Serenity Spotlight: Fuju Lounge at Tea House at Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto (Japan)
Introducing the tranquil traditions and secret space of the Hotel’s most sought-after venue |
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Serenity Spotlight: Fuju Lounge at Tea House at Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto (Japan)
Introducing the tranquil traditions and secret space of the Hotel’s most sought-after venue |
Category: Asia Pacific - Japan - Exclusive experiences
- Gourmet restaurants
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This is a press release selected by our editorial committee and published online for free on 2019-11-22
Follow fragrant pathways and uplifting birdsong through the 12th century Shakusui-en pond garden at Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto to Fuju: a modern day masterpiece that merges contemporary style and traditional design for unique immersion into Kyoto’s nature and culture.
Fuju lounge is a setting unlike any other. One of the two contemporary venues in the Hotel’s Tea House – the other being the secret tea ceremony room, Shakusui-tei – it is a serene space infused with Japan’s spirituality, and the only place in the city to serve the Hotel’s original sake.
Named by the local temple priest after the poetic word for a maple tree, Fuju draws on its unique location, Higashiyama, in a space historically revered for momiji-gari – the Japanese tradition of gazing at autumn colours – to offer a year-round connection to Kyoto’s artistry, traditions and natural beauty.
Marvel at spring’s cherry blossoms drifting across the balcony and lush bamboos swaying in the warm summer sun while savouring local flavours on the terrace. As fiery autumn reds give way to glistening frost-kissed vistas, step inside for gently warmed sake overlooking the peaceful landscape.
A serene setting for those in the know, Fuju, is one of the city’s most sublime settings for events ranging from pop-up cocktail evenings to a private wedding party.
Equally captivating by day as by night, it's the perfect spot for a private morning Zen Yoga or mediation session over the pond guided by the deputy head monk from nearby Kennin-ji Temple. Or the ultimate spot for tranquil sundowners, from Kyoto gin and Japanese craft spirits to the Hotel’s exclusive sake made at the award-winning Takeno Shuzo brewery.
“Our sake is made from organic brown rice using Takeno Sake Brewery’s Master Brewer Yoshiki Yukimachi’s slow Shizuku drip method for the purest, fullest taste,” explains Director of Food and Beverages Yoshiji Soda. “It epitomises the ethos and aim of Fuju: to give visitors exclusive and intimate access to some of Kyoto’s most unique elements.”
Commenting on Fuju’s design, local architect Ryosuke Yamamoto – a true Japanese Shokunin (master craftsman) – shares: “I wanted to create an authentic Japanese experience for visitors, to offer a space that would seamlessly integrate with the history, culture and beauty that surrounds it and provide the perfect viewing platform to connect and feel grounded throughout the seasons.”
Adjacent to Fuju lies a special little secret: an intimate tea ceremony room designed to immerse up to five guests in the spiritual beauty and traditional craft of Japanese practices. Guests can book a private ceremony with a renowned local Tea Master or revel in an evening with Maiko and Geiko to delight in the decadence and artistry of traditional Japanese entertaining.
Fuju Lounge is open daily from 2:00 to 9:00 pm. Enquire with the concierge for Private Tea Ceremonies or details of yoga or meditation sessions. For private hire, parties or something special, contact contuctus.kyoto@fourseasons.com or call +81 75 541 8288.
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