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.
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. 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 30th 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.
With daily breakfast and JPY 30,000 hotel credit to spend in the resort’s restaurant and spa, the Rediscover Amanemu exclusive (running until 15th 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.
The hidden gardens of Aman Kyoto are the starting point for countless inspiring journeys into the secrets of Japan’s imperial capital. With 17 Unesco World Heritage sites within easy reach, Aman has privileged access to an array of temples and transformative cultural experiences away from the crowds.
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.
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. From 6thNovember, 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.
