Take up a vegetarian omakase course at Sushi University

Source: Tabimori. Daikon sprouts, treated with the same kobujime (昆布締め) technique used for seafood sushi, develop a richer umami profile. In kobujime, the sushi topping is marinated with kelp before serving.

Tokyo-based Tabimori's Sushi University tour has a new vegetarian omakase option. According to the internationally-focused travel company, Japan has seen a surge in international tourism in recent years, but vegetarian and vegan visitors may face limited opportunities to enjoy Japanese sushi.

"Some participants completely avoid fish, while others simply dislike raw seafood. With our growing experience in accommodating such needs, we believe the time is right to offer an authentic, plant-based sushi omakase experience—one that stays true to the spirit of Japanese culinary artistry and hospitality," the company stated.

Historically, Edomae sushi chefs used techniques such as salting, simmering, steaming, marinating, and aging to enhance umami and preserve seafood before refrigeration. Today, these same techniques are applied to vegetables: salting reduces bitterness, gentle heating enhances natural sweetness, marinating in kombu adds depth, and fermentation develops complex flavours. In this way, vegetarian and vegan omakase become more than a fish substitute—they are a refined, nuanced expression of plant-based ingredients, the company pointed out

As part of the Sushi University experience, Tabimori will explain the philosophy behind Japanese culinary traditions, such as the traditional concepts of "five tastes" (五味 or gomi), "five colours" (五色 or goshiki), and "five techniques" (五法 or goho)—the core elements of washoku (和食, Japanese cuisine). 

- Five tastes: sweet, sour, bitter, salty, umami 

- Five colours: white, yellow, red, green, black

- Five techniques: raw, simmered, grilled, fried, steamed

These ideas, developed to balance taste, presentation, and sensory experience, form the heart of Japanese culinary philosophy, Tabimori said. The principles reflect Japan's long-held wisdom—taste harmony, visual beauty, and nutritional balance. 

Sushi University offers an omakase sushi course for vegetarians and vegans (¥16,000) and five other courses for general travellers (¥19,000–¥69,000), all of which include meals and interpreting services. The omakase sushi course for vegetarians and vegans includes hotel pickup services as well as an interpreter. 

Vegetarian and vegan guests will enjoy sushi crafted from the finest seasonal ingredients selected by skilled sushi chefs. Guests can watch the chefs work up close at the counter, and request a custom menu on the spot. 

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Book a sushi course online at https://sushiuniversity.jp/

Pay with a local e-wallet at over 2 million Japanese merchants

Source: Ant International. Alipay+ - and the local payment methods it supports - is now offered by 2 million Japanese merchants.

Ant International's cross-border mobile payment solution Alipay+ has connected 2 million merchants across Japan, enabling local businesses to accept payments from customers using their home country e-wallets.

Sixteen e-wallets and bank apps are now accepted in Japan via Alipay+, a suite of cross- border digital payment and digitalisation technology solutions, including the following in the Asia Pacific region: 

- Alipay (Chinese mainland)

- AlipayHK (Hong Kong SAR China)

- MPay (Macao SAR China)

- Kakao Pay (South Korea)

- Naver Pay (South Korea)

- Toss (South Korea)

- OCBC Digital (Singapore)

- Changi Pay (Singapore)

- EZ-Link (Singapore)

- Touch ‘n Go eWallet (Malaysia)

- MyPB by Public Bank (Malaysia)

- GCash (Philippines)

- HelloMoney (Philippines)

- TrueMoney (Thailand)

- Hipay (Mongolia)

Powered by Alipay+, transaction volume made by e-wallets and bank apps in Japan jumped over 200% in the first three weeks of March, compared with the same period in 2023. Transaction value is estimated to account for about 10% of total spending among users during their stay in the country, shared Douglas Feagin, President of Ant International. 

Another positive indicator is transaction volume from Alipay+ partner e-wallets and bank apps at Daimaru Matsuzakaya Department Stores, a flagship department store chain in Japan. This figure rose over 10x in the first two months of this year, compared with the same period last year. 

Akito Kimura, Manager of Inbound Business Division for Daimaru Matsuzakaya Department Stores said: “Starting with connecting Alipay to make Chinese customers more at home, we are pleased to expand our partnership with Ant International by integrating with Alipay+. This will allow us to accommodate the preferred payment methods of our international customers through simple integration. 

"We look forward to working together to drive more innovation, ensuring all customers can enjoy a memorable and peace-of-mind shopping experience at our stores.” 

Feagin added: “We are grateful to our over 40 local acquiring partners in Japan, including both big institutions as well as small ones that only have several employees, for their tremendous support to promote a seamless, transparent and efficient experience together for local businesses and international travellers.

“By working with these partners, Alipay+ provides global tourists with a seamless digital payment experience that is the same as in their own markets. Without any extra efforts, tourists can make purchases by simply scanning the QR code at merchants of all size, without worrying about foreign currency exchange or any language barriers.”

Alipay, AlipayHK, Kakao Pay, Touch ‘n Go eWallet, GCash and TrueMoney are among the most popular e-wallets used by travellers to Japan, while MPay, Naver Pay and Toss are seeing rapid growth in transactions, Ant International said.

Venetia Lee, CEO of AlipayHK said: “Japan is the first foreign destination of AlipayHK as it is one of the most favoured travel destinations for Hong Kong residents. Powered by Alipay+, Hong Kong people can now use AlipayHK to make purchases at local stores and use car-hailing in Japan, which are settled in Hong Kong dollars with competitive exchange rates in the market. 

"With the increasing acceptance of Alipay+ among local merchants in Japan, the daily transaction values and volumes of AlipayHK in the country in the first quarter have surged 3.5x and 5x over the previous quarter. I am confident that the usage of AlipayHK will continue to grow in Japan on the back of the strong adoption of Alipay+ services among the Japanese merchants.”

Ren-Ren Reyes, President and CEO of GXI (G-Xchange Inc.), the mobile wallet operator of GCash said: "Our long-standing partnership with Alipay+ has allowed us to be an indispensable companion for Filipino travellers in now 47 countries and territories around the world. We are glad to continue strengthening our collaboration with Alipay+ to ensure every Filipino has a seamless and secure cashless payment option when they travel abroad." 

Won-Keun Shin, the CEO of Kakao Pay, a major acquirer in South Korea, said, “We are glad that users can easily and conveniently pay with Kakao Pay at 2 million large and small merchants in Japan, one of the most visited countries by Korean tourists. Through discussions with Alipay+ as well as several e-wallet partners representing each country, we will accelerate global expansion and provide more benefits.” 

John Sun, Chairman and CEO of Macau Pass, stated, “As the leading mobile payment e-wallet in Macao, MPay, together with Alipay+ which has launched a suite of innovative digital cross-border solutions, strives to create a smart e-wallet that facilitates Macao residents to travel globally. This could also solve the issues they encounter with payment while travelling overseas, thus improve travellers' payment and shopping experience.  

"MPay will continue to expand in e-payments, lifestyle services, and marketing technology services to develop more open and diversified intelligent payment business scenarios.”

Alan Ni, CEO, TNG Digital, the operator of TNG eWallet, said: “As Malaysia's top e-wallet provider, we're committed to serving users locally and expanding globally. Our partnership with Alipay+ has seen transactions surge sixfold this year, specifically in Japan, a true testament to our dedication to innovative payment solutions. With over half of Malaysia entrusting TNG eWallet as their preferred digital payment and financial services provider, we aim to be the ultimate travel companion, ensuring easy and safe transactions wherever our users go.”

Monsinee Nakapanant, Co-President of Ascend Money, the operator of TrueMoney stated: “Japan ranks as one of the most popular destinations with approximately 1 million Thai travellers each year. We are pleased to work with Alipay+ to create more inclusive cross-border payments and enable Thais to enjoy safe, real-time, and cost-effective payments with their accustomed home wallet TrueMoney. Enabling the travellers to connect with Japanese merchants of all sizes will also expand their experiences of local culture and people that would make their trip more memorable.” 

Introduced by Ant International in 2020, Alipay+ now connects over 88 million merchants in 57 countries and regions to 1.5 billion consumer accounts on over 25 e-wallets and bank apps, allowing consumers to travel and pay hassle-free globally, and merchants to build out cross-border consumer engagement and digital marketing.

The service builds on Alipay+’s extensive regional partnerships, including those with national QR schemes including Singapore’s SGQR, Malaysia’s PayNet, South Korea’s ZeroPay, Sri Lanka's LankaPay and Cambodia's KHQR.

Best Western Plus Hotel Nagoya Sakae comes online in March 2024

Source: BWH Hotels. The Best Western Plus Hotel Nagoya Sakae features contemporary rooms fully equipped with amenities.

BWH Hotels (BWH), the global hospitality network comprising WorldHotels, Best Western Hotels & Resorts, and SureStay Hotels, will welcome a newly-renovated and rebranded hotel from 13 March 2024.

The Best Western Plus Hotel Nagoya Sakae, in the central commercial district of Nagoya, was formerly the Best Western Nagoya and one of the city's most popular internationally-branded midscale hotels. The building has been refurbished to bring it into line with the elevated brand standards of Best Western Plus. 

The hotel features 143 contemporary rooms, all fully equipped with modern amenities, including power showers. An onsite restaurant serves breakfast daily. 

Sakae is filled with high-rise corporate offices, world-class attractions, shopping malls and eclectic bars and restaurants. Local landmarks include the Sky Boat Ferris Wheel, Nagoya City Science Museum, and Nagoya City Art Museum. 

Those who need to go further can travel 40 km to Chubu Centrair International Airport, while Nagoya Station offers Shinkansen services to Tokyo and Osaka. Sakae Station is linked to two urban metro lines as well.

“We are delighted to unveil Best Western Plus Hotel Nagoya Sakae, which provides elevated midscale hospitality to guests in the epicentre of the city. As a major Asian metropolis and the home of multinational companies such as Toyota, Mitsubishi, and bullet train manufacturer Nippon Sharyo, this is a central hub for corporate travel, as well as an increasingly popular destination for leisure seekers. 

"The rebranding of the former Best Western Nagoya reflects the strength of BWH's portfolio of 18 brands to cater to the evolving needs of hotels owners and developers in every market. We look forward to welcoming all travellers to this revitalised midscale hotel,” said Olivier Berrivin, VP – APAC, BWH Hotels.  

BWH's portfolio in Japan currently comprises 21 hotels in cities such as Tokyo, Yokohama, Osaka, Nagoya, Fukuoka, Sapporo, and Kyoto. It includes two beach resorts in Okinawa.

Ryotaro Muramatsu's DANDELION PROJECT on display in Osaka, Taiwan, Sharjah

Source: NAKED. The DANDELION PROJECT.

Tokyo-based creative company NAKED and its founder Ryotaro Muramatsu are at the 2023 Sharjah Islamic Arts Festival, which ends 21 January, 2024. 

The Sharjah festival, with artists from over 40 countries, showcases Muramatsu's DANDELION PROJECT. Launched in 2020 as a response to the pandemic-affected world, the project aims to unite divided people through art.
 
Selected for its theme of transcending differences and fostering global connection through prayers for peace, the DANDELION PROJECT involves planting dandelion-shaped installations globally. Participants blow on a dandelion, and their prayers for peace travel virtually as a dandelion seed through the project's network, blooming as digital art flowers at another location. This initiative has been implemented in 56 locations worldwide, including in Tokyo, Shanghai, and the G7 Hiroshima Summit.

"DANDELION is an art piece that connects people worldwide with a simple physical act of making a wish on a dandelion—a childhood memory that many of us share. I hope we can go beyond our differences to connect with one another through art and plant flowers of peace throughout the world," commented Muramatsu.

The project is also live at the Tower of the Sun in the Expo '70 Commemorative Park in Osaka and in Taipei.

The Ritz-Carlon goes live in Fukuoka

Source: The Ritz-Carlton. Facade, The Ritz-Carlton, Fukuoka.

The Ritz-Carlton, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of 31 hotel brands, has opened The Ritz-Carlton, Fukuoka on the island of Kyushu in Japan. The Ritz-Carlton, Fukuoka brings the brand’s service and contemporary aesthetic to a city famous for its thriving startup scene as well as for its history, traditions, and culinary culture, the Ritz-Carlton group said.

“We are thrilled to celebrate the expansion of The Ritz-Carlton with the opening of the brand’s 7th hotel in Japan,” said Tina Edmundson, President, Luxury for Marriott International.

“Since we first debuted The Ritz-Carlton in Japan in 1997, the brand has been consistently recognized for its legendary luxury and service, beloved by locals and visitors to Japan alike. We are excited to further strengthen our luxury positioning in the country by entering a new and emerging destination such as Fukuoka.”

Fukuoka was once a key waypoint of Silk Road trade routes, and today the city remains a major gateway between Japan and the rest of Asia. The destination is famous for its annual festivals, such as the 800-year old Hakata Gion Yamakasa summer festival, designated by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage. Other attractions include its beaches, natural parks, and historic places such as the ruins of Fukuoka Castle.

The luxury hotel is situated within the 111 m main tower of Fukuoka Daimyo Garden City, the tallest urban lifestyle complex in the city’s core commercial district. The hotel is also adjacent to Tenjin, an up and coming tech hub filled with shops, bars, cafés, and nightlife. The area is 15 minutes by car or public transportation to Hakata Station, Hakata Port or Fukuoka Airport, which links the city to Tokyo.

The Ritz-Carlton, Fukuoka occupies the nine topmost floors in a 25-story glass tower designed by Kume Sekkei of Tokyo, offering views of the Genkai Sea and surrounding hills. The interior is inspired by Fukuoka’s traditional yarn-dyed silk and kimono weaving craft,

called “Hakata-ori”. Folding screens, sculptures, paintings, and woven textiles by local artisans are displayed.

On the 19th to 23rd floors, the hotel features 167 guestrooms of 50 sq m, including 20 suites that start at 75 sq m. Fukuoka Skyline rooms offer views of the city, while Park View rooms overlook the greenery of Ohori Park. From Bay View rooms, guests can see the passing shi

ps of Hakata Bay and beyond. The 132-sq-m Presidential Suite and the 188-sq-m Ritz-Carlton Suite each feature a dining room and kitchen for private meals.

The Ritz-Carlton Club at the top floor is a private sanctuary for guests staying in club and suite categories. Five culinary presentations are offered daily including breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, hors d’oeuvres, and cordials. With its bar and a private room, The Ritz-Carlton

Club offers a convenient venue for business and social gatherings. Live jazz performances are held every Saturday night, and a dedicated concierge service ensures personalised care for guests.

The hotel’s four restaurants and two bars reflect the food culture of Fukuoka. Sustainably-produced local ingredients are transformed into creative farm-to-sky Western c

uisine at Viridis, and three of Japan’s finest culinary traditions— kaiseki, sushi, and teppanyaki — are showcased at Genjyu. The Lobby Lounge & Bar offers refreshments and light meals throughout the day, and Bay offers breathtaking views and original cocktails along with chargrilled dishes and tapas to enjoy on its terrace. Diva is a refined yet relaxed café serving light meals, desserts and afternoon tea showcasing the green teas of Kyushu.

The Ritz-Carlton Spa, located on the 24th floor, features an indoor swimming pool overlooking the bay, a gymnasium with exceptional city views, and both single and double private rooms for treatments using local ingredients and featuring products from ESPA.

Two banquet venues on the third floor of the hotel, the 108-sq-m Ritz-Carlton Studio and 336-sq-m Ritz-Carlton

Ballroom, can be configured to accommodate breakout sessions, board meetings, and other gatherings. The Ballroom is equipped with a 6 sq m LED screen.

“We are excited to debut The Ritz-Carlton, Fukuoka and our talented team of ladies and gentlemen look forward to delighting guests with the brand’s legendary care and service,” said Radu Cernia, GM, The Ritz-Carlton, Fukuoka.

“Whether our guests are here to explore the local startup scene or discover Fukuoka’s fascinating culture and cuisine, we look forward to welcoming them to The Ritz-Carlton, Fukuoka and provide them unforgettable memories.”

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Watch the video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l-Z1NI6rngk

JAC Recruitment India opens second office in Bengaluru

JAC Recruitment India has established its second office in Bengaluru to provide greater assistance to companies with Japanese operations in the southern region of India.

“We’re always looking at ways we can support our clients with their business and expansion plans,” said Adil Driouech, Group MD, JAC Group (Ex-Japan).

JAC Recruitment India is a specialist recruitment firm that supports clients through permanent hiring and client advisory across a range of industries, including chemicals, manufacturing, industrial, textiles, consumer goods, engineering, construction, logistics, IT supply chain, trading, and healthcare.

Its first office was established in Gurgaon in March 2014 and is managed by Kazuo Komaki, MD of JAC’s operations in India. Komaki will also manage the Bengaluru operation.

FCM touches down in Japan

FCM, the travel management company, has entered into a joint venture with NSF Engagement in Japan. The investment will enhance FCM’s presence in Asia to support existing customers in the region while boosting its global footprint.

A robust business travel market, a strong increase in demand from customers across Asia and an opportunity to provide a differentiated service offering were among the decisive factors for FCM to expand its operations in Japan. 

The company said feedback from FCM customers across all markets revealed a lack of adequate end-to-end business travel solutions in Japan that can deliver consistently and is simple to use at the same time. In the coming months, the full suite of FCM products and services will be introduced into Japan to support consistency and improved customer experience.

Bertrand Saillet, MD of FCM Travel Asia said: “Choosing to expand FCM’s presence in Asia at this critical time speaks volume of the tremendous potential Japan has towards FCM’s global strategy. As the world’s fourth-largest business travel market, Japan will undoubtedly provide exciting growth opportunities for FCM in the region.

"FCM and NSF Engagement both recognised that the Japanese travel market is ripe for disruption and our partnership presents an alternative for clients who are currently being underserved. NSF Engagement’s deep local knowledge complemented by FCM’s evolving technology and global expertise will allow us to provide global coverage for existing and new Japanese clients. We are thrilled to work with a partner who shares our vision to continue our expansion in Asia.”

Leading FCM Japan as GM is Kenichi Shiraishi, who will be responsible for developing strategic local supplier relationships and expanding FCM’s customer base in Japan. “For over ten years, FCM has been providing managed travel services in Japan to MNC customers but there were limitations working through an agency. Through a complete local infrastructure alignment and integration into FCM’s global systems, we will be able to provide customers with a true end-to-end FCM experience,” said Shiraishi.

“The growing interest in demand from FCM customers has required us to ramp up our products and services for Japan. We will be diversifying our access to suppliers by building and strengthening local relationships while leveraging on the global FCM network and expertise to accelerate the growth momentum. This will deepen our connection to the business travel community with a stronger local presence.”

Shigeru Hiromatsu, President and CEO of NSF Engagement said: “The Japanese business travel market offers vast opportunities to grow the customer base and expand with the right products and services. We see considerable synergy between NSF Engagement and FCM," and described FCM’s DNA as "unconventional, innovative and flexible".

Kyoto Yura Hotel Nijo Jo Bettei MGallery set to become mystery hideaway in Kyoto

Source: Accor. Interior, Kyoto Yura Hotel Nijo Jo Bettei MGallery.

Accor has introduced its second MGallery Hotel in Japan with the opening of Kyoto Yura Hotel Nijo Jo Bettei MGallery.

Situated in Kyoto, the hotel is designed by architect Yukio Hashimoto and is centred around a Japanese garden, offering an elegant portal to the four seasons. Hashimoto’s philosophy focusses on designing ambience rather than focussing solely on materials, allowing him to create timeless and minimalistic interiors.

The luxury boutique hotel offers a collection of 25 rooms, from 40-45 sq m deluxe rooms to the 53 sq m Rikyu Suite. Select rooms feature balconies with views towards Nijo Castle (二条城) and all rooms overlook the Japanese gardens, along with amenities including espresso machines, air purifiers, mini-bar facilities and separate bathrooms.

The hotel’s restaurant and bar, Singular, specialises in French offerings prepared using local ingredients. Chef Susumu Okubo, who trained under the French culinary masters Alain Ducasse and Pierre Gagnaire, will lead the restaurant, inviting guests to experience culinary masterpieces inspired by Japan's beauty and the rich culinary traditions of Kyoto. Okubo most recently served as Chef de Cuisine at the one-star Michelin restaurant Pierre, in Osaka.

Patrick Basset, COO for Accor, Upper Southeast & Northeast Asia and the Maldives said: “The opening of our second MGallery hotel in Japan signals our confidence in this brand to offer something truly distinctive to travellers. We know that our guests are continually seeking authentic and original experiences, and we predict this to be an even stronger trend in the years to come. With the opening of Kyoto Yura Hotel Nijo Jo Bettei MGallery, we look forward to welcoming guests to come and experience many memorable moments in Kyoto, a charming city with countless unique stories to tell.”

The hotel is near Nijo Castle – one of the 17 Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The central Kyoto district offers an array of sights and attractions including Kyoto Gosho (京都御所), the Imperial Palace and the imperial family's residence till 1868. Nijojo Mae Station (二条城前駅) is a short walk away, offering guests convenient accessibility via the Tozai Subway Line (東西線). For the convenience of guests who travel by train, the hotel offers a private transfer service from Kyoto Station.

“We are very excited to introduce this truly special hotel in Kyoto which is sure to become one of Japan’s most mysterious hideaways. We look forward pursuing the highest levels of excellence and crafting an array of authentic experiences for our guests on their next visit to this historic city,” said Yuko Sato, GM, Kyoto Yura Hotel Nijo Jo Bettei MGallery.

Details:

To celebrate the hotel’s opening, guests can experience a 10-course menu (including wine) at Singular, from JPY77,000 until 17 March 2021. Members of Accor’s lifestyle loyalty programme Accor Live Limitless (ALL) can enjoy 20% discount on the best available rate including breakfast starting from JPY48,800 on weekdays from Sundays to Thursdays until 17 March 2021.

JR East Group offers vegan and Muslim-friendly sweets

Source: JR East via PRN Asia. JR East Group offers Plant Based Sweets Series. CAMPENELLA BROWN cookies are on the grey dish while Boule de Rouge cookies are in the glass bowl.

The East Japan Railway Company (JR East) Group, which operates the Shinkansen and other trains over a network of railways that cover half the main island of Japan, has launched the Plant Based Sweets Series to share delicious, high-quality food from Japan with people around the world.

Plant Based Sweets are Tokyo confectioneries made entirely from plant materials. They contain no ingredients from animals, including sugar refined from animal bones, honey, or alcohol.

The Plant Based logo is included on selected products by JR East Group. The logo's image of plants enveloped by two leaves conveys the idea of "plant-based only ingredients" while the words JAPAN QUALITY are assurance that the item was produced in Japan and is of the highest quality.

The Plant Based Sweets Series launches with products developed by three well-known Tokyo confectionery makers:

TOKYO CAMPANELLA BROWN

I'll Company's Tokyo Campanella Brown sandwiches milk-free chocolate between three crunchy butter-free French biscuits. The dough is made from whole wheat flour and 100% pure sudakito sugar from sugar cane on the Amami Islands.

Price: ¥1,200 for eight pieces (tax included)

Almond Caramel Sandwiches (Tokyo Banana World)

Price: ¥1,296 for eight pieces (tax included)

From the savoury caramel filled with roasted almonds to the almond-scented cookie dough coating, Tokyo Banana's Almond Caramel Sandwiches are full of almonds, topped off with a hint of banana. The cookies are made by GRAPESTONE Company.

Las Olas Series

Manufactured by Gâteaux de Voyage Company, the Las Olas Series consists of six different products including Boule de Rouge cookies. Boule de Rouge cookies are coated with raspberry powder, filling each bite with a blend of sour raspberry and cookie sweetness.

Price: ¥1,296 for 12 pieces (tax included)
*Price depends on the flavour

JR East separately announced that it will open a JAPAN RAIL cafe at Tokyo Station on March 5, 2020. This is designed to be a site where visitors from overseas can interact with one another and gather seasonal travel information on Japan.

The cafe will provide inbound tourists with up-to-date seasonal information which cannot be obtained from guidebooks or online, as well as travel support as a one-stop service while acting as a hub where travellers can exchange information about their trips in Japan.

JR East will establish a tourism information and travel consultation counter at JAPAN RAIL CAFE to propose specific travel plans in Japan in conjunction with tourism promotion campaigns underway in various parts of the country. Visitors can exchange their vouchers for the Japan Rail Pass and other specially-planned tickets for visitors from overseas as well as selling JR tickets and Welcome Suica* cards for inbound tourists.

The menu will include seasonal Japanese food and drinks, ekiben box lunches, and special food products made exclusively for the cafe under the supervision of Japanese tea producer-dealer Senchado Tokyo. Moreover, the cafe will advise visitors on how to enjoy Japanese tea during each meal.

Virtual travel in Japan will be available via a 140" screen. Visitors can also make use of digital signage at the Wall SHOP to search for travel information. Videos from japan-guide.com will be shown as well.

Details:

The snacks can be obtained at:

- In front of Tokyo Station's Tohoku, Joetsu, and Hokuriku Shinkansen South Transfer gates

- Nomono Tokyo Store, located outside the B1 ticket gate of the B1 Marunouchi Underground Central Gate at Tokyo Station

Other shops in Tokyo Station are scheduled to carry Plant Based Sweets.

*Suica comes with stored value that can be used on Tokyo’s public transport: Tokyo’s JR East Trains, subways and buses, as well as to pay for purchases on trains, vending machines and at participating stores.

Discover Japan on foot this February

Walk Japan has a number of winter tours for February 2020:

Oita Hot Spring Trail 

The fully-guided tour introduces Oita Prefecture, an area of Japan known for the beauty of its countryside, quality and variety food and relaxed, friendly people. Oita also boasts the largest concentration of hot springs fed by the greatest volume of water. The springs come in many different types, from clear to opaque, pungent or fizzy.

The tour runs from 16-21 February at JPY326,000. This tour is suitable for reasonably-fit people who can walk comfortably for four hours a day. The route is mainly on grassy paths, forest trails, gravel tracks, and quiet country roads.

Source: Walk Japan. Ishidatami
stone paving, Kiso Road.

The Snow Country 

For the adventurous, this is a guided snowshoeing tour in Japan's central Alps region. Visit farming villages in deep valleys and cross spectacular landscapes only accessible with snowshoes. 

The tour runs 3-9 February at JPY348,000.

Self-Guided Kiso Wayfarer

Mid-way between Kyoto and Tokyo, the 554 km-long Nakasendo Way threads through picturesque Kiso Valley in central Japan. One of the most well-known and maintained sections of the historic Nakasendo Way, Kiso Road’s 11 towns are some of the best-preserved in Japan. 

The unescorted walking tour runs from 26 February to 1 March at JPY 168,000, starting in Nakatsugawa and finishing in Matsumoto.

Norwegian Cruise Line releases new APAC itineraries.

Source: Norwegian Cruise Line website. Norwegian Spirit.

Norwegian Cruise Line has announced new 2020 and 2021 itineraries for 12 of its 17 ships.

Within the Asia Pacific region, Norwegian Spirit will sail a variety of port-intensive itineraries within North Asia. 

Beginning May 9, 2020 and opening for sale on May 1, 2019, Norwegian Spirit will feature 11 to 15-day itineraries will feature bucket-list worthy destinations including calls to Shanghai and Beijing, China; Osaka, Okinawa, Mount Fuji (Shimizu) and Sapporo, Japan; and Taipei (Keelung), Taiwan.


According to the company's website there are also cruises available within Southeast Asia.

In early 2020, as part of the company’s Norwegian Edge programme, Norwegian Spirit will undergo an extensive multimillion-dollar revitalisation including new venues, updated staterooms and public spaces.

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For more information or to book a cruise, call +852 2165 6000 (English, Cantonese and Mandarin assistance), contact a preferred travel professional or visit the website.

Experience Nihonbashi culture at the Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo

The Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo has completed a renovation of its 179 guestrooms and suites that combines Japanese craftmanship with the latest technology to ensure a thoroughly contemporary Japanese experience.

Textile designer Reiko Sudo and art director Ryu Kosaka have transformed the guestrooms and suites, and built on the existing woods and water interior design theme. To honour the hotel’s location in Nihonbashi, an area that is closely connected to the culture of the kimono, Sudo has used locally-produced fabrics in all suite and guestroom interiors.

Bespoke fabrics and furnishings representing the woodlands and the changing seasons have been incorporated throughout, with autumn leaf colours of gold, orange and purple and blooming springtime wisteria and sakura patterns embroidered onto headboards.

All accommodation has also been equipped with the latest Internet protocol television (IPTV), which allows for high-quality picture and sound from both Apple and Android devices to be experienced on 49-77" screens.

Mandarin Grand Rooms

Contemporary Japanese style and materials abound, ranging from an embroidered headboard depicting weeping cherry blossoms to a light fixture made from bamboo strings. Curvaceous lines, such as the round table and curved back for the chaise longue, create a welcoming atmosphere.

Suites

Featuring the original Flower Shower textile pattern on furnishings, such as the sofa and chairs in the living room, the hotel’s restyled suites are designed to conjure up thoughts of blissful moments with flowers. A wisteria in full bloom is embroidered onto each headboard, while each bedside chest is crafted with wood from the Paulownia tree.

A silver-leaf round table and gold-leaf embossed cabinet brighten the living room, while the carpet blends the look of Japanese ink and brush work with a motif of clouds and gentle breezes, a nod to the extensive views of Tokyo that can be enjoyed from the hotel’s suites.

Another quintessentially Japanese highlight are lampshades inspired by the andon, a traditional Japanese lamp. Made from washi paper, these have been placed in asymmetrical positions throughout each bedroom.

Source: Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo website. The Presidential Suite.

Presidential Suite

The 250 sq m Presidential Suite is the largest and most luxurious suite in the hotel. Inspired by gardens and bonsai, the suite is a beautiful reference to nature, conjuring a feeling of walking in a park, including specially-commissioned photographic wall artwork depicting inspirational treescapes from Tokyo’s parks.

Featuring an abundance of natural daylight and several distinctive seating areas, the living room is the perfect spot for enjoying drinks. There is a separate library.

The nature theme continues in the dining room, which is dressed with a photographic mural depicting sun shining through the tree branches from one of Tokyo’s parks. The dining room’s ceiling light resembles the sun and its cabinets are decorated with motifs of birds, butterflies and plants.

The bedroom ceiling is created to give the illusion of looking at the sky through trees, while its carpet design evokes the world of origami. Offering sweeping views across Tokyo, the bathroom is equipped with a bathtub that has built-in fibreoptic lighting that colours the bathwater.

When visible, Mount Fuji can be viewed from any part of the Presidential Suite.

Meetings

The ballroom is fitted with 36 projectors enabling 360-degree projection - the first of its kind in Japan. All rooms are fitted with high speed Internet connections, both wired and wireless. The hotel also offers screens in all conference and meeting rooms, an advanced lighting system, TV conferencing facilities, and LAN cabling on request. A dedicated conference manager will oversee each event, managing details such as rooms, catering and meeting facilities.

As part of an event, the hotel can devise a programme of cultural experiences for delegates including Bushido martial art lessons, traditional tea ceremonies or receiving gifts of bespoke fans created by historic local craftsmen.

There are also two private conference rooms for up to four executives.

Details:

Book Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo’s Nihonbashi Package which includes accommodation, breakfast for two and the choice of a cultural experience in the historic Nihonbashi district.

Japanese fashion retail concepts arrive in Singapore

Source: WMH Group. Kafuku.

World Mode Holdings Group (WMH Group) is looking to elevate the fashion retail industry in Singapore with the launch of its first overseas office, iDA Singapore (iDA’SG).

WMH Group is a Japanese fashion retail consultancy with a proven record of enhancing their clients’ brand presence. The company is the leading player in recruiting sales professionals for beauty and fashion in Japan. The Singapore subsidiary will provide professional support and consultation services aimed at enhancing the skills of retail staff. 

“We have the largest market share in successful retail job placements in Japan, having successfully placed 100,000 retail staff to our extensive list of clients, numbering around 1,000 mostly in the fashion and luxury industry. Hiring and training services for retail professionals remains our biggest business in World Mode Holdings. We want to bring our expertise in Japan to Singapore and introduce the concept of Working Dream. The concept represents the support that we can provide to turn retail professionals’ dream of succeeding in a retail career into a reality,” said Shinsuke Kafuku, CEO of WMH Group.

The WMH Group has developed customised integrated solutions and methodology covering recruitment, placement, marketing, store operations management, marketing and advertisement to retail technology. The branch in Singapore will focus on training and recruitment with services extending to learning and development programme development, career guidance, training and coaching for retail professionals, service assessments, consultancy services in retail store operations and providing emerging technology for retailers.

“Taking on the mission of WMH’s iDA and iDA Pro, our vision at iDA’SG is to continue to provide world-class services through strategic recruiting and training of retail professionals while promoting and elevating the retail industry. We hope to build a community of about 600 qualified retail professionals whom we can provide career guidance and upskilling services to by end of 2019. 

"We also target to successfully place 60 qualified retail professionals in the local retail industry by the end of next year. We always have a triple win aim – firstly, to upskill and develop retail professionals especially with the practice of omotenashi* (お持て成し or おもてなし) which will result in quality customer service; secondly, to help our retail clients acquire and benefit from elevated businesses and branding; and finally, to provide an enhance customer journey at the retail stores which will result in repeat visits," said Izumi Matsumoto, MD, iDA’SG.

Retailers will benefit from customised customer insight and methodology that can enhance service standards and maximise store-level resources. The company intends to launch proprietary in-store technology, tracking shopper habits and movements which provide real-time data it can use to provide better solutions for its clients.

Explore:

Businesses, job seekers and retail professionals can contact cindy-chai (at) wmh.co.jp

*Omotenashi is the Japanese concept of offering the best service possible to a customer. WMH explains that it is a traditional code of conduct outlining the ideal guest-host relationship, hospitality and reception. It is infused with principles such as the anticipation of the needs of others, flexibility and adaptability to the situation and approaching relationships with modesty and respect.

Singapore and Japan to facilitate collaboration and support growth of enterprises and startups

Singapore’s Economic Development Board (EDB) and Enterprise Singapore have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Japan External Trade Organisation (JETRO) to bolster support for startups and businesses based in Japan and Singapore. 

The signing took place on the sidelines of the ASEAN Economic Ministers’ Meeting 2018. Under the MoU, EDB, Enterprise Singapore and JETRO will facilitate access and opportunities through creating initiatives, events and information exchanges for startups and businesses, strengthening linkages between the Singapore and Japan innovation ecosystems.

Ted Tan, Enterprise Singapore’s Deputy CEO said, “Japan is a global leader in innovation, especially in areas such as manufacturing and engineering. Through this partnership, we will work with JETRO and their partners to enable Singapore startups to tap on Japan’s strong innovation ecosystem, and work together with high potential Japanese startups to jointly enter the ASEAN market through Singapore.”

The MOU also expands Singapore’s Global Innovation Alliance (GIA) initiative with Japan now as part of the network. A key recommendation in the Committee on the Future Economy 2016 report, the GIA was launched in 2017 to strengthen Singapore’s connection to leading innovation hubs and key markets around the world.

Beh Kian Teik, EDB’s Assistant MD and Chief Digital Officer said, “Having Japan join the GIA network builds on the existing economic partnership and bilateral relations. This partnership will provide valuable access and opportunities for Singapore and Japanese enterprises to connect, partner and cocreate solutions, thereby bolstering the startup and innovation ecosystems in both countries.”

FUMI crafts complete Japanese experiences for diners

Source: FUMI Facebook page. FUMI sushi.

Japanese restaurant FUMI aims to bring the best of Japanese food to Hong Kong in a space filled with Japanese-inspired art, furniture and tableware. A variety of meals will be served, from multi-course omakase and kaiseki dinners to àla carte dishes and set lunches.

Located in California Tower, FUMI has exclusive access to the best seasonal ingredients from Japan, flown daily to Hong Kong and delivered straight to FUMI’s kitchen. Often served to diners mere hours after being plucked from the Japanese soil or sea, these ingredients will appear in FUMI’s sushi, sashimi, omakase and kaiseki dishes, as well as on a variety of seasonal menus.

FUMI’s seasonal menus will highlight the unique dishes and cooking techniques found in different prefectures of Japan and feature dishes never served before in Hong Kong. FUMI’s team will devise some of these seasonal menus, but others will be created and presented by celebrity Japanese guest chefs.

“Omakase” roughly translates as “I’ll leave it up to you”, indicating that the diner leaves the choice of dishes totally in the hands of the chef. Rarely written down, omakase menus change daily depending on what ingredients have been delivered to the chef that morning.

FUMI’s kaiseki menu will also be regularly updated to feature seasonal ingredients. FUMI’s kaiseki experience also showcases Japanese craftsmanship, with each course meticulously presented on tableware handmade by artisans around Japan. There are several kaiseki menus, with highlight dishes featuring the liver of the angler fish; oden, a hotpot-style dish with a broth made from two different types of katsuobushi (bonito flakes); and unusually thick slices of A4 Miyazaki beef sirloin steak served with homemade sukiyaki sauce, Japanese-style poached egg, zucchini, grilled tofu, small onion, shiitake mushroom and mini tomato.

Signature ala carte dishes include fresh soy milk skin and sea urchin with wasabi starchy soy sauce, prime sea urchin sushi trio and Miyazaki beef tenderloin tartar.

FUMI’s rooms draw upon the best of traditional Japanese crafts and contemporary design. VIP rooms are separated from the main space by classical bamboo screens and other tables will be divided by washi laminated resin panels made in Japan. A traditional sushi counter, with fresh seafood laid out on ice, will run along one wall of the restaurant. FUMI’s designers have also created a Japanese zen garden on the restaurant’s balcony.

Through food and drink, FUMI hopes to educate diners about Japanese culture and traditions, the variety of food found around Japan and how Japanese cuisine has developed over time. Planned activities include marking traditional Japanese holidays with cultural menus and Japanese dance performances, Japanese calligraphy demonstrations, and talks about Japanese food culture.

This desire to celebrate the broader culture of each prefecture is behind FUMI’s name. In Japanese, the written character “ 文 ”, which is pronounced as “fumi" in English, forms part of the Japanese and Chinese word for culture, “文化”.

Details:

FUMI is at 6/F, California Tower,
Lan Kwai Fong, 30-36 D'Aguilar St,
Central, Hong Kong.
For reservations, call +852 2328 3302 

Hashtag: #FUMI

InterContinental Hong Kong presents Harvest in Aomori by NOBU

Source: InterContinental Hong Kong. Steamed awabi, uni shijimi dashi jelly and shime saba sashimi kiku dressing.

NOBU InterContinental Hong Kong continues its GOURMET TOUR OF JAPAN series with episode 5 – Harvest in Aomori from September 12 – October 22.

Executive Chef Sean Mell and Executive Sushi Chef Arakai Kaazunari have prepared set lunch and dinner menus showcasing autumn produce from the Aomori Prefecture, located in the Tōhoku region of northern Japan. Chefs Mell and Kaazunari have selected seasonal products such as awabi (abalone), saba (mackerel), uni (sea urchin), hotate (scallops) and black garlic to showcase in their menus. Some dishes will also feature Aomori apples, which constitute over 50% of the apple market in Japan. The apple harvest season starts in September.

The chefs are using traditional Aomori cooking methods such as kaiyaki, simmering seafood in the shell, and towada barayaki, grilled beef with sliced onion and soy sauce served on a hot plate, combined with Nobu's new-style cuisine.

In 2017, NOBU'S GOURMET TOUR OF JAPAN is showcasing six regions. The culinary journey began in Okinawa in the southern region in January /February, and then headed north to Kyushu in March/ April and up to Kyoto in May/June and Kobe in July/August. Now we continue north to Aomori in September/October: 

1. Okinawa Farm (January – February 2017) 
2. Kyushu Hanami (March – April 2017) 
3. Kyoto Twist (May – June 2017) 
4. Like Kobe, Love Wagyu (July – August 2017);  

Hokkaido is Here (November – December 2017) will take place after Harvest in Aomori.

Interested?

Sample special Aomori seasonal dishes over a six-course Aomori Lunch Menu (HK$658 per person) or eight-course Aomori Omakase Dinner Menu* (HK$1,488 per person). View the menus for the Special Aomori Set Lunch and the Dinner Omakase meals (PDF).

NOBU InterContinental Hong Kong is at the InterContinental Hong Kong, 18 Salisbury Road, Kowloon, Hong Kong.

NOBU InterContinental Hong Kong is open daily for lunch from 12 noon to 2:30pm and dinner from 6pm to 11pm. NOBU Afternoon Tea is served from 2:30pm to 4:30pm on Saturdays and Sundays.
Attire: Smart casual.

Call +852 2313 2323 to make a reservation.

*Menu items may change according to the availability of seasonal ingredients.

MoneyGram expands in Japan

MoneyGram has launched its money transfer services at 18 locations managed by City Express Money Transfer (City Express) in Japan, increasing the number of MoneyGram touchpoints across the country to nearly 50.

To meet the growing demand for money transfer services, MoneyGram recently expanded its network in Japan with locations providing greater coverage of key prefectures, including Tokyo, Saitama, Ibaraki and Tochigi.

"Japan is a significant send market in the Asia Pacific region and one of the key countries for MoneyGram," said Yogesh Sangle, MoneyGram's head of Asia Pacific. "The agreement with City Express, one of the fastest growing remittance companies in Japan, reinforces our strategy to bring more convenient options to our customers to send or receive funds whether in cash or directly to their bank account." 

"With MoneyGram we can offer our customers a money transfer service that is fast and reliable. This collaboration demonstrates our commitment to offer our customers the right partner to send funds to their loved ones around the globe," said Mahesh Kumar Shrestha, President and CEO of City Express Money Transfer Japan.

According to the World Bank, over US$8.8 billion in remittances flowed out of Japan in 2016 mainly to China (US$4.1 billion), South Korea (US$1.7 billion), and the Philippines (US$1 billion).

Hashtag: #moneygramnews

Walk Japan offers unique perspectives of Japan

Source: Walk Japan. Viewing Mount Fuji on the Izu Geo Trail.

Walk Japan tours offer travellers the opportunity to experience the varied terrain in Japan across the seasons on a more personal level. Walk Japan is an independent organisation offering a different vision of how to create and manage tours in Japan. The company’s expertise and personal connections with the locals built up over the years ensure that guests enjoy authentic experiences wherever they go.

Japan offers plenty of seasonal views, from treks across Hokkaido’s snowscapes with the Hokkaido Snow Tour, to the summer Hokkaido Hike journey from Lake Akan through central Hokkaido to the Daisetsuzan National Park and on to Lake Shikotsu-ko.

The Kunisaki & Yufuin Walk offers guided walks through atmospheric, rural scenery, local inns, farmhouse cuisine, and onsen (hot spring) baths.

The Oita Hot Spring Trail is a guided, gentle walking and cycling tour that takes guests from hot spring to hot spring in rural Oita prefecture on Kyushu Island, including the famous Beppu.

Source: Walk Japan. Steam cooking at Beppu.

Unique oceanside experiences from Walk Japan include the Yaeyama: Okinawa Voyage tour, with ample opportunities for swimming, snorkelling, kayaking and paddle boarding. The freshest seafood is available in Japan’s coastal city of Izu. The Izu Geo Trail the scenic Izu Peninsula, geological formations, beaches, and waterfalls, and views of the iconic Mount Fuji, as well as local fishermen’s daily catches.

For the adventurous the Hokkaido Hike involves an ascent of two active volcanoes, Mount Asahidake (2,291m) and Mount Tokachidake (2,077m), while the East Hokkaido Walk takes guests the Mashu-ko crater lake and offers opportunities to spot deer, foxes, seals, dolphins, and sea eagles.

Wildlife lovers can experience the forests and mangroves that cover 90% of Iriomote in the Yaeyama: Okinawa Voyage tour. Iriomote is home to the Iriomote-yamaneko, one of the rarest wild cats alive today. Ishigaki, Iriomote’s neighbouring island, is surrounded by subtropical waters inhabited by more than 120 types of coral and over 300 species of tropical fish.

Interested?

View the full range of Walk Japan tours

Belstaff opens flagship store in Japan

Source: Belstaff.

British modern heritage brand Belstaff has opened its first flagship store in Tokyo, Japan within the 47,000 m² retail space Ginza Six. The opening of a flagship in Tokyo showcases the brand's development in Japan and its continued international expansion and dedication to retail.
The store features an initial offering of Belstaff's women's line in Tokyo and a complete menswear collection. This follows Belstaff's launch into the Japanese market in 2016, with retail spaces opened in Matsuzakaya Nagoya, Isetan Tokyo and Kobe.

Global Ambassador and Hollywood A-lister Liv Tyler graced the opening. Tyler has co-designed and produced two collections for Belstaff, and her latest Spring Summer 17 offering will be available in Ginza Six.

The Tokyo store will offer an exclusive Ginza Capsule collection of lighter-weight pieces and the first eyewear collection from the brand, all handmade with the finest materials in Japan. The 100 sq m store is the second-biggest retail space in Asia, after Macau, and the biggest retail launch since the flagship in New Bond Street, London, UK.

Source: Belstaff website. Tyler.

Gavin Haig, Belstaff CEO said: "Ginza Six, our fourth opening in Japan, shows our fast and strategic expansion in this important market. The Japanese influence on fashion and style can be felt globally, which is why we selected this great country as a key pillar market for Belstaff. The Japanese appreciation and appetite for modern heritage is key to our success here. We are also a brand that continues to innovate, with functionality as important as style. Our successful launch of the ongoing partnership with SOPHNET showcased a more street style-influenced collection, which is synonymous with Tokyo, and was well received all over the world."

"The first launch of our women's business in Japan is at Ginza Six, with Ambassador Liv Tyler attending and representing our modern Belstaff Woman. Ginza Six epitomises the new luxury by offering shoppers an experience of the highest quality. We are thrilled to be a part of this historic opening, an important milestone in the brand's 93-year history."

The flagship launches in the same month Belstaff exhibits its first Archive exhibition, Hollywood Legends in the Daikanyama Tsutaya bookstore. This is a celebration of Belstaff's iconic design which has influenced many Hollywood films, including The Aviator starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Ironman, Dark Knight, I am Legend, and Twilight.

Interested?

In Asia, UK-headquartered Belstaff pieces are available through stores in Asia, select wholesale distribution worldwide and online.

Hashtag: #BELSTAFFGINZA
 

posted from Bloggeroid

The Ascott Marunouchi Tokyo is now open

Source: The Ascott Limited. The lobby, Ascott Marunouchi Tokyo.

CapitaLand’s wholly-owned serviced residence business unit, The Ascott Limited, has opened its first luxury serviced residence in Japan under the premier Ascott The Residence brand, on 30 March 2017.

Located in the prime Marunouchi-Otemachi area, the 130-unit Ascott Marunouchi Tokyo is part of an integrated development that also comprises offices, and is surrounded by must-go places such as the Imperial Palace East Gardens and the Ginza district. The Ascott Marunouchi Tokyo is also conveniently connected to Otemachi Station, one of Tokyo’s largest subway stations served by five different lines, and access to the Shinkansen bullet train is available from nearby Tokyo station.

An understated colour palette of warm earth tones and pastels is used throughout Ascott Marunouchi, softening the silhouettes of the glass and steel towers outside. The design experience begins as one moves from the busy thoroughfare into a ground-floor foyer enveloped in warm and welcoming hues of brown, bronze and soft gold. In the lift, panels of brown and bubble-filled blue glass evoke a sense of fluid motion. As one travels upward, the lighting shifts subtly from blue to white, anticipating the expansive view that unfolds to greet guests at the 22nd floor.

Tan Lai Seng, Ascott’s Regional GM for Japan and Korea said: “Ascott The Residence, our premier brand that has been recognised worldwide with numerous accolades, is home to top business executives, dignitaries as well as industry leaders. Since we started operations in Japan more than 10 years ago, Ascott has built a strong reputation with our Citadines and Somerset brands. Many of our customers have been eagerly anticipating the opening of our first Ascott-branded property in the country.

“With Japan’s growing economy, Ascott Marunouchi Tokyo’s strategic location where many multinational companies and major Japanese banks and companies are based, and its timely opening ahead of the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, we are confident that the serviced residence will be a draw for discerning business and leisure travellers seeking a world class experience and the comforts of home.”

At Ascott Marunouchi Tokyo, Ascott Hosts are on hand round the clock to provide guests with personalised services. The urban oasis will feature spacious studios to three-bedroom units that provide a view of the city or garden. For a local experience, guests can also choose apartments that come with a Japanese tatami mattress.

Each apartment has separate living and dining areas, a fully-equipped kitchen* and ensuite bathrooms, making it a perfect space for business executives to share. In addition to the business centre and meeting rooms, facilities such as a swimming pool, gymnasium, roof-top terrace and reading lounge are available.

Source: The Ascott Limited. Relax in the Ascott Marunouchi Tokyo.

Ascott's other serviced residences in Japan include the Citadines Shinjuku, Citadines Central Shinjuku, Somerset Azabu East, Somerset Ginza East and Somerset Shinagawa in Tokyo, as well as Citadines KarasumaGojo in Kyoto.

Interested?

Ascott Marunouchi Tokyo is offering special promotional rates from JPY35,000 per night** till 28 June 2017. It includes complimentary daily continental breakfast, daily housekeeping service a choice of benefits on request, such as a voucher for the next stay. Book

*Some rooms have no kitchen.

**Subject to availability. Taxes, service charge and conditions apply.

posted from Bloggeroid