The seasons come and go, and the scenery around us changes.
As the days flow by and are gone, simply standing still every now and then can be enough to find new and stimulating encounters.

Take a break and see what insights you might discover.
Take a deep sip of tea.
“Pause & Inspire”

#12 Stay with Tea

Since I’m here on holiday, I may as well relax fully.

After all, what’s wrong with a little selfishness every now and then?

Tea is the perfect accompaniment when treating yourself.

It provides the ideal partner to show you kindness even when you’re on your own.

Drain your cup if you want. If you feel like more, just brew it again.

I am told that this Shizuoka tea ryokan even incorporates tea in its open-air bath. I know that both hot springs and tea are famous for providing relaxation, but I can’t imagine how they go together.

Wicker balls stuffed with tea leaves float on the water in the spacious tub.

It’s like I am being brewed in a giant teacup. Now I understand.

Feeling lustrous and radiant after my bath, I am greeted by a delicious meal upon returning to my room. One moment of bliss follows another.

It seems a waste to go to sleep early on such a day.

There’s no law that says my relaxation can’t be a little splashy as well.

The best way to say thank you may be to savor the moment.

To be continued.

Model: miu
Direction & Styling: Tadashi Mochizuki
Photography: Masayuki Shimizu
Hair & Make-up: Nori
Produce: Kenichi Kakuno & Hiroshi Inada
Edit & Text: Yoshiki Tatezaki｜Coordination: Emiko Izawa & Mika Kobayashi
Location: KAI Enshu (Hamamatsu, Shizuoka)
Special Thanks (for the teaware): Reika Morishige (hitofuki)

KAI Enshu
Photography for this feature was conducted on location at KAI Enshu, located at the Kanzanji Onsen hot springs resort in Hamamatsu, with the full cooperation of Hoshino Resorts, proprietors of the KAI Ryokan brand. All rooms overlook Lake Hamana at this relaxing hot spring ryokan, which is also renowned for its hospitality featuring Shizuoka’s own famous teas. Between May 15^th and June 30^th, a special “Shizuoka New Tea Plan” is available to celebrate the new tea season. This one-night, two-day package allows you to enjoy all the hospitality the ryokan has to offer, with opportunities to savor new tea every step of the way, from your arrival, to your room, to the hot springs, and of course, to dinner.
*While this article describes some of the services available as part of the “Shizuoka New Tea Plan”, details are subject to change. Please refer to the official website for the latest information.
KAI Enshu website
”Shizuoka New Tea Plan” website