Kyoto Searches Blossom During Sakura Season
Submerge in the Japanese
culture with tips from Hotels.com
Signalling the arrival of spring,
Sakura is one of the most highly anticipated seasons among travellers. Data
from Hotels.comTM has revealed the marked
increase in searches for Japan by 36% between March and April in 2014 compared to
the year before, indicating the growing popularity in visits for this season.
The appeal of the cherry
blossom season is growing, particularly in Kyoto. As
one of the most popular spots for cherry blossoms, searches for hotels in the
city grew by 12%
in 2014, compared to the same period in 2013.
What better way to
simultaneously experience the spectacular season and Japanese culture than to
live within the comforts of a ryokan?
Originated in the Edo period, these traditional Japanese inns provide
travellers with the unique opportunity to experience the Japanese lifestyle, including:
·
Onsen: Traditionally used as public bathing places built
around the hot springs, travellers can bask themselves in naturally hot water
from geothermally-heated springs, which are believed to have healing elements
derived from its mineral content.
·
Tatami rooms with futons: Ryokans are equipped with futons placed on tatami flooring, a
type of mat made from bamboo. After a relaxing dip in the onsen, one is promised a good night's rest on these Japanese-style
padded mattresses.
·
Kaiseiki: Ryokans pride in serving a variety of traditional Japanese
delicacies, composed of many small dishes, often prepared
with local and seasonal ingredients and can be enjoyed in the comforts in your room or dining
venues.
Submerge in the Japanese atmosphere and
aesthetics with a stay in the ryokan. As
this exotic experience may be unsettling for first-timers, here are the top five tips to ensure the ultimate ryokan experience.
1. Take off your shoes when entering a ryokan and put on the slippers prepared for you. Wear
the geta wooden sandals provided for
you when you take a walk outdoors.
2. Wear
your yukata with the left side over
the right side, as the other way is for corpses. The yukata can be worn during your whole stay – to the bath, during meals or when
relaxing.
3. Take a shower before entering the onsen. The
bathing areas are usually equipped with amenities. Swimsuits are not allowed
and small towels will be provided. Note that the onsens are separated for both genders, so be careful not to enter the
wrong side. Generally, men's baths are indicated in blue and women's baths in
red.
4. Do not make loud noises in public or onsens as the atmosphere is meant for relaxation and quiet
conversations.
5. Be
prepared for a typical Japanese meal of rice, fish, miso soup and vegetables. It is
quite rare for ryokans to offer
Western food. Dinners are usually served early, between 6pm and 7pm – do
schedule with the ryokan staff if
you'd like your dinner at a later time.
To witness the Kyoto
trees bloom into Sakura and enjoy a traditional ryokan stay, Hotels.com recommends the following:
For the
sightseers: An urban yet tranquil experience
Throughout the cherry blossom season, guests from the Nishiyama Ryokan can
soak up the sights and sounds of Kyoto by the waterfall. Located within the central
area of the city and at the city’s major sightseeing points, the ryokan offers convenient access to the
Kyoto International Manga Museum, Kyoto Imperial Palace and Kyoto
Shiyakusho-mae Subway station.
Rooms start at HK$2,260* per room
per night.
For the
traditional trail blazers: Private baths and mountainous views
Situated on the Eastern Mountain overlooking the heart of Kyoto, Gion
Hatanaka is within walking distance of the famed Yasaka Shrine, Kodaiji Temple
and Nijo Castle. The ryokan offers a
relaxing aromatic Japanese bath alongside delectable local cuisine that should
not be missed.
Rooms start at HK$1,950* per room
per night.
For the
nature enthusiast: Witness the change of seasons
The best way to observe seasonal changes in the wake of spring is to
spend a few nights in ryokans. The
Japanese Inn Yoshimizu is tucked within the high hills of Maruyama Park,
surrounded by bamboo groves and cherry blossoms, located close to essential
tourist sites such as the Chion-in Temple, Gion Corner and the Kyoto Imperial
Palace.
Rooms start at HK$650* per room
per night.
Located in
Higashiyama area, Seikoro Ryokan is close to many cultural sights
including Shoseien Garden, Sanjusangendo Temple and Higashi Honganji Temple. Bathrooms
offer separate bathtubs and showers with deep soaking bathtubs and handheld
showerheads.
Rooms start at HK$2,069* per room
per night.
Located in
Nakagyo Ward area, Oyado Ishicho is a family-friendly ryokan close to Kyoto Holy Annunciation Cathedral, Kyoto Kaikan and
Hosomi Art Museum.
Rooms start at HK$1,519* per room
per night.
Located
in Higashiyama area, Gion Maifukan is close to Hokan-ji Temple, Kiyomizu Temple and Gion Corner. In-room massages are
available on request.
Rooms start at HK$1,433* per room
per night.
Located in
Higashiyama area, Kyoto Garden Ryokan Yachiyo is close to Kyoto Municipal Zoo,
Heian Shrine and Kiyomizu Temple.
Rooms start at HK$724* per room
per night.
Located in
Nakagyo Ward area, Kyoto Watazen Ryokan is close to Rokakkudo Temple, Nijo
Castle and Kyoto Imperial Palace.
Rooms start at HK$709* per room
per night.
Located
in Nakagyo area, Hotel Sugicho is close to Kyoto Holy Annunciation Cathedral, Nijo Castle and Kyoto
Imperial Palace.
Rooms start at HK$279* per room
per night.
Located in
Ukyo Ward area, Ryokan Yamazaki is close to Ninnaji Temple, Ryoanji
Temple, Daikakuji Temple
as well as Kyoto Studio Park. Complimentary
wired high-speed Internet access is provided.
Rooms start at HK$279* per room
per night.
* All prices are correct as of 19 March 2014 but are subject to change. Terms and conditions apply; please see
specific details for each hotel listed below by clicking at the hotel of your
interest. Search with your preferred dates for travel to see the discounted
rates for your stay. All prices listed do not include tax and fees. For more
deals and information please visit www.hotels.com.
-Ends-
For media enquiries, please contact:
Kally Lam
/ Aureole Shum / Shirley Hon
Cohn&Wolfe-impactasia
Tel. +852 3665 1016 / + 852 3665 1002 / +852 3665 1004
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