"Spending time at a ryokan, nestled in the bosom of nature, provides pleasure for all the senses. The Japanese aesthetic that appreciates the interplay of sun and shadow is best experienced in such leafy surroundings..."

Kateigaho International Japan Edition, Vol. 37 Spring / Summer 2016, Pg.78. Text by Hiromi Suzuki

The traditional Japanese ryokan, blessed by the bounty of lovely natural surroundings and long tradition, has for centuries offered the luxury of elegant spaces infused with the theme of seasonal change. Following the cherry blossom season and springtime festivities, the lush freshness of summer arrives. The characters for ryokuin - 緑陰 - literally translate to "green shade," and express the beauty in the subtle contrast between light and shadow created by bright sun and early greenery. Such notions of the beauty and form of relaxation are the essence of the ryokan experience. It is an aesthetic that inspires and influences our perceptions of space and ways of thinking derived from our search for ways to enjoy the heat of summer.

The Ryokan Collection, in partnership with Kateigaho International Japan Edition (KIJE) magazine, has been working on a special joint project, "Luxury for the Senses," with the mission to introduce to the world the sublime beauty of Japan's omotenashi culture, the traditional, refined hospitality that finds its highest expression in the Japanese ryokan. The first feature of "Luxury for the Senses," published in September 2015, explored another facet of the abstract emotional beauty of Japanese ryokan, shitsurai - 室礼. The second feature of the joint project has been released in Kateigaho International's Japan Edition Vol. 37 Spring / Summer 2016. Three member ryokan of The Ryokan Collection - Yagyu no Sho (in Izu), Myojinkan (in Nagano) and Takefue (in Kyushu) - are introduced under the title, "Ryokuin - In Praise of Dappled Shade".

Twice a year, in March and September, Kateigaho International Japan Edition brings you the latest on off-the-beaten-track travel destinations, new and inspiring traditions, modern lifestyle ideas, and gastronomic culture. Subscribe or order a gift subscription for your family and friends to discover new perspectives on Japan. The next issue, Autumn / Winter Issue 2016, is planned to feature the rich cultural charms and wonders of nature to discover in Kyushu; autumn recipes from Tanba Sasayama; up-and-coming Japanese architects, exploring how they express their creativity in structural design; and many others.

About Kateigaho International Japan Edition
Kateigaho International Japan Edition is a unique publication - the only lavishly illustrated English magazine to focus on the intriguing diversity of Japanese culture. KIJE first came out in September 2003, and is now published twice a year, on March 1 (Spring/Summer) and Sept. 1 (Autumn/Winter). The magazine boasts circulation of over 30,000 copies and has subscribers in over 50 countries around the world. KIJE continues to report on and project an in-depth appreciation of Japan's aesthetic and cultural values, which the magazine's domestic edition has provided to discerning readers for over half a century.

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