The March Hideaway Report follows Andrew Harper's travels to Japan, where he evaluates properties in cities including Tokyo and Hakone, a popular resort for urban dwellers in need of fresh air and some greenery. Mr. Harper also discovers splendid new luxury hotel options in Hong Kong.
Hakone, Japan
Intimate 20-room Hakone-Ginyu ryokan is set on a peaceful hillside in Hakone, a brief train ride from Odawara on the Hakone Tozan Railway. Quiet bar/lounge and lobby with a beautiful deck terrace overlooking the Hayakawa River and verdant mountains of Hakone. Four accommodation types include “Hoshi” rooms, which feature private hot-spring water open-air baths and separate dining areas; both Western beds and traditional Japanese futon mattresses are available.
Tokyo, Japan
Andaz Tokyo Toranomon Hills is a contemporary 164-room property occupying the top six floors of the 52-story Toranomon Hills skyscraper, situated in a stylish neighborhood between the Tokyo Tower and Imperial Palace.
Tokyo, Japan
The prestigious Imperial Hotel Tokyo is housed in two modern towers, originally created by the Japanese royal family in 1890 as a state guesthouse. The towers contain 931 guest accommodations, an atmospheric cocktail bar and 13 restaurants. Spacious rooms feature a minimalist design and subdued color schemes.
Kyoto, Japan
New 39-room Suiran hotel is set on the banks of the Hozugawa River in Kyoto amid gardens landscaped in traditional Japanese style. A variety of room types with different furnishings and amenities include Shiro-Sumire Premier Rooms, with private wooden decks with hot-spring water soaking tubs, high ceilings and white-marble baths with rainfall showers.
Takayama, Japan
Wanosato is a gracious ryokan (traditional inn) in a 160-year-old building with a thatched roof and earthen walls tucked in a large, lush garden, a 20-minute drive from Takayama’s train station.
Hong Kong
The Upper House is a sleek, sophisticated hotel occupying floors 38 through 49 of the stylish Pacific Place complex, which is home to one of Hong Kong’s most luxurious shopping malls. (The lower part of the building is devoted to the JW Marriott Hotel.) With an emphasis on light woods, stone, glass and muted fabrics, the overall aesthetic, designed by Andre Fu, reflects a lean low-key Asian sensibility.
Editor's note: The Upper House was first recommended in the December 2015 Harper Collection
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