At Hoshinoya Tokyo, staff are trained the traditional Omotenashi way. From the way they move their hands, to how they speak, even the way they walk. Every nuance is an embodiment of Omotenashi hospitality, which guests get to experience through their service.
To me, the hotel experience was a way to pique my curiosity towards a side of Japanese culture that would otherwise seem too mystifying to approach. Of course, it helped that I had just binged the whole season of Shogun, so I really was just living my fantasy of being a noblewoman like Lady Mariko in the show.
DIVERTING TOURISTS AWAY FROM THE USUAL HOTSPOTS
Apart from the group’s luxury brands which include Hoshinoya, Kai and Risonaire, the company also has growth plans for two of their mid-range urban brands, OMO and BEB. Their newly opened OMO5 is in Gotanda, an area that is often overlooked by tourists.
The neighbourhood exudes an old-meets-new charm. Having been a red-light district before, it’s now a bustling residential and business area, and fast earning itself a reputation as a culinary haven. Within walking distance of the hotel, there are 1,200 F&B outlets, ranging from wine bars to establishments that have been around for 70 years.