Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on October 2013

Detox your body and mind in a natural setting

Takanawa Club’s western-style hotel is a verdant sanctuary less than an hour by bullet train from the hustle and bustle of Tokyo. Situated on a lush hillside overlooking the Pacific Ocean from Atami in Shizuoka Prefecture, this little haven will rejuvenate you with healthy cuisine, a quiet hot spring and its spectacular natural setting. The perfect spot for an overnight getaway or longer stay.

Meals at Farm Takanawa Club’s Kai restaurant are a special treat. The majority of ingredients are grown in the garden terraces below the dining room. Freshly picked organic vegetables are the focal point of every meal and visitors are free to peruse the greenhouses, vegetable plots and flowerbeds at their leisure. Other foods are sourced with care, so visitors can rest assured they are only being served the best. Linger over a healthy lunch, revel in a world-class dinner, then start the next day off right with a quality buffet breakfast. Don’t forget to try the sweets and baked goods created by the resident patissiere.

The natural hot spring facilities are exclusively for hotel guests and there are only six guest rooms, so you never need to worry about it getting too crowded. The minerals in the water are said to alleviate conditions including rheumatism and high blood pressure. Stress-related ailments are washed away simply by relaxing in the hot spring, gazing out at the stars twinkling in the night sky.

The natural scenery around Farm Takanawa Club is relaxing, particularly for urbanites, and many guests enjoy short hikes around the area. Walking up to the ridge behind the hotel on a clear day allows for views of nearby Mount Fuji and the journey to or from Atami station is possible on foot.

After refreshing the body and mind with food, fresh air and the natural hot springs, bedtime will complete your revitalization. Large, comfortable beds with ample pillows and sheets along with the quiet nights in the countryside will ensure the sweetest of dreams. A short stay will leave you wanting more.

More Details

• ¥9,500~15,500 per person, per night, including dinner and breakfast
• Standard rooms accommodate two guests, deluxe and suite rooms fit three to four
• Free pickup service from Atami station available
• English-speaking staff take inquiries by phone or email
• Mention Metropolis and receive 10% off a short stay or 20% off a stay of three nights or more

Address: 1-21-18 Nishi-Atami-cho, Atami, Shizuoka
Tel: 05-5786-2082
E-mail: farm@takanawaclub.jp
Hours: Bakery 11am-5pm; lunch 11am-2pm; café 2-5pm; dining room from 6pm
URL: http://meturl.com/farmtakanawa

Pamper yourself at a boutique Ginza spa

Natural Therapy Earth is a natural spa conveniently located just a short walk from Ginza station in the lobby of the Hotel Gracery. A little oasis of tranquility in the middle of Tokyo, it is the place to go to soothe your urban aches, strains and general stress.

Services include foot and head massages and hot stone therapy. Options range from short 20-minute therapies to 80-minute full body Swedish massages (¥14,800). The quick 20-minute head massage (¥2,800) will leave you feeling refreshed and ready-to-go. After a quick counseling session, the staff will combine a selection of oils ideally suited for your stress-busting situation. The effects may last up to a week and can increase with regular visits.

Full English support is available at the spa on Thursdays and Fridays and the hotel’s reception staff are always able to help if there are any communication issues on other days.

Natural Therapy Earth welcomes both men and women to the spa, and appointments are reservation only—so make yours today.

More Details

• Mention Metropolis and get 50% off a 80-minute Swedish full body massage
• Reservations required

Address: 3F Hotel Gracery Ginza, 7-10-1 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
Tel: 03-6858-1023
E-mail: earth@takanawaclub.jp
Hourse: 2–11pm (L.O. 10pm)
Nearest station: Ginza
URL: http://meturl.com/takanawaearth