HW FEATURE
120 HERWORLD JAN 2020
Japanese), then bowing to the tea cup.
Although Zangetsu’s tea ceremony
is a crisp introduction, compared to a
traditional ceremony that can take up
to four hours, it presents an in-depth
experience that details each process
succinctly.
After the tea ceremony, lunch awaits
at Il Teatro, which serves Italian cuisine
in a classic Italian setting, complete with
Venetian glass chandeliers and a forested
garden backdrop. Here, the delectable
dishes include Tomato Capellini, John
Dory with Mint Gnocchi, Tiramisu and
Cheesecake.
If you prefer Japanese fare, feast
on the robust fl avours at Miyuki, which
serves traditional and modern Japanese
cuisine in an elegant atmosphere. Sushi
and teppanyaki are also served at the
counters.Day 4
I’m back for a special treatment on my
last day at Yu, The Spa by L’Occitane to
try out the 90-minute Shea Nurturing
Treatment. It’s not just any treatment,
but a plan that brings together four
types of treatments into one experience,
combining slow yet fi rm pressure strokes
and hot stones to relieve stress and soothe
overexerted muscles. Plus, oil gathered
from the highly moisturising shea butter
(shea oil) gives skin a smooth and healthy
shine.
After four days at Hotel Chinzanso
Tokyo, I checked out feeling rejuvenated.
The stay was truly experiential – certainly
one for the senses, designed to draw
city dwellers in search of health and
relaxation, in a location where tranquillity
imposes itself by the very nature of the
landscape. Coupled with the cures of
soothing onsen baths and luxurious spa
treatments, it was a trip to remember.fresh meat and seafood grilled
on lava rocks from Mount Fuji,
so expect to relish the natural
fl avours of the fi sh, poultry,
and vegetables. The restaurant
features an open-kitchen
concept where the service staff
prepares the food before you.Day 3
I’m in for a special treat at
Zangetsu teahouse for the
Tea Ceremony Experience.
Zangetsu is a Registered
Tangible Cultural Property
in Japan, which means it is
protected by the Japanese
government due to its high
historical or artistic value.
The tea ceremony is an
art form that goes back more
than 1,000 years. It’s not about
drinking the tea, but rather, a
ritual with precise and graceful
movements presented in a
careful sequence.
Ayumi Sanada, the
hotel’s assistant director of
marketing, guides us through
the customary cleansing of
the hands and mouth using
a wooden ladle from the
fountain. One also has to
exercise the proper removal of
footwear.
Dressed in kimonos, the
tea master and her server soon
enter the tatami room, holding
fans as they take a bow.
Guests are then presented
with delicate red bean cakes
shaped like chrysanthemums,
and the ceremony takes its
course from there.
The tea master holds court
with much grace, whisking the
liquid until bubbles appear
on the surface of the matcha.
Before sipping the brew, one
would bow and thank the host
fi rst, saying, “Otemae chodai
itashimasu” (which means
“thank you for making tea” inIt’s not just any
treatment, but a plan
that brings together
four types of
treatments into one.
The elegant
decor at Yu,
The Spa by
L’Occitane
makes you
feel right at
home while
you enjoy its
luxurious
facial
and body
treatments.