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 wellness methods that are rooted in that region, reminiscent of "grandma's wisdom", through hot springs, spa treatments, cultural experiences, and more.
  
Would you like to travel with us through Japan while exploring local health methods, healing, and nutritious meals?
This time, to commemorate the 130th anniversary of its founding, the Westin Miyako Hotel Kyoto is located in Sanjo Keage, Kyoto Prefecture, which underwent a large-scale renovation from 2018 to 2020 and was reborn.

An elegant hotel that has carved a history along with the development of Kyoto.

Higashiyama, located on the east side of Kyoto between the gentle Higashiyama Mountain Range and the Kamogawa River, is home to rich nature and historic shrines and temples. Since its establishment on that hill in 1890, The Westin Miyako Kyoto has gained fame as a state guest hotel and a symbol of the history of Kyoto's development.

This major renovation will inherit the elegance and curvaceous beauty that are characteristic of the designs of famous architect Togo Murano, while reducing the number of guest rooms by half to 266, with an average size of 50 square meters per room. The space has been transformed into a modern and relaxing space.

If you want to enjoy the open scenery unique to the location, we recommend breakfast in the in-room dining room. At ``EAT WELL BREAKFAST,'' you can enjoy highly nutritious and healthy menus using Kyoto-style ingredients, such as ``Tofu and Tomato Salad.''

Relax your mind and body with beautifying hot springs and treatments at an oasis in the city

In April 2021, the SPA "Kacho", a facility that utilizes the natural hot springs excavated to a depth of 1,200m on the premises, opened.

At approximately 2,100 square meters, it is the largest in Kyoto, and is an elegant space inspired by the arch of Suirokaku, the aqueduct bridge over Lake Biwa Canal located within the grounds of nearby Nanzenji Temple. From the semi-open-air bath, you can see the beautiful garden that leads to Mt. Kacho.

After enjoying the simple alkaline hot springs that will make your skin smooth from the moment you enter, head to Le jardin Sothys. This brand is supported in Paris, the capital of beauty, for its proven effectiveness and high safety.

If you want to try a menu that is exclusive to guests and unique to Kyoto, try ``Enrich Five,'' which combines Sotis oil treatment with shiatsu and moxibustion.

First, a refreshing menthol-containing oil is applied to the back of the body, followed by a state-of-the-art moxibustion technique that uses far-infrared rays instead of fire to target deep muscle tension.

Your body will warm up from the core, and the tension in your mind and body will gradually melt away. Additionally, you will receive a deep tissue massage using the same oil as mentioned earlier, which will relieve you of that feeling of fatigue.

summary

During your stay, you'll want to visit the Wild Bird Forest and Bird Road, which is designated as a Kyoto City Bird and Wildlife Sanctuary and can be accessed from the 7th floor of the hotel. This is a 700m round trip walking course located on Mt. Kacho. You can enjoy the sounds of a variety of wild birds and flowers depending on the season. If you climb to the final destination, Miyakodaira, you can get a panoramic view of Mt. Higashiyama and Mt. Hiei.

In late autumn, the weather gets colder day by day, and breathing becomes shallow, making it difficult for oxygen to reach the entire body, making it easier to catch a cold. In addition to the skin-beautifying hot springs and treatments, you can take a deep breath while walking along the birdwatching trail filled with autumn leaves. Why not refresh your mind and body and prepare for the busy year-end and New Year holidays?

The Westin Miyako Hotel Kyoto
THE WESTIN MIYAKO KYOTO

1 Kacho-cho, Awataguchi, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto Prefecture (Sanjo Keage)
Tel: 075-771-7111
Price: ¥45,000 per room (tax and service charge included, meals not included)
"Kacho" (hot spring): Only available to hotel guests and fitness club "Tropix" members (free) SPA treatment "Le Jardin Sothys: Enrich Five" 90 minutes (60 minutes body + Yojo shiatsu/moxibustion 30 minutes) ¥33,000 (tax・Sa included)
Access: Approximately 25 minutes by private shuttle bus (free, no reservation required) from Kyoto Station. Approximately 2 minutes walk from Keage Station on the Kyoto Municipal Subway Tozai Line
https://www.miyakohotels.ne.jp/westinkyoto/


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 Japan's healing experiences as an expert in the field of relaxation.Expert Insights Go Deep Into Japan

photos:Yumiko Itakura

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