Many of you are familiar with the festivities during cherry blossom season, but did you know that autumn is very much celebrated in Japan? For the Japanese, autumn is considered a beautiful—and underrated—season, and they pay reverence to the changing colour of the leaves (called "koyo") by immersing themselves in nature. This November, Tatler Travel, in collaboration with Japan Airlines, encapsulates the essence of the season with a highly-curated travel experience that takes you to the best places to enjoy the ephemeral autumn foliage as well as taste the unique flavour of fall.

Autumn On A Plate

21 - 24 November 2019
Thursday to Sunday
Tokyo | Karuizawa

Join us for an exclusive culinary journey in Japan centred on celebrating the season and the country's natural bounty. This 4-day, 3-night trip begins with a smooth flight aboard Japan Airlines. Upon arrival in Tokyo, guests will check into Hoshinoya Tokyo and indulge in off-menu experiences at acclaimed restaurants Inua and Narisawa. Both restaurants will serve special tasting menus and exclusive experiences created only for Tatler Travel. 

We then make our way to the resort town of Karuizawa, known for its beautiful fall foliage. Our home for the weekend is the newly opened Shishi-Iwa House, an intimate retreat designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect, Shigeru Ban. Bespoke activities including a Japanese whiskey and spirits masterclass, foraging walk and more complete this unique autumn immersion.  

Book Now

For enquiries, email concierge@edipressemedia.com

But First, What Is Tatler Travel? 

Tatler Travel is a new regional travel platform that translates our motto "Life, Extraordinary" into real-life experiences. Our mantra is to create enriching luxury travel experiences featuring carefully curated itineraries led by inspiring individuals, also known as Tatler Ambassadors. Each departure aims to foster an authentic connection to the people, place and culture of our destination—the pinnacle of experiential luxury. 

In collaboration with Japan Airlines, Autumn On A Plate is our first-ever departure. Apart from discovering beautiful boutique hotels and partaking in experiences conceived only for Tatler Travel, our trips bring like-minded people together to enjoy a truly bespoke experience.

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Photo 1 of 2 The culinary journey starts with JAL, where true omotenashi and delectable meals await
Photo 2 of 2 BEDD is a luxurious restaurant in the sky aboard JAL's premium classes

Getting There

We all know that the journey is as important as the destination, so for this first Tatler Travel departure, we’re working with none other than the award-winning carrier, Japan Airlines (JAL).

The experience begins with a relaxing flight aboard the national airline's premium cabins, ensuring utmost Japanese hospitality (omotenashi) and authentic insight into their culture. Moreover, JAL's elevated culinary programme—which has the likes of Michelin-starred chef Shinobu Namae of L’Effervescence creating exclusive dishes for passengers— sets the stage for the autumn dining experience. 

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Photo 1 of 4 The entrance of Hoshinoya Tokyo is the picture of Zen
Photo 2 of 4 Every floor of Hoshinoya Tokyo features an Ochanoma lounge, a shared area where guests can read, eat, drink and relax
Photo 3 of 4 Shishi-Iwa House in Karuizawa is nestled in verdant surrounds
Photo 4 of 4 The design of Shigeru Ban Architects for Shishi-Iwa House brings the outside in

Where You'll Stay

Hoshinoya Tokyo

Designed by Azuma Architects & Associates, this luxury hotel is the city's sole "urban ryokan"—a modern rendition of a traditional Japanese inn. Centrally located in the Otemachi district, Hoshinoya Tokyo, clad in a latticed facade, is the epitome of a serene retreat.

The interiors cleverly combine the warmth of a home with a streamlined design. Shoji screens, tatami flooring and other minimalist touches delight in the bedrooms, which are some of the largest suites in Tokyo. Don't miss the stunning rooftop onsen, featuring a private view of the capital's skyline.

Read more on Hoshinoya and visit their official website

Shishi-Iwa House, Karuizawa

The Japanese practise of shinrin-yoku (or "forest bathing") celebrates the appreciation of nature at its finest. This calming experience is easily achieved at Shishi-Iwa House, a boutique hotel nestled in verdant grounds in Karuizawa.

Designed by Shigeru Ban Architects, the property comprises 10 guest rooms, each designed as meditative retreats. Rooms on the ground floor are connected to a private garden, while rooms on the upper floor feature balcony terraces—each one helping you commune with nature.

Read more on Shishi-Iwa House and visit their official website

If a year was tucked inside of a clock, then autumn would be the magic hour.

- Victoria Erickson

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Photo 1 of 4 Acclaimed Japanese chef Yoshihiro Narisawa
Photo 2 of 4 A new project of chef Narisawa—Bees Bar
Photo 3 of 4 Chef Thomas Frebel founded Inua in mid-2018
Photo 4 of 4 An envelope-pushing dish at Inua

Meet The Chefs

Yoshihiro Narisawa, Narisawa

Known for his “Innovative Satoyama cuisine”, Narisawa was ahead of his time when he decided to focus on indigenous Japanese ingredients and hyper seasonality over a decade ago. The approach has made him one of the most famous and revered Japanese chefs. 

At his eponymous restaurant, chef Narisawa continues to refine his philosophy by going further into the wild. To connect diners to nature is his goal, and he sees sustainable sourcing of ingredients as one of a chef’s most sacred responsibilities.

Restaurant Narisawa has 2 Michelin stars and ranked 22nd on the World's 50 Best Restaurants List 2019

Thomas Frebel, Inua

Ask anyone in the know which restaurant is trending in Tokyo and Inua will inevitably top the list. Helmed by chef Thomas Frebel, who formerly led Research and Development at Noma, he ensures an unparalleled dining experience. 

The restaurant is named after the "life force and spirit that runs through nature", so expect to see impeccably sourced and cooked produce as well as a hint of its Nordic roots, which is where the Inua story began.

Inua was named Arrival of the Year 2019 at the World Restaurant Awards

The Itinerary

Day 1 – Thursday: Tokyo

  • Arrive in Tokyo via Japan Airlines flight of your choosing 
  • Check-in to Hoshinoya Tokyo 
  • Bespoke tasting dinner by Chef Thomas Frebel at Inua 

Day 2 – Friday: Tokyo – Karuizawa

  • Traditional Japanese breakfast at Hoshinoya Tokyo 
  • Talk by Chef Yoshihiro Narisawa at Bees Bar, followed by an exclusive tasting lunch at Restaurant Narisawa
  • Head to Karuizawa and check-in to Shishi-Iwa House
  • Dinner at a local restaurant

Day 3 – Saturday: Karuizawa

  • Forest breakfast at Shishi-Iwa House
  • Short walk and light picnic lunch led by a local chef
  • Free time (variety of activities are available)
  • Japanese whiskey and spirits masterclass followed by a specially catered dinner at Shishi-Iwa House

Day 4 – Sunday: Karuizawa – Tokyo

  • Forest breakfast at Shishi-Iwa House
  • Free time (variety of activities are available)
  • Check out and depart for Tokyo to take your Japan Airlines flight

ADDITIONAL DETAILS

This Tatler Travel x Japan Airlines departure is led by a Tatler Host and includes:

- Return flights on Japan Airlines (business class) originating from Asia

- Accommodation in Hoshinoya Tokyo and Shishi-Iwa House (single or double, depending on your preference)

- Bespoke dining experiences at Inua and Narisawa led by the chefs themselves, who are our Tatler Ambassadors for this trip

- Full board (breakfast, lunch, dinner) and all the activities stated in the itinerary including whiskey tasting and more

- Airport transfers and transportation between Tokyo and Karuizawa

Rate: Starts at US$8,500 per person inclusive of business class flights, luxury accommodation, transfers and all dining and cultural activities listed above

Book Now

For enquiries, email concierge@edipressemedia.com

Credits

Photography  

Draco Wong (Pictures of Autumn in Japan), Jason Loucas (Thomas Frebel portrait and Inua dishes)

Images  

Courtesy of Hoshinoya Tokyo, Inua, Japan Airlines, Restaurant Narisawa, Shishiiwa House

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