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 Shisui Luxury Collection Hotel Nara, which opened in August this year in the Kichijoen area of Nara City, surrounded by world heritage sites such as Todaiji Temple, Kofukuji Temple, and Kasuga Taisha Shrine.

A hotel where you can be immersed in the mystery of the unchanging flow of time since ancient times.

Nara is full of history, tradition, and lush greenery, and is where Japan's first capital, Heijo-kyo, was built. Just by standing there, you can feel the gentle flow of time that has continued since ancient times.

Shisui Luxury Collection Hotel Nara, located at the western edge of the scenic spot "Nara Park," has the concept of "bringing tradition and modernity," and has created a Shisui Luxury Collection Hotel Nara with a Shisui-Ya (=the fresh, lush, and beautiful mountains) scenery. This is a hotel full of romance where you can meet each other.

Kengo Kuma Architects and Urban Design Office, led by architect Kengo Kuma, was in charge of the overall design and interior of the hotel, which harmonizes with the Japanese garden.

The main building is a renovated Nara Prefectural Governor's Residence built in the Taisho era. The "Certification Room" where Emperor Showa signed the "Instrument of Ratification of the San Francisco Peace Treaty" still exists.

The space that was once used as a guest room has been renovated into a restaurant, and the storehouse has been revived as a sushi and bar.
The accommodation building is newly built across the path from the main building.

If you stay in a room where you can enjoy simple hot spring water that is gentle on your skin and has a silky feel, you will be able to enjoy an even more nostalgic and relaxing time.

Adjust your mind and body with the tones of phosphorus and Japanese herbs associated with Nara.

``SUI Spa'' is located on the site of a Western-style building built in the early Showa period, and the space follows that design, with two treatment rooms with open-air natural hot spring baths.

Since ancient times, the people of Nara have been using Japanese and Chinese herbs inherited from the Silk Road and developed to suit Japan's climate and climate to circulate the ``Qi, Blood, and Water'' necessary for human life, and maintain good health. has been maintained.

Our signature treatment, ``Onyaku,'' uses sound and the power of Japanese and Chinese herbs to balance the energy of your entire body. First, incense is used to calm the mind, and a Buddhist utensil called phosphorus, which is also used as a healing bowl, is placed on energy points and resonated to adjust the vibrations of the body and brain.

Next, each guest chooses the oil that best suits their physical condition from three types of oil blended with Japanese and Chinese herbs such as Yamato Toki and Safflower, and a full body massage is performed using pressure tailored to the guest's preference.

After the treatment, your head and eyes will feel refreshed. You will be able to relieve your daily digital fatigue.

summary

Even in today's rapidly changing world, the people of Nara live their lives with great respect for nature and the land where the foundations of Japanese culture were formed.

By visiting this place, where there is an unwavering sense of security, you will regain calmness in mind and body, and you will be able to cultivate the courage to keep your feet on the ground and move forward.

Thank you everyone for reading this series again this year. Next year, I hope to continue to introduce the charms of each region from a new perspective. I hope you have a heartwarming New Year's holiday.


Shisui Luxury Collection Hotel Nara
Shisui, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Nara

62 Noborioji-cho, Nara City, Nara Prefecture
Tel: 0742-93-6511
Price: 1 room from ¥126,500 (tax and service charge included, meals not included)
Spa: “Onyaku” meditation/body oil treatment/head 110 minutes ¥43,643 (tax and service charge included)
Access: Approximately 15 minutes on foot from Kintetsu Nara Station, approximately 5 minutes by taxi. About 3 minutes walk from JR Nara Station bus stop "Kencho Higashi".
https://www.suihotels.com/shisui

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


We have already delivered products throughout the four seasons. How was it. Thank you everyone for reading this far.
Starting in 2024, a new series will begin in which Yumiko Itakura interviews people from various occupations who love their local areas and live a lively and healthy life in various parts of Japan and abroad. Please look forward to the insights that will help you in your daily life.

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