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There are so many reasons to choose a visit to Kyushu in Southern Japan. The island is a unique subtropical paradise. It showcases the natural wonders of volcanoes and hot springs while also flaunting idyllic beachfronts. Additionally, the region holds significant cultural and historical importance for the country.
Every aspect of these local treasures can be experienced in luxury at The Ritz-Carlton, Fukuoka. A hotel that connects visitors to the art, lifestyle and locally made products of this beautiful island, The Ritz-Carlton on Hakata Bay is a place to experience the best of Kyushu while still allowing a chance to explore central Fukuoka City, with its wonderful parks and temples.
Here are more reasons you should stay at The Ritz-Carlton, Fukuoka:
The modern Japanese hotel is fashioned with elements of traditional Japanese design from Hakata and Greater Kyushu. The property had been painstakingly appointed in Hakata-ori, an ancient local silk-weaving technique seen in the screens and artwork throughout the hotel. There's furniture that's been hewn from local wood and the decorative plates from Arita, Japan's most exclusive earthenware and pottery brand.
Once you finish taking in all of the interior joys, enjoy the view of Hakata Bay and the verdant Fukuoka City from every side of The Ritz-Carlton as it sits on the top floors of one of the city's tallest towers.
Kyushu provides the best of Japanese fruit, vegetables, seafood and meat. That explains why the property primarily sources its produce locally, as the quality is unbeatable. A fantastic introduction to the dynamic cuisine of the area can be experienced at the hotel's Genjyu, a restaurant where one of its highlights is kaiseki, the traditional multi-course procession rich with Kyushu's seasonal bounty, like Amadai fish, world-famous Kyushu strawberries and jewel-toned radishes. Sake and shochu (a vodka-like spirit) pairings are hand-selected for each course.
The acclaimed Viridis is another of Fukuoka's finest establishments. This all-day restaurant fuses Western and local cuisine, featuring the finest local raw ingredients. Expect to find Oita Prefecture olive oil, freshly caught Fukuoka sea bream and lobsters handpicked by head chef Kenji Yamanaka that come together in intricate dishes unavailable anywhere else in the world. An original amuse bouche of edible Yame tea, Yamanaka’s personalized version of a Japanese tea ceremony, is a prelude to an unforgettable dinner course at Viridis.
Every restaurant and bar, including the gorgeous lobby lounge, at The Ritz-Carlton, Fukuoka comes with a remarkable view of the city or harbor.
The hotel brings visitors closer to Kyushu by facilitating out-of-the-ordinary travel experiences. One way of doing this is with Japan Rail Kyushu. The Ritz-Carlton is close to Hakata Station, the gateway to the island's train network, allowing guests to travel on high-speed trains within different Kyushu prefectures. Hakata Station also has trains to Osaka and Tokyo (two and a half to five hours away), making it a portal to the rest of Japan.
Japan Rail Kyushu has all the Shinkansen bullet trains found throughout Japan, as well as two opulent rail experiences: the Seven Stars in Kyushu Luxury Sleeper Train and the Two Stars 4047 Sightseeing Train. Both trains run limited leisure itineraries in Kyushu. Two Star focuses on Kyushu's beautiful western coast while Seven Stars offers a more in-depth, multi-day journey that stops at volcanoes, castles, hot springs, farms, the pottery village of Arita and other distinctive locations.
Back at the hotel, overnight guests have the opportunity to create original Kyushu souvenirs out of Hakata silk in master classes overseen by local artisans on the premises.
Possibly the most relaxing aspect of Fukuoka is The Ritz-Carlton Spa. Designed for guests to luxuriate for hours, the sanctuary contains spacious steam and dry saunas and, of course, specialized treatments unique to Kyushu. Indulge in one of the spa's signature experiences, such as the Itazuke Restore, a two-hour therapeutic treatment using rice to soothe, an aromatic massage and heated rice pillows.
Still, the spa's shining star is its indoor pool encased in glass on the 24th floor. Guests can visit year-round and soak in the waterfront vista from comfortable daybeds that fully display the scenery of this stunning harborside town.