“Hoshinoya Tokyo” was born in the center of Tokyo as a “Japanese inn with a tower” that evolves to match the modern times. Nearly eight years have passed since then, and it is still attracting attention not only from Japan but also from overseas. “Hoshinoya Tokyo” developed a spa program called “Deep Breathing Regimen” in 8 and partially renewed the content in 2018. It consists of five parts: [Exercise], [Spa Treatment], [Hot Spring], [Aroma Experience], and [Gourmet]. This is a completely private, two-night, three-day program that focuses on breathing, the importance of which we often forget in our daily lives.

Spend three days staying at HOSHINOYA Tokyo, a Japanese inn in Otemachi, the center of Tokyo, and focus on deep breathing to recharge your mind and body with peace of mind and energy. This time, while relaxing at HOSHINOYA Tokyo, we bring you the first experience of ``deep breathing regimen''. We will introduce the rooms at HOSHINOYA Tokyo, give an overview of the deep breathing regimen, and report on the exercises and aroma experiences.

Click here for Part 2 of the 3-day/2-night program special program ``Deep Breathing Regimen'' experience at the Japanese Tower Inn ``Hoshinoya Tokyo.''

We report on authentic spa treatments that you can receive twice during your stay, and the experience of having the Otemachi Onsen all to yourself.

A Japanese inn in a building in Otemachi that also has a hot spring

The address of Hoshinoya Tokyo is 9-2-17 Otemachi, Chiyoda-ku. It is the very center of Tokyo, where businessmen are busy coming and going, and skyscrapers are lined up. Hoshinoya Tokyo is also a XNUMX-story building with two basement levels. It's hard to believe just from the outside that the entire interior of this building is a space called a Japanese inn.

When you step through the solid Aomori cypress door and step onto the first floor, you'll be greeted by the tatami floor that stretches to the back and the flower arrangements adorning the porch. It's a different world, where the staff, wearing uniforms with a kamishimo motif, greet you with a friendly welcome. You will be surprised at the difference between the building and the outside.

First, you will be asked to take off your shoes. The tatami mats are woven from rushes grown in Kumamoto, and are covered with mats called meseki omote. When you walk on the tatami mats, the feel of the tatami mats and the scent of the rushes are so soothing that you feel as if a little weight has been lifted off your shoulders. This atmosphere is not a hotel, but certainly a Japanese inn.

An entire Japanese inn where you can enjoy both hot springs and delicious food.

The tatami floor is not only on the first floor. Not only all the guest rooms, but also the hallways on each floor.It seems like it's even going to be in the elevator. The subdued color of the edgeless tatami mats is very gentle not only to the feel of the soles of your feet, but also to your senses.

Of course, just because it has tatami flooring doesn't mean Hoshinoya Tokyo is a Japanese inn. In addition to the interior design, which uses plenty of wood such as bamboo and chestnut wood, and the taste of small items placed casually in the room, there is also a sense of detailed hospitality that tends to be lost in modern Japanese inns as they get caught up in formality and style. The essence of Japan's traditional culture can be felt in many places at HOSHINOYA Tokyo.

It's like coming to a luxury inn in the distant mountains...
Guest rooms at HOSHINOYA Tokyo, filled with an extraordinary feeling

HOSHINOYA Tokyo's guest rooms are approximately 50 square meters in size and have two main types: Yuri (double) and Sakura (twin), which can accommodate up to two people. All types of guest rooms have the comfort and convenience of a Japanese inn. The whiteness of the shoji screens and the shadows played by the light, the feel of the tatami mats under your feet and the scent of rushes...you can feel the atmosphere of a Japanese inn with all five senses. You'll almost feel like you've visited a luxury inn in the faraway mountains.

A special program “deep breathing regimen” backed by expert knowledge
2 nights and 3 days retreat

The 2-night, 3-day "deep breathing regimen" program includes a "body makeover" and "deep breathing stretch" that actually move the body, a "spa treatment" scheduled on the first and second days, and a scented ingredient that stimulates the brain. There are 1 main points to choose from: ``Fragrance Blending Experience'' that stimulates your body, ``Hot Spring Bathing Techniques'' that you can learn while enjoying the natural hot springs Otemachi Onsen, and meals such as ``Soy Milk Hot Pot'' that uses ingredients that enhance lung function and immunity. It can be divided into This program is limited to one person or a group of two, so of course it is a completely private program. During your free time, you can relax in your room.

Spending three days holed up in a Japanese inn in the middle of Tokyo is the beginning of a luxurious journey suitable for modern people who want to reset their mind and body and take time to face themselves.

While relaxing in the tea room lounge
Consultation along with sweets using fermented foods

After checking in, I went to the tea room lounge. Welcome hospitality with seasonal Japanese sweets and tea. It's hard to believe you're in Otemachi, right in the middle of the city, and the tranquility and modern Japanese interiors make you feel more and more relaxed.

In addition to Japanese sweets, you can enjoy healthy and delicious sweets made with fermented foods, such as sweet sake financiers and miso-flavored macarons, while receiving a check from our dedicated staff about your physical condition, points of concern, and precautions. .

【exercise】

"BodyIIn "Remake"Check your flexibility and muscle balance

Balance your whole body

After completing the consultation where you explain the program and self-report your physical condition, the first menu, ``Body Remake'', begins. First, take a photo of your whole body. Actually, I'm not confident in my posture, and even a good friend of mine sometimes points out that I have a hunched back and that my right shoulder is a little slumped. When I photograph myself from three directions: front, side, and directly behind me, I am hunched over with my right shoulder slumped. Even though I was trying to stand up straight to take the photo... I'm a little disappointed.

"The left and right muscles are out of balance, especially the latissimus dorsi, and the left side is tense."

As soon as I saw the image, a professional conditioning coach immediately identified the cause. Then, it will suggest menus one after another that will help you relax your muscles and breathe deeply. Get on all fours and bend your spine sideways five times on each side, looking at your heels. Sit in a chair, keep your spine in a straight line and lean forward, and pull your shoulder blades inward. Each movement in each menu is not very strenuous, but as you do them repeatedly, sweat will form on your forehead. When I pulled my shoulder blades inward, my lungs expanded and my breathing became noticeably deeper. An hour later, the photo was taken again. When I look at the image, I can't help but feel like my right shoulder is rising and my back is getting longer...

``This body makeover is also about taking deep breaths and adjusting your core. Your body is a little stiff, but your core is in good shape,'' said the coach. I felt a little happy.

With the image of distributing oxygen throughout the body.
``Deep breathing stretch'' where you only pay attention to your breathing

If ``body makeover'' is ``motion,'' then ``deep breathing stretching'' performed on the morning of the second day is ``stillness.'' Sit on the floor in a comfortable position and repeat the stretch according to the instructor's movements. The important thing at this time is to constantly be conscious of deep breathing. For example, as you inhale, raise your right hand from your side, and as you exhale, stretch your right hand to the far left side of your body, stretching the right side of your body.

"Breathe in plenty of air between your ribs as you inhale, and exhale to remove unnecessary tension."

The instructor uses a gentle voice and uses beautiful, flowing movements to gently stretch the sides of your body.

“Take deep breaths, focusing only on the air you breathe in and breathe out, like waves that come and go, distributing oxygen throughout your body.”

I feel like a gentle voice is echoing directly into my brain. As I move my body according to the voice, I feel like I am getting the hang of breathing deeply. Near the end, I was lying on my back and focusing only on deep breathing. Even though it's 9am, I suddenly feel sleepy... I definitely got some sleep. When I woke up and realized that this wasn't right, my body felt somehow lighter.

The lounge on the 17th floor, where ``Body Makeover'', ``Deep Breath Stretching'', and ``Fragrance Blending Experience'' are held, is the only one with wooden floors. At the entrance, there is a large object made of stacked cypress tree trunks, and the woody scent emitted by the object is very pleasant, and you can enjoy the program in a refreshing mood.

[Aroma experience]

While learning about Japanese essential oils
A journey through the heart through fragranceFragrance blending experience”

The morning program on the second day was the "Fragrance Blending Experience." Choose your favorite scent from 2 types of aroma oils, mainly Japanese essential oils refined from Japanese plants, and blend them together. My scent, which I developed through many trials, was mainly citrus-based. As you are surrounded by the sweet and mellow scent, you will feel your mind and body slowly calming down. You can take the blended scent home with you. You can also enjoy it at home.

Next time, in the second part of my experience report, I will report on [Spa Treatment], [Hot Spring], and [Gourmet]. It's full of tranquility that makes it hard to believe that you're actually in the middle of Tokyo, and a special experience where you can escape from everyday life and face yourself.

Click here for Part 2 of the 3-day/2-night program special program ``Deep Breathing Regimen'' experience at the Japanese Tower Inn ``Hoshinoya Tokyo.''

◆Hoshinoya Tokyo “Deep breathing regimen”

This time I tried HOSHINOYA Tokyo's original 2-night, 3-day spa program, ``Deep Breathing Regimen.'' This is a program that incorporates HOSHINOYA Tokyo's desire to help you get away from your everyday life, enjoy something extraordinary, and take a breather to help balance your mind and body, which tend to be disturbed. It is an experience where you can escape from everyday life and feel like you have gone to a hot spring inn in a faraway place.

・Holding period: All year round

・Price: 1 yen per person (tax and service charge included) *Accommodation fee not included

・Included: Spa treatment (2 times), body makeover, deep breathing stretch, scent blending experience, dinner (2 times), breakfast (2 times), lunch (1 time), rental wear

・Reservation method: Reservations accepted up to 14 days in advance on the official website

・Capacity: 1 party of 1 - XNUMX people

・Eligibility: Guests staying at Hoshinoya Tokyo

text by Sakurako Miyao