Located in a tranquil riverside neighborhood at the heart of Kyoto, GENJI Kyoto is a contemporary interpretation of Machiya townhouses, marrying traditional concepts with modern amenities. Inspired by the Japanese masterpiece Tale of Genji, the story of which took place in the vicinity, the hotel’s designers took motifs from the novel to create a wabi sabi world of beauty and harmony.

Forest bathing, or “Shinrin Yoku” in Japanese, literally means “taking a bath in the atmosphere of the forest.” This nature therapy originated in Japan in the 1980s as a way to combat the rising stress levels of urban populations. It doesn’t involve actual bathing, but rather immersing oneself in the forest and fully experiencing the surroundings with all the senses.

EVISU, named after the Japanese god of prosperity Ebisu, is a renowned fashion label known for its high-quality denim products and its unique connection to Japanese culture. Since its foundation in 1991, EVISU has firmly established itself in the world of premium denim fashion and has distinguished itself through its distinctive designs and attention to detail.

A spoon gliding through soft egg yolk, a ray of light shining through a window or the tinkling of a glass in the evening: sometimes it’s not the loud sounds but the quiet moments that linger in the memory. The design hotel K5, designed by Claesson Koivisto Rune, is located in a historic bank building in the heart of Tokyo’s financial district. In addition to rooms, an entrance area and a pop-up space, it also houses three culinary spots that are not just about eating waffles and drinking sake, but about discovering moments that sparkle without being loud.