Aman’s ethos has always been to care for the environments it inhabits, sensitively integrating into the surrounding landscape, respecting local culture and celebrating ancient tradition.

No place is this better demonstrated than at its three properties in Japan, where the country’s natural beauty, unique energy and exceptional approach to hospitality can be experienced wholeheartedly.

After over two years of restrictions, Japan’s borders have reopened to international travel, and it is with great pleasure and gratitude that Aman invites guests to discover Japan once again at Aman Tokyo, Aman Kyoto and Amanemu.

Aman Tokyo

Aman’s first urban outpost, Aman Tokyo has offered a spacious and exclusive city escape since 2014. Complete with a 2,500-square metre Aman Spa – the largest in Tokyo – and a 30-metre pool with extraordinary views of Japan’s captivating capital, the hotel offers the perfect antidote to the dynamism of the city – a base for exploration by day, and a place in which to find sanctuary by night.

Calligraphy

New for the season, guests have an opportunity to rediscover Tokyo through several exclusive experiences. Showcasing the subtleties of ancient Japanese arts, private tours in the workplaces of several long-standing Tokyo craftsmen are offered in Nihonbashi, an area renowned for its artisans. Destinations include Chikusen, a historic store specialising in hand-dyed yukata kimonos; Ibasen, a producer of stylish uchiwa folding fans and Oonoya Sohonten, a traditional Japanese footwear store selling unique Shintomi-style Tabi shoes.

This is in addition to Uchida Hyogu ten, where artisans can be observed working on kakejiku (hanging scrolls), shoji screens tailored from paper, as well as intricate wall coverings. Ordinarily inaccessible to the public, guests can take part in half or full-day trips to one or multiple stores, trying their hand at artisanal techniques passed down for generations. In some locations, bespoke pieces can be created to take home and treasure while learning about the fascinating Edo period of craftsmanship along the way.

Continuing the theme of celebrating Japanese culture, guests can also discover the remarkable history and rich traditions of Japan’s national sport with a visit to a sumo-beya (stable). Here, they are invited to observe the city’s wrestlers in training, witnessing the discipline and rigour that underpins the practice in a private location normally closed to members of the public.

Aman Tokyo, Cafe

Alongside the arts, Tokyo has long been renowned for its exceptional gastronomy, and since its opening, Aman Tokyo has grown to become a culinary destination in its own right. On the 34th floor with views of the skyline, Musashi by Aman was conceived to bring together the finest sushi and sake, honouring the tradition of omakase. Translating to ‘I leave it to you’, the creative concept – which allows the chef to create a multi-course menu based on seasonal, locally sourced ingredients – can now be enjoyed privately. The exclusive Musashi by Aman experience invites guests to indulge in a ten-course omakase dinner prepared by Master Chef Hiroyuki Musashi himself, accompanied by sake pairing, showcasing the award-winning Musashi by Aman Sake that is made using rice lovingly harvested from the chef’s own rice fields

The hotel’s popular One Dinner, Two Journeys experience also returns on 28 and 29 November 2022, seeing Musashi’s Master Sushi Chef and Arva’s Executive Chef, Masakazu Hiraki create a unique 12-course tasting menu. Taking guests on a journey through two distinct cuisines, the master chefs will go head-to-head in a friendly competition, creating their own individual dishes using the same seasonal ingredients – such as wagyu, white truffle and Japanese Hairy Crab – prepared in homage to the culinary heritages of Italy and Japan.

Both hotel guests and those visiting the city can also experience Aman Tokyo’s culinary prowess by visiting Aman’s first standalone patisserie on the lower ground floor of the building where Aman Tokyo is located. Marking its 1st anniversary this October, La Pâtisserie serves a selection of refined culinary creations freshly made each day, from handmade breads to exquisite cakes and French pastries including Mille Feuille Framboise, Baba à l’Armagnac and Tarte Chocolat. The patisserie also offers a range of exclusive gift items including small baked pastries in beautiful Japanese kōbako boxes, Aman Tokyo original fruit jams and pressed juices, handmade chocolates and branded reusable lunch bags and tumblers.

Guests visiting Tokyo from today until 15 September 2023 can experience the best the city has to offer with the Rediscover Tokyo exclusive, which includes daily breakfast and JPY 30,000 hotel credit to spend in the hotel’s restaurants and spa.

Amanemu

Overlooking serene Ago Bay in Ise-Shima National Park, Amanemu is a remote onsen retreat and wellness destination embraced by nature. With direct access to mineral hot springs and the region’s bountiful produce, the resort showcases the very best of Japan’s natural beauty from its ryokan-inspired villas and suites.

Rooted in Japan’s sixth-century tradition of onsen bathing, Amanemu’s 2,000-square-metre spa embraces the restorative power of water. Ideal for those seeking a full immersion in Japan’s traditional healing therapies, the onsen pools of the Amanemu Spa are fed by a nearby hot spring, which provides water that is naturally rich in minerals. Daybeds are positioned around the thermal spring garden, and two separate onsen pavilions provide space for guests to take to the waters in comfort and privacy. Each of Amanemu’s Suites and Villas also features its own private onsen bath for those seeking a private retreat.

Amanemu, Japan – Aman Spa

Alongside its healing waters, the Ise-Shima region was once renowned as the breadbasket of Japan’s ancient imperial court. Celebrating the bounty and diversity of ingredients available locally, Amanemu has several seasonal dining experiences designed to showcase the best of the region, including its fresh seafood. From 1 October the year’s fishing begins and in Hamajima, near Amanemu, lobster caught on the first day of the fishing season are dedicated to the Ise Jingu Shrine. To celebrate this ritual, throughout October Amanemu’s head chef will prepare a special menu, using freshly caught Ise Lobster to create a range of unique dishes. The Ise Lobster Kaiseki Menu offers guests a taste of the season, available until 30 November.

For guests seeking a full immersion in local gastronomy combined with discovery of the surrounding region, Amanemu’s Ise Jingu Food of the God experience is also well-suited. Starting with a private tour to Ise Jingu, a 2,000-year-old Shinto shrine, the experience also takes guests to several nearby villages. The tour includes private transfers, alongside guided trips to Sakatoku Konbu, a century-old seaweed producer, and cliff-side katsuobushi (smoked and dried bonito) brand Tenpaku and Iwatokan. Based in the quaint town of Futami, guests are invited to uncover the county’s cuisine through tasting these ingredients that underpin Japanese cooking, and which have been served as offerings to the God of Ise Jingu for over 1500 years.

Amanemu, Japan – Nagi Suite Terrace

With daily breakfast and JPY 30,000 hotel credit to spend in the resort’s restaurant and spa, the Rediscover Amanemu exclusive (running until 15 September 2023) is ideal for guests visiting Amanemu and wishing to uncover the bounty of its surroundings.

Aman Kyoto

Aman’s third destination in Japan is an ethereal world apart: moss-covered footpaths link tranquil forest glades, and streams provide a soothing soundtrack broken only by birdsong. Meanwhile, the resort is also ideally placed for exploring Kyoto’s many wonders, from teahouses to temples, most with beautiful gardens of their own. Having opened in November 2019, few international guests have experienced Aman Kyoto’s magnificent natural setting – its exquisite gardens alone are reason enough to visit, with transformative experiences in nature ranging from private picnics to painting lessons.

Aman Kyoto, Japan – Accommodation, bedroom detail

In fact, the hidden gardens of Aman Kyoto are the starting point for countless inspiring journeys into the secrets of Japan’s imperial capital. Some 17 Unesco World Heritage sites are within easy reach, and Aman has privileged access to an array of temples and transformative cultural experiences away from the crowds. Taking place in an ancient hall overlooking a beautiful Japanese garden, guests can learn and practice the principles of Zen meditation from a local monk, finding a sense of calm in a meaningful, yet light-hearted and engaging process. Alternatively, they can enjoy a private outdoor painting lesson with a local artist in a peaceful forest glade or even try their hand at the mindful art of Ikebana – a form of moving meditation well as botanical arrangement.

Elsewhere, the resort’s Japanese restaurant, Taka-an, pays homage to its exceptional setting, serving as an invitation to experience the authentic Japanese art of hospitality. Using strictly seasonal ingredients, the restaurant’s multi-course kaiseki tasting menus are created with meticulous precision by two-Michelin starred Executive Chef Shinichirō Takagi, who transforms local produce into works of gastronomic art. Throughout the month of October, guests can experience a limited edition Kyo Tamba Hirai Beef Kaiseki Menu, which celebrates this flavoursome cut. Raised in nature and nurtured with natural spring water, the meat has a unique, melt in the mouth flavour, and can be accompanied by wine pairing from Aman Kyoto’s sommelier. Similarly, with crab fishing permitted once more following the annual summer hiatus, from 6 November, Taka-an will offer a ten-course Crab Kaiseki Menu. The catch of the day is sourced from five famous fishing ports including Tango in the Kyoto Prefecture and Sanin in the Hyogo Prefecture, before the restaurant’s chefs prepare the dishes in front of the guests. Dishes include steamed crab with a rich crab miso and crab rice accompanied by an indulgent crab stock.

Aman Kyoto, Japan – Living Pavilion

To make the most of the new initiatives, this autumn season guests visiting Aman Kyoto through the Rediscover Kyoto offer will receive JPY 30,000 hotel credit and daily breakfast, ensuring a seamless travel experience with ample opportunity to retreat in the resort’s serene surroundings. The exclusive is available until 15 September 2023.

Aman Japan Journey

From the lofty urban sanctuary of Aman Tokyo to the nature-ensconced, cultural havens of Amanemu and Aman Kyoto, the Aman Japan Journey reveals the multifaceted beauty of Japan. Connecting all three destinations, the multi-destination journey is ideal for those seeking an all-encompassing experience. Staying in all three of Aman’s Japanese properties, guests will enjoy complimentary breakfast, guaranteed room upgrades, a 10% saving on all dining and spa experiences, and more (available until 31 December 2023).