I am surrounded by an explosion of russet, amber and golden hues. This splendid autumn foliage glistening in the late afternoon sun is reflected in the shimmering pond of an 800-year-old garden that once belonged to a samurai.
Named Shakusui-en, this pond garden now sits within the grounds of the Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto, which opened in 2016. The property has preserved this tranquil oasis and incorporated it into its estate, such that guests get prime views of one of the ancient city's most famous attractions - its fall colours, from all around.
Whether enjoyed from one of the many floor-to-ceiling windows in the hotel's main building, or from the standalone lounge and teahouse set away from the accommodation, the views around the pond are so legendary that they have been immortalised in a poem from the 12th century.
From Fuju lounge, I move on to the adjoining Shakusui-tei, an intimate wooden teahouse made of cypress and cedar wood that can seat no more than five. Here I get my introduction to a traditional Japanese tea ceremony - not my first, but the most enjoyable one so far.
Helming the experience is certified tea master Kristyna Cislerova from the Czech Republic. Clad in a silk kimono, she is one of three the hotel works with. Having majored in Japanology at university, Cislerova has dedicated more than 15 years in the country to studying the art of Japanese tea ceremony, although she says her education is far from complete. She also happens to be married to a Japanese Zen monk.
Guests, including myself, are more than satisfied that Cislerova is sufficiently competent to provide an immersive introduction to this popular topic. Her fluency in English also means that I am able to understand the tea culture better. Besides the ritual itself, I learn how to appreciate the type of tea that she is serving together with a traditional confection. Both of these change with the seasons.
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة April 2023 من Prestige Singapore.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك ? تسجيل الدخول
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة April 2023 من Prestige Singapore.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك? تسجيل الدخول
Sailing Into A Dream
Scenes from the fantasy feature Game of Thrones come to life in the otherworldly landscapes of the Arctic Circle.
Here Come The Sun Seats
Italian furniture has long held the crown for blending luxurious, sophisticated design with impeccable craftsmanship.
ABSOLUMENT FAB
France's premier fair for fine-art and antiques returns for its third edition inside its new home in the Grand Palais.
Through the Director's Lens
Filmmaker JIA ZHANGKE and his protégé RAFAEL MANUEL share their perspectives on life, cinema and their current projects.
THE CUTTING EDGE
Having long played quiet supporting roles in the gem industry, gem cutters are finally having their day in the sun. Four acclaimed independent master gem cutters share more about their love of the craft and the creation of their best pieces.
Spheres of Power
Following up on the gold- and titanium-focused Tiffany Titan by Pharrell Williams launch collection, the superstar now turns to pearls for a softer, but no less striking, second act.
Horological Masterpieces Reimagined
Beyond the wrist, these timekeepers transcend all traditional boundaries.
WILD IMAGINATION
Cartier's latest category-spanning Panthère de Cartier novelties showcase the endless ways in which the panther continues to inspire.
READY FOR ACTION
The latest watch to come from the celebrated Richard Mille and McLaren partnership looks set to be another trailblazing timepiece.
THE RIGHT ANGLES
Twenty-five years after the launch of its last new collection, Twenty-4, Patek Philippe introduces the Cubitus range.
