This corner is written by Yumiko Itakura, a travel and spa journalist who continues to report on hotel spas around the world and experience the roots of health and beauty in each region.
This year, each month we will focus on one region in Japan and unravel the ``Grandma's Wisdom'' wellness methods that are rooted in that region, such as hot springs, spa treatments, and cultural experiences.
Would you like to travel with us through Japan while exploring local health methods, healing, and nutritious meals?
This time, we will be talking about "Amanem" in Ise-Shima, Mie Prefecture, which opened in 2016 as Japan's second Aman and is loved by people who love traveling.
 

A beautiful resort located in one of Japan's most sacred places

Ise-Shima in Mie Prefecture has been revered as the spiritual home of the Japanese people since ancient times, and is the origin of Japanese history, including Ise Grand Shrine. You can also approach Kumano Kodo, one of Japan's leading power spots and a registered World Heritage Site. Amanemu opened in March 2016 in a corner of the national park overlooking Ago Bay on this sacred land.

Its name comes from the Sanskrit word aman, which means "peaceful," and the Japanese word nem, which means "joy." The building was designed by Kelly Hill Architects. Taking inspiration from traditional Japanese houses, such as the one-story structure, roof tiles, and charcoal-colored cedar walls, we created a space that is simple, modern, and feels the warmth of natural materials.

Rooms are divided into two categories: 99m² suites and two-bedroom 366m² villas, each with four different views: Tsuki, Sora, Mori and Nagi. Large floor-to-ceiling windows and shoji screens that can be opened to every corner of the room are used, and the interior is decorated in subdued colors to enhance the beauty of the scenery. Also, all rooms have hot springs.

Meals served in the dining area have been passed down from ancient times as a land of food, where seafood and grains were presented to the imperial court and shrines. By combining rich local ingredients with special items ordered from all over Japan, you can enjoy creative items that go beyond Japanese cuisine.

Experience seasonal treatments using traditional Japanese and Chinese plants

The spa offers treatments, relaxation, exercise, nutrition, and more to improve your wellness from a holistic perspective. It boasts a vast area of 2000 square meters and includes a thermal spring that you can enter wearing swimwear. We recommend arriving here 60 minutes before the start of your treatment to relax and enjoy the seasonal natural scenery.

The treatment you should try is ``Amanemu Seasonal Journey,'' which uses Japanese and Chinese plants that are needed for the mind and body each season. In autumn, prepare your stomach and intestines with locally grown Makomodake herbal balls, and revitalize your body from the inside out with shellfish and shiso oil. In winter, the red bean herb balls, ginger and ponkan oil will warm your body from the core. The 150-minute treatment also includes a local seaweed and clay pack for added rejuvenation.

summary

The heat has finally subsided and the weather has become easier. On the other hand, this is the time when you start to notice dry skin and hair loss, and you start to miss people. In the fall and winter, when you are plagued by dry skin, why not replenish your body's moisture while enjoying the mineral-rich sodium chloride hot springs and treatments at Amanemu, as well as Ise-Shima cuisine full of seafood. Furthermore, if you talk with your partner, family, or close friends without worrying about the time, you will be surrounded by warmth both physically and mentally, and you will be able to cultivate energy for tomorrow.



Amanemu
AMANEMU 

2165 Sako, Hamajimacho, Shima City, Mie Prefecture
Tel: 0599-52-5000
Room fee: Sola suite 1 room ¥227,700~ (tax and service charge included)
Spa: Amanemu Seasonal Journey 90 minutes ¥54,000, 150 minutes ¥82,000 (both tax and service charge included) Access: Approximately 20 minutes by shuttle bus from Kashijima Station on the Kintetsu Shima Line.
https://www.aman.com/ja-jp/resorts/amanemu


Travel & Spa Journalist
Yumiko Itakura
Yumiko Itakura

He assumed his current position after working as an editor at ``25ans'' and other publications. Traveling around the world, he proposes and writes travel plans that appeal to the five senses in various media, with themes of healing, health, food, and culture that live in the land. He also serves as a speaker at seminars sponsored by government international organizations, tourism bureaus, and companies. Also known as a lover of Italy, he composed and wrote "Italian Mamma's Recipes" (published by Sekai Bunkasha). Also, in the Japan National Tourism Organization's global campaign that started last November, he speaks about Japanese healing as an expert in the field of relaxation.Expert Insights Go Deep Into Japan   

photos:Yumiko Itakura

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