resistant level can reach to level nine.

Accommodation tents

Aurum33 is a Swedish-made tent that reaches 33m² (approx. 355ft²), which ensures that guests never feel constrained inside.

Each tent is equipped with an outdoor table and two outdoor chairs on the balcony outside the tent, a private bathroom, 24 hours of continuous hot water, an exquisite copper wash basin, and the toilet not only automatically flushes, but also has heating and other functions.

Each tent is also equipped with a camping night light on the bedside table, a B&O portable Bluetooth speaker, multiple charging sockets, textured brass switches, matcha-colored soft leather sofas, Lhasa handmade wool carpets, and cozy bedding.

Dining tents

The four dining tents in Songtsam Glamping Palpa are the first four S72 (Stratus 72) tents in all of China. The S72 can accommodate up to 72 people dining at the same time. When the S72 is stretched open, it looks like a witch hat, earning the nickname “witch hat”.

The “witch hat” is known for its flexibility, allowing several tents to be set up together. The dishes served by the restaurant are all freshly prepared locally Tibetan ingredients including: fresh yak meat served with wild bamboo shoots and spices and local wild agera leaves; the steaming yak meat hot pot and the yak meat sashimi.

The camp also provides free afternoon tea, and welcomes guests to sit under a hawthorn tree, while tasting well-paired snacks and refreshments.

Activities

Songtsam Glamping Palpa has unique natural conditions and provides rich soil for adventurous outdoor activities.

Most of the villagers living in Baiba Village are Gongbu Tibetans. Guests are able to learn how to shoot a Gongbu sound arrow, and experience the daily life of “Gongbu people”, which has lasted for thousands of years.

In Tibet, horses are the locals’ inseparable companions. Under the guidance of professional coaches, guests can learn how to saddle and mount a horse, step by step. After proficiency in these steps, guests can also try the “Forest Ride” and explore the secrets depths of the Tibetan forest. About a 10 minute walk from Songtsam Glamping Palpa, guests will reach a flat river valley pasture where cattle graze leisurely. At dusk, guests may even encounter herdsmen milking cows.

In the coming months, more outdoor activities will be available at Songtsam Glamping Palpa, including the construction of a via ferrata (a protected climbing route), which will be the first via ferrata experience in Tibet. Other outdoor adventures soon to be added will include: rock climbing, ziplines, rafting, mountain biking, and off-road motorcycles.

A luxury Thai hotel offering custom wellness programs just opened in Chiang Mai

April 7, 2023 No Comments

Allen Retreat Chiang May officially opened on April 6 in northern Thailand.

This is the third property under the Aleenta brand from Thailand-based luxury boutique hotel specialist AKARYN Hotel Group. Offering 44 rooms and suites, a restaurant, bar, spa and wellness centre featuring tailor-made wellness programs and retreats, the resort manifests Akaryn Hotel Group’s ongoing dedication to providing authentic, premium, sustainable experiences.

About the rooms

The spacious rooms, one-and-two-bedroom pool residences and a four-bedroom teak villa with a private swimming pool merge traditional Thai design with a soothing palette of natural hues, sophisticated furnishings and tech-savvy facilities.

The four-bedroom Teak Villa is made from antique golden teak that was collected by the owner before being restored and carefully reassembled into a new structure that welcomes groups of family and friends to enjoy a traditional Thai living experience with modern comforts.

Signature wellness centre

Embracing its spiritual location in the ancient city of Chiang Mai the resort is home to one of the brand’s signature Ayurah Wellness Centers.

Alongside complementary daily yoga, Qi Gong, meditation and mindfulness classes, the menu of holistic wellness retreats and tailor-made programs include:

Mind Balance (5 nights from $342 per night) combining natural healing and Thai Holistic Medicine.
Detoxification (5 nights from $325 per night) to address the symptoms and underlying causes of burnout.
Total Immersion Yoga (7 nights from $352 per night) incorporating movement, mindfulness and coherence.
Healthy Living (from $360 per night) for those living with diabetes or who may have a tendency to develop the symptoms.
Self Love (3, 5, 7, 14 or 21 nights from $350 per night) to overcome personal barriers through coaching, breathing, balancing and guided meditation.
Mindful Vipassana Meditation (3 nights from $304 per night) trains the mind to improve emotion, awareness, concentration and happiness. There is also an option to practise this retreat at the nearby temple, Wat Ram Poeng.

Cooking classes & more

Retreats are enriched by healthy cuisine and a Wellness cooking class, as well as bespoke nutritionist-led plans with full plant-based options. Aleenta Retreat Chiang Mai enables clients to work with a resident ‘master healer’, doctor, nurse and nutritionist to achieve optimum wellness and balance in this tranquil environment.

Elevated gastronomy is available at the resort’s restaurant ‘The Garden’ which offers breakfast, lunch and a refined menu in the evening to both nourish and spoil. Menus have been curated to provide nutritious dishes that preserve the flavors of traditional Northern Thai Lanna cuisine alongside Western cuisine with a Lanna twist.

The Garden refrains from using imported products and focuses on sourcing Thailand’s highest quality produce with plant-based, keto and low sugar/carb options also available.

At the 1892 Bar guests can relax on the balcony overlooking the resort’s spiritual blessing garden while enjoying a distinctive selection of specially curated snacks including vegan Khao Soi Gyoza and Wild Boar Teriyaki.

Sustainable focus

Aleenta, which means ‘a rewarding life’, has served as the hotel collection’s manifesto since its launch in 2006. Each resort is anchored upon spacious accommodations, premium design, exceptional F&B, first-class facilities, holistic retreat programs and a long-term commitment to sustainability.

As the first hotel group in Thailand to go single-use plastic free in 2018, Aleenta Retreat Chiang Mai continues this commitment to responsible hospitality. The resort was designed from reclaimed wood as a low-rise property, built to protect the local ecosystem, topography and maximize natural features.

There are many initiatives in place to source locally, recycle, conserve freshwater supplies, reduce their use of carbon-based electricity and engage with the community. Aleenta continues to seek and develop ways to further improve and support the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals across the brand.

Day & Night: See the best of Tokyo, Japan any hour of the day

April 3, 2023 No Comments

Tokyo is a world-class city known for its impressive culinary scene, endless shopping promenades and eclectic nightlife. You can feel the energy and excitement of Tokyo on the streets, but you can also find plenty of ways to relax, whether in the parks or way up top on sky-high roofs. We wander the neighbourhoods of Tokyo to unpack some of the best ways to explore Japan’s bustling capital city, day and night.

CHECK-IN

There are roughly 3,600 hotels in Tokyo that offer just about any type of accommodation you can imagine, from inexpensive, small capsule rooms to grand luxury in the form of massive suites. In Ginza, the mid-priced Marriott Courtyard is an optimal choice, given it’s a 10-minute walk to the Tsukiji Market and less than 10 minutes to the Ginza Metro (subway), the major shopping areas and the Kabuki Theatre.

For a five-star experience, indulge in Hoshinoya Tokyo, where sake tasting, hot spring bathing, luxury dining and attentive concierge services elevate the experience. For those who prefer elegant beauty and nature, request one of the suites at the Hotel Chinzanso overlooking the beautiful historic garden and the 700-year-old Pagoda.

ITADAKIMAS!

In Japanese, this literally means “I humbly receive”, but it’s the standard wish of “bon appetit” before enjoying a meal. Dining takes place in restaurants, called izakayas, which are informal eating and drinking establishments. Stand-up seafood bars and Yakitori stalls are also popular choices, and it’s not uncommon to find an eatery inside a chic department store!

In the early morning, visit Onigiri Marutoyo in the Tsukiji Market to pick up some fresh rice balls (onigiri) stuffed with cod roe, salmon egg, sea urchin, or shrimp tempura. For lunch, head to Toranoman Yokocho and walk the “alleyways” alongside 28 small restaurants featuring local and international cuisine. You can enjoy sushi at the counter in the food court at the Matsuya Ginza Department store or a more refined sushi experience at the famous Kyubey Ginza, which played a significant role in shaping the sushi scene in Japan.

EXPLORE

The best way to discover this city of nearly 14 million people is to immerse yourself in its neighborhoods. Daikanyama is known for its upscale, strolling vibe. It’s home to cafes, shopping and art galleries. Shimokitazawa features narrow streets, second-hand clothing shops, vinyl records and craft beer. Head to Shinjuku, (home of the 3D Calico Cat billboard), Ginza and Omotesando for high-end shopping and interesting architecture.

Other neighbourhoods to explore include Shimbashi, Rappongi, Ningyocho, Kappabashi, and Otemachi, each with its own unique personality.

DINE UNDER THE STARS

Tokyo shines bright at night time, and not just because of the abundance of neon signs. Start with a cocktail at one of the city’s best restaurants. In 2022, Michelin gave out 263 stars to Tokyo restaurants, more than any other destination worldwide. Three-star dining includes Joel Robuchon’s Chateau Restaurant in Ebisu. Two-star excellence can be found at Daniel Calvert’s Sézanne at the Four Seasons Hotel in Marunouchi, and 149 one-star restaurants include a range of cuisine: Japanese, French, Spanish, Chinese, and Italian.

As night falls, the yokocho, or alleyway, is an intriguing venue to eat and drink at. Traditional alleyways consist of a concentrated maze of small, kiosk-sized izakayas and bars. These include Nonbei Yokocho in Shibuya, Omoida Yokocho in Ueno, and Harmonica Alley in Kichijoji.

ARTS & CULTURE

After dinner, head to the neighbourhood of Ginza and take in a play at the Kabukiza, a theatre that specializes in airing kabuki, which is a heavily-stylized, classical form of Japanese dance drama. Or, visit Suigian in Nihonbashi where you can dine on Kaiseki (multi-course) cuisine while watching noh theatre, another traditional Japanese dance drama that originated in the 14th century.

About a 10-minute taxi ride away from Ginza, in Ueno, one of Tokyo’s biggest tourist attractions, the Ameyoko Shopping Street, is open 24 hours a day. It’s crowded and noisy almost all the time, with lots of restaurants, bars and inexpensive shopping. Those energized by being with hundreds of others will enjoy Ginza at night time, with advertising signs, bright lights, stunning architecture, shopping, and traffic!

HEIGHTSEEING

Like any major city, Tokyo is sometimes best seen from above. Sunset helicopter rides are a popular choice, with many tour operators offering various routes over the city. Swoop down on the brightly lit Tokyo Tower, visit the Sumida River area, circle the Tokyo SkyTree and return to base near Tokyo Disney World.

But if helicopters are not your thing, you can find a place way above the crowds at the Tokyo SkyTree, which stands at a towering 634 metres. And there are other noteworthy observation decks including the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building in Shinjuku, Tokyo City View, next to the Mori Art Museum in Rappongi Hills, and at Shibuya Sky overlooking the famous street crossing, with great open air views of the city.

For more ways to experience Tokyo, or to plan your trip, visit www.japan.travel/en/ca/.

Intrepid launches trip to one of the world’s least visited destinations

March 31, 2023 No Comments

New for 2023, Intrepid is launching a specially designed itinerary to discover the local Timorese way of life and undiscovered land.

The new 9-Day Timor-Leste Expedition will be a fully inclusive trip, with provided meals, transportation, accommodations and activities. With a company mission to innovate beyond traditional tourism destinations and deliver travelers unique experiences in less-frequented parts of the world, Intrepid has created the remote trip to ignite new opportunities for adventure and connection.

Sustainable travel

Intrepid’s new trip was carefully developed in partnership with Market Development Facility (MDF).

The organization is a multi-country initiative promoting sustainable economic growth, with the purpose of supporting local communities, expanding the potential of tourism in Southeast Asia and delivering travelers alternative destinations for culturally rich and wildlife-dense adventure travel experiences.

Intrepid’s new 9-Day Timor-Leste Expedition (from $3,859 CAD) will depart for the first time on October 15, 2023.

Highlights include:

Hiking to the summit of Mt Ramelau, Timor-Leste’s tallest mountain, at sunrise.
Snorkeling from local fishermen’s boats at Atauro Island, a global hotspot for whales and dolphins with the most biodiverse marine protected coral reefs in the world.
Enjoying a local homestay to experience Timorese hospitality and daily life.
Discovering the capital of Dili, sampling traditional food, visiting the Tais market to learn about this traditional textile, and learning about the country’s complicated history during several tours, museum and cemetery stops.
Exploring local coffee farms, plantations and cafes to learn how coffee is produced here and understand its importance to local culture.
Visiting several social enterprises dedicated to supporting and empowering the people of Timor-Leste, including the Alola Foundation, an NGO aiming to improve the lives of women and children by addressing problems relating to education, economic development, maternal and child health, and gender inequality.

About Timor-Leste

In 2002 after centuries of colonialism, Timor-Leste, the only Asian country entirely in the Southern Hemisphere, gained independence.

Influenced by many distinct cultures, this developing nation is home to a unique set of traditions and beliefs. It is well known for its unmatched natural beauty, boasting stunning beaches, towering mountains, untouched coral reefs, and a wide range of endemic species including sea turtles, rare spotted cuscus, monkeys, and tokays, one of the world’s largest lizards.

Four of the best ways to experience autumn in Japan

August 19, 2022 No Comments

While the spring and its famous cherry blossoms might seem like the obvious time to visit Japan, the fall offers just as much colour, celebration, and natural beauty. Starting with the mid-autumn moon in September and reaching into early December, fall in Japan brings temperate weather perfect for exploring the outdoors, stunning natural displays of autumn leaves and fields of flowers, a bounty of ingredients being harvested before making their way onto plates and into treats, and festivals to celebrate it all. Below are four unique ways to experience Japan in autumn.

See the foliage change

With vivid reds, oranges and yellows, Japan’s forests and parks put on a stunning fall display as leaves change colour. The autumn colours, known as koyo, start in September in the north and move down the country until they reach their peak in November. Visitors from across Japan and around the world embark on their own momijigari – a pilgrimage to seek out and admire the beauty of the maple, ginkgo, rowan and larch trees as they change colour. National parks offer guided walks and hikes to see the colour, but for a more leisurely option, take a gondola like the Shinhotaka Ropeway – Japan’s only two-storey gondola.

City parks such as Tokyo’s Rikugien Garden, and temples including Kiyomizudera Temple in Kyoto offer urban options for catching Mother Nature’s show. Japan’s trees are not the only natural phenomenon ablaze with colour in the fall. From early to mid-October, entire fields blossom with pink cosmos flowers such as at Tonami Yumenotaira and Hitachi Seaside Park. The latter is also a great place to see the fiery Kochia bushes (also known as summer cypress) with their bright red, pom pom-like mounds. Swaying golden pampas grass is another colourful addition to Japan’s autumn tableau. Drive or hike the Handa Plateau, or take a guided trek through the 38-hectare Soni Highland to glimpse fields of this fluffy grass, which was traditionally used to thatch homes and buildings.

View the moon

The harvest moon is celebrated in many Asian countries, and in Japan the cultural practice of viewing the mid-autumn moon is known as otsukimi. Traditionally, these moon-viewing parties were to give thanks for a healthy harvest, and make special offerings in the hopes of securing bountiful harvests in the future. Held on the fifteenth night of the eighth month of the lunar calendar (September 10 in 2022), an open view of the moon is a must – some castles and temples even have special moon-viewing platforms. Foods associated with the festival include tsukimi-dango (chewy rice dumplings that represent the moon, health and happiness), and seasonal produce such as edamame, chestnuts and pumpkin. Those visiting Japan over the harvest moon can join in celebrations at places such as Daikakuji Temple in Kyoto, Himeji Castle (the “White Heron Castle) in Hyogo, or Tokyo Skytree.

Celebrate harvest season

While otsukimi might be the most important celebration around Japan’s harvest, there are plenty of other ways to give thanks for the country’s agricultural and natural bounties – both by enjoying some of the seasonal specialties, and attending festivals across the country. Autumnal flavours can take over the menu in the fall—you’ll find that chestnuts, sweet potatoes, grapes, persimmons and matsutake (pine) mushrooms all feature heavily, whether you’re enjoying a multi-course kaiseki menu or delicate wagashi sweets. Get your hands dirty and pick your own persimmons, figs, nashi pears, and Japanese mandarins in Fukuoka, or even choose a farmstay for a few nights to get a real sense of Japan’s fall harvest.

Many local cultural traditions centre around the importance of a good harvest, and you’ll find plenty of regional festivals during the fall. Coinciding with otsukimi, the Koina Tiger Dance is a performance lit by the moonlight, telling the tale of a hero who comes across a tiger and is able to overpower it and bring it home alive. The Takayama Autumn Festival is one of the best known regional fall festivals, with tens of thousands of visitors coming to see the ornate floats, some of which are topped with marionettes that perform traditional dances. Another is the Kōyama Yabusame Festival in mid-October, which started as a ritual to pray for a good harvest and security, and showcases traditional Japanese horseback archery.

Enjoy birdwatching

Home to some exceptionally rare and beautiful species, Japan is a birdwatching havenwith 160 designated “Important Bird Areas”. Fall’s cooler weather heralds the annual migration of a number of birds, making for a spectacular sight whether you’re a casual bird-spotter, or someone who never travels without their binoculars. Starting in October, Izumi City is the migration ground for 10,000 cranes arriving from Siberia – the largest flock in the country, and quite a sight as they soar together at dawn each morning. Tobishima Island is another migration ground, with 300 species of birds visiting as they journey south for the winter. Between late September and late October, rare wild birds such as the Japanese bush warbler and the blue-and-white flycatcher stop by the island. However, for Siberian swans heading south, Lake Hyoko in Niigata Prefecture is their final destination. From October through March, thousands of mute swans, tundra swans and whooper swans call the protected lake habitat home, where they’re also joined by other migrating waterfowl.

A tranquil, modern hotel just opened in Jakarta’s bustling business district

July 15, 2022 No Comments

The Park Hyatt brand has officially debuted in Indonesia, with the recent opening of Park Hyatt Jakarta.

Located in the tranquil Menteng area in the heart of Jakarta’s bustling central business district, the hotel offers a distinctive collection of culinary, leisure and wellness experiences as well as unique event venues for bespoke celebrations, delivering guests and locals the epitome of luxury in Jakarta.

Park Hyatt Jakarta occupies the top 17 floors of the 37-story Park Tower in the center of the city’s financial and diplomatic district. The hotel’s surrounding area, Menteng, was originally conceived in the early 20^th century as a garden city and is now known for its peaceful tree-lined streets, abundant greenery and elegant heritage architecture. Park Hyatt Jakarta offers easy access to idyllic parks and popular retail and entertainment venues as well as panoramic views of the nearby National Monument Park.

Contemporary design, with Indonesia at its core

The residential-style interiors of Park Hyatt Jakarta were designed by award-winning, London-based design practice Conran and Partners led by partner Tina Norden. Inspired by the beauty of the Indonesian rainforests, traditional crafts and indigenous natural materials, the design uses elements such as lava stone and copper as well as handwoven ikat textile motifs, intricate wood carvings and shields are used to create a welcoming oasis of calm and elegance for its guests.

The visual journey through the property symbolizes the layers of a rainforest, starting with a richer, darker color scheme on the lower floors that calls to mind the forest’s understory. Reflective of branches wrapped around the trunk with dappled light filtered through the canopy, the palette becomes lighter on the higher floors with warm tones incorporated throughout. Through the atmospheric transition and evocative design, guests will be transported from Jakarta’s urban bustle into a tranquil, sophisticated and comforting environment with a strong sense of location overlooking the city.

Stylish guest rooms

Park Hyatt Jakarta features 220 elegant, oversized rooms, including 36 suites. Guestrooms range from approximately 615 to 915 square feet (57 to 85 square meters), while the suites are from approximately 935 2,450 square feet (87 to 228 square meters). All rooms come with floor-to-ceiling windows, providing uninterrupted views of Jakarta and the National Monument landmark. Guests can also enjoy deep-soaking marble baths and large flat-screen TVs with an integrated media hub, while rooms are adorned with classic Indonesian decorative objects from jewels to paintings and shields. The hotel’s Presidential Suite offers guests understated contemporary luxury. Covering an expansive 3,230 square feet (300 square meters) and with its own VIP entrance, the suite includes a spacious bedroom with an 82-inch LED TV and a living area anchored by a work desk made from solid Trembesi wood.

Food & drink

Park Hyatt Jakarta’s stylish restaurants and bars create the ideal backdrop for local residents and visitors to socialize, entertain and relax in an enriching environment. Each dining outlet is adorned with natural daylight and numerous outdoor terraces and offer a collection of culinary experiences with one-of-a-kind menus.

The restaurants start on level 22, where the dining room which serves a collection of breakfast, lunch and dinner offerings that highlight Indonesian and Italian cuisines in an interactive live-cooking setting. On level 23, the conservatory provides a selection of spaces for different occasions, serving comfort foods from savoury snacks to sweet treats with specialty teas. The bar is where diners can enjoy light bites and crafted beverages alongside live entertainment as they admire magnificent views of Jakarta from the outdoor terrace.

Occupying the top two levels of the building and opening in the coming months, Kita喜多 Restaurant & Bar will be a choice destination for socializing and special occasions, where guests can enjoy elevated modern Japanese dining and creative cocktails amid spectacular views of the city, especially at sunset. Located on level 37, KITA 喜多 Restaurant will serve an array of authentic Japanese cuisines such as robatayaki, tempura, shabu-shabu, sushi, sashimi and teppanyaki. The authentic Japanese concept includes a series of private rooms, comprising tatami rooms and a large VIP room with private kitchen, while Japanese motifs, textures and artworks enhance this ultimate experience. Visitors can then take in the stunning rooftop views from KITA Bar on the broader dimensions of level 36, while enjoying live sets from the resident DJs.

For more information, click here.