Deals of the day
Juma Amazon Lodge
With its prime location in one of the most remote and preserved regions of the Amazon Rainforest, Juma Amazon Lodge is an intimate and inviting property harmoniously nestled into the forest environment which defines it. Juma Amazon Lodge features 19 intimate bungalows seamlessly nestled into the lush surroundings of the Amazon Rainforest. In order to accommodate the water levels of the wet season…
Relais Borgo Santo Pietro
Situated in the heart of Tuscany, Relais Borgo Santo Pietro was once a healing stopover for medieval pilgrims. Today it continues to provide a sanctuary for modern souls, merging a 5 star luxury hotel and spa concept with a ‘farm to plate’ philosophy on a 300-acre estate. A sumptuous feeling of home pervades the 800-year-old luxury farmhouse hotel, with its worn leather armchairs pulled up around open fires, fresh flower…
Royal Mansour Marrakech
The Royal Mansour can be counted amongst the few establishments in the world that defy hotel excellence. Just a few steps away from the famous Jemaa El Fna square beats the heart of the Marrakesh Palace, offering travellers the unique concept of a medina within a medina.
Each area has been designed to intuitively take guests on a sensory journey. Take a step into the secret and sumptuous history of one of the…
Villa Principe Leopoldo Lugano
Live in a fairy tale, surrounded by prestige and nature. Imagine contemplating Lugano’s beauty in a princely residence. The former private home of German Emperor Wilhelm’s brother in law, the Villa is located on a picturesque promontory called the Collina d’Oro (Golden Hill), whose views and location are the best kept secret in town. If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to live in a legendary home, a stay…
Cocos Hotel Antigua
Perched on a lush green hillside, encircled by miles of heavenly blue sea and sandwiched between two gorgeous white sand beaches is COCOS Hotel, an all inclusive Antigua resort for couples and adults only. This rustic yet romantic and cozy boutique resort is located on the sunset side of the beautiful Caribbean Island of Antigua and comprises of a collection of 35 quaint wooden Cottages positioned on a pictoresque…
Château de La Chèvre d’Or
Nature is everywhere at Château de la Chèvre d’Or. There are lots of different gardens filled with sculptures, fountains, waterfalls, flowers, herbs, trees and shrubs. The area is perfumed with the scents of jasmine, bougainvillea and roses. The magnificent colors create a framework that blends into the horizon and the sea…
Boutique Hotel Die Alpbacherin
The history of DER ALPBACHERIN began in the former Angelika house. Some time ago, in the middle of Alpbach, at house number 405, stood the small bed and breakfast “Haus Angelika”. Georg and Lisa ran them with a lot of love. The success proved you right and so the desire for a new place for more guests was born. A dream came true. Together with daughter Valentina and her boyfriend Thomas, plans, dreams and…
Palazzo Navona Rome
The innovative Palazzo Navona Hotel fully deserved of its role as being amongst one of the most qualified 4 star Hotels within the city “centro”, capable of fulfilling its own lifestyle qualities to satisfy even the most demanding guest. The intimate and charming ambience emits a feeling of almost magic by creating a special atmosphere which pervades this residence surrounded by its historical-art and ancient Roman…
Meneghetti Wine Hotel & Winery
In search for unique places, sometimes you need to get off the main roads. However, let them lead you to Bale, Istria. Then slow down and follow the road that gets narrower with every mile, as nature draws closer. Slow down even more, and then make a turn into the white road. As the iron gates of the Meneghetti estate open up in front of you, stop for just one moment – and realize that the magic actually appears off the…
Piccolo Hotel Portofino
Hotel Piccolo Portofino, surrounded by the typical luxuriant vegetation of the Liguria Riviera, among the crystal clear water of Portofino and the blue sky, is a piece of art of the reception, unique of its kind. A hidden jewel, that has to be searched end discovered. Obtained from a refined period villa, today it is a boutique hotel, and from its generous terraces, a breathtaking view onto this exclusive stretch of coast…
Bawah Reserve
A gorgeous tropical paradise surrounded by a blue ocean, Bawah Reserve sits in sheltered seclusion 160 nautical miles (300km) northeast of Singapore in the remote Anambas Archipelago, Indonesia. This pristine and previously uninhabited marine conservation area is surrounded by turquoise lagoons and coral reefs, which cater to outdoor adventurers looking to indulge as well as those looking to relax in paradise…
Azulik Tulum
In the heart of the Mayan jungle, a revolutionary project is about to redefine human evolution. A new vision of the future that is guided by ancestral knowledge and creates community is beginning to shape up.The VILLAS of AZULIK Tulum are built in harmony with the Mayan jungle and the Caribbean Sea. With no electric light, A/C, or television, we present nature as our main amenity, setting the perfect mood for a…
Kudadoo Private Island
Kudadoo’s renowned eco-consciousness and sleek design extend to the Maldives island’s 15 over-water residences where your uninterrupted enjoyment of the private island charm and the splendid natural surrounds are the norm….
La Clef Champs-Élysées Paris
La Clef Champs-Élysées Paris, a 5-star hotel in the centre of Paris, offers you a unique stay in a typically Parisian atmosphere. The building was built in 1907 by the Hennessy family, during the enchanting interlude offered by the Paris of the “Belle Époque”. Reflecting this magical era, our luxury hotel in Paris embodies a certain French art de vivre. La Clef Champs-Élysées Paris enjoys an idyllic setting and immerses you in the…
Il San Pietro Di Positano
The San Pietro di Positano is more than a hotel. It is a journey within a journey, where memories are created and never forgotten. A haven of peace, immersed in nature, this elegant home harmonises old-world traditions of hospitality with contemporary, understated luxury. Escape to this small slice of paradise suspended between the sea and sky. Carved into the cliff overlooking the mediterranean Sea, our rooms are a…
Mnemba Island Lodge
Steeped in culture and history, Zanzibar enticed adventurers, seafarers and traders from far and wide. Known as the spice island, from the centuries old trade of cloves, nutmeg and cinnamon, today the Zanzibar Archipelago is still bathed in the heady scents of spices and traditional dhows still drift across the horizon. A romantic hideaway, Mnemba Island is an exclusive paradise featuring twelve rustically chic beachside…
Il Sereno Como
Il Sereno brings a new era of luxury to the banks of Italy’s iconic Lake Como. Awarded the title of “Most Anticipated New Luxury Hotel Opening in 2016” by Luxury Travel Advisor magazine, Il Sereno’s ethos of understated elegance presents a freshness to this well-established destination. Designed by Patricia Urquiola, Wallpaper* Magazine Designer of The Year 2015, the all-suite hotel promises modern style and an authentic…
Laucala Island Fiji
A private island refuge in the South Pacific, Laucala unites dramatic rainforest-laced landscapes and white sandy beaches with unparalleled levels of luxury and privacy. No expense has been spared at the exclusive tropical hideaway, where 25 Fijian-styled villas are set amid coconut plantations, beside deserted beaches and atop the island’s volcanic mountains, overlooking fertile coral reefs and endless jungle. Style and…
Cliveden House
Cliveden House is a privately owned 5 Red Star award-winning hotel, and sister to the world-renowned Chewton Glen Hotel & Spa in Hampshire. Our story is one of over 350 years of powerful personalities, iconic parties and scandalous affairs. Built in 1666 by the 2nd Duke of Buckingham, as a gift to his mistress, Cliveden House has remained a pinnacle of…
Gecko Hotel & Beach Club Formentera
In the beautiful and protected island of Formentera, Gecko Hotel & Beach Club was set out for like-minded individuals to unwind, connect with oneself and nature and above all celebrate life. Gecko brings to Formentera a new form of hospitality that unites our love for the island, the beach life and the elegance of a time in the past that continues to inspire us. Our clublike restaurant, in front of the Migjorn beach, offers a…
Villa Belvedere Taormina
Hotel Villa Belvedere is a delightful and charming boutique hotel, located at just a few minutes from Taormina’s lively town centre and from the world-famous Greek-Roman Theatre, which are both reachable by walking through the inspiring and panoramic Duca di Cesarò Botanic Gardens. The hotel benefits of wonderful views over the sea, the bay of Naxos and Mount Etna. The hotel has always been…
Aria Hotel Budapest
The Aria Hotel Budapest is a luxury boutique hotel with an exquisite design inspired by music. To compliment the musical concept, master designer Zoltan Varro’s vision was to simultaneously recreate the rich, lavish atmosphere of a historic Hungarian palace while also embracing visitors in the warmth and comfort of a private residence…
Cavo Tagoo Santorini
The exclusive Cavo Tagoo Santorini, twin of Cavo Tagoo Mykonos is located within walking distance from Fira and just a few kilometers from Oia, the resort offers luxurious suites, spectacular sunsets over the sea and a personalized service exceptional. All Suites are modern and feature a hot tub or private pool on the terrace style, design details, 43-inch LCD satellite TV, patio or terrace with stunning panoramic view…
Casa Casuarina Miami
Casa Casuarina was built in 1930 by Alden Freeman. Alden Freeman’s father, Joel Freeman was Treasurer of The Standard Oil Trust (also known as Rockefeller’s Company) and left Alden a fabulous wealth when he passed away. That gave the young and wealthy Alden the opportunity to retire at the age of 27 from being an architect and travel all over the world. Alden was also a descendent of the Mayflower on his mother’s side…
The Ryokan Ginrinsou, originally a “herring estate”, is one of the Designated Historic Landmarks of Otaru City.
It was an estate built by a great master of fishermen in Yoichi who became very rich in the Sengoku herring fishing ground that prospered at the base of the Shakotan Peninsula.
The estate was relocated to its current location in 1938. Having endured the weather for more than a century, it looks truly magnificent and graceful.
History
Herring that abounded in the sea brought so much prosperity to areas on the west coast of Hokkaido from the Edo period to the early Showa period that there was a saying that spring in Hokkaido came with herring.
Great masters of fishermen who fought the rough waves in the northern sea built a magnificent estate as if to show their glory. In 1873, at the height of the herring fishing, Mr. Yasunojo Inomata, a magnate of fishermen in Yoichi, built a personal residence, which was the beginning of GINRINSOU.
For about 150 years since then, GINRINSOU has retained its splendid appearance and reminded us of the glorious history of the sea of Hokkaido, as one of the few existing herring estates, and as a very rare herring estate where you can stay.
Architecture
The curved eaves of GINRINSOU are very impressive. The estate was constructed by Senzo Yoneyama, a Miyadaiku (specialist in construction of shrines and temples) invited by the Inomata family from his hometown Echigo (former name of current Niigata Prefecture area).
It has many beautiful aspects created by the temple architect’s elaborate skills. Selected high-grade types of wood such as Sakhalin fir, castor aralia, ash and chestnut were used as building materials, and the panel forming the lower part of the interior wall was made of large pieces of granite, which were ordered from abroad in the days when transport means were not yet developed.
You can see the high spirit of the magnate of fishermen who sought gorgeousness to whatever extent possible even for inconspicuous parts. You will be impressed with the design of stained glass and many elaborate transoms, which will make you imagine Otaru in the Meiji and Taisho periods.
Hospitality
As a hotel nicknamed “the State Guesthouse in Hokkaido”, we are putting our heart and soul into making each of our guests have an extraordinary experience and, at the same time, feel relaxed as if they came to their own villa. This is the hospitality of GINRINSOU.
Yukata, sheeting and pillows are carefully selected to make our guests feel as comfortable as possible. The temperature of hot water in the private bath is kept constant at all times of the day, regardless of the season.
Well-maintained, clean guest rooms and high-quality meals are the least we can provide to our precious guests. We are trying to offer far more than that every day.
Ginrinsou is one of the Designated Historic Landmarks of Otaru City. This herring estate converted into a hotel has 17 guest rooms in total.
We have 17 guest rooms that consist of those in the Main building, which was built in the Meiji period and relocated to the current location at the beginning of the Showa period, and the ones in the New building, which was built recently as an extension.
Magnificent views of Ishikari Bay, the city of Otaru and mountains, outdoor hot springs where the mellow sound of the whistles of trains of the Hakodate Main Line and cries of black-tailed gulls touch the hearts of travelers, and luxurious meals that Ryotei Ryokan proudly produces by using food ingredients mainly produced in Hokkaido will entertain guests.
The sparkling blue of the ocean and sky, the evening sun melting into mountain ridges, lights in the twilight, the thin moon shining in the night sky, and a peninsula emerging in the morning light.
A view of Ishikari Bay seen from the Hiroen terrace of the two adjacent rooms and the excellent design of every detail of the transoms, fusuma (paper-covered sliding doors and partitions) and alcoves will fascinate you in this special Japanese-style room.
You can always relax and enjoy plenty of hot water gushing out in the spacious private bath (hot spring).
Great Hall (Large Banquet Hall)
Entering the front entrance of the Irimoya style (a hip-and-gable roof structure), you will be in an impressive atrium space with thick beams running lengthwise and breadthwise. On your right, there is a 75-jo (tatami mat) great hall (if all fusuma are open).
This is where the counter used to be located in the main house of the magnate of fishermen. It is said that Funatama Festivals and banquets after fishing were held there and that many fishermen and geisha gathered.
There is a hearth at the front, and a large household Shinto altar of 2.5 ken (4.5 meters) was established there to pray for a good catch and safety. In addition, alcove posts made of Japanese red pine with the bark and an alcove where a solid, broad wooden plate is luxuriously laid are very valuable.
Solarium
The solarium is where guests can taste aromatic coffee after breakfast. In this luxurious space, you will feel integrated with the sky and the seaside. You can plan your future travel schedule, read a book in the mild sunlight and have an enjoyable time.
Lounge
Impressive thick beams in the salon space will remind you of its long history as a warehouse for storing fishing nets. The soft light of lamps also lights you up, and there is a wide bar counter. You can experience a leisurely, relaxing, special night during the travel, limited only to adults.
Watchtower
A watchtower (fire tower) stands in the center of the massive wooden roof impressively covered with magnificent tiles with the family crest engraved. It is topped with Shachi (an imaginary creature with a tiger head and a carp body) just like a castle tower.
From the watchtower built without the use of nails, you can overlook every direction. It is said that a group of herring were seen to come, turning the sea into white.
Night spot
Cape Hiraiso, where GINRINSOU stands, is famous for the splendid view of the port town Otaru. Only guests staying with us can enjoy this special night view to their hearts’ content. Please enjoy seeing the sunset coloring the ridge of Mt. Tengu, wharves in the twilight and sparkling city lights at night.
Shop
Otaru is a city of glass. GINRINSOU sells colorful glass crafts as well. There are delicate glass work and other goods full of originality such as glassware and containers. The brilliance of transparent glassware will be associated with your memory of the journey.
Cuisine
Exciting and enjoyable meals full of seasonal delicacies.
GINRINSOU promises you gorgeous dishes.
The bounty from the rich, great sea and the land of Hokkaido producing fresh vegetables. Otaru is a treasury of foodstuff, and we can enjoy plenty of fresh delicacies, including seafood fresh from the sea, every day.
The chef himself selects exclusive ingredients so that guests can enjoy the most delicious food in the season that is cooked in the most exquisite manner. We offer to our guests set courses and French cuisine in which the finest points of food ingredients are utilized to the maximum.
Japanese cuisine set courses and banquets
Each dish will be carefully and lovingly cooked, without too much elaboration so that guests can enjoy the abundance and freshness of seafood produced in Hokkaido. Please enjoy the luxurious taste only Ryotei Ryokan can offer.
Grill GINRINSOU
“Grill GINRINSOU” is in a quaint building standing next to the Main Wing. The building, which used to be a warehouse to store fishing nets, still retains its original temple/shrine-style design. Its large beams and pillars are just like those in the Main Wing.
Both hotel guests and dining-only customers are welcome. Enjoy authentic French cuisine skillfully prepared by a French chef using local ingredients of Hokkaido.
Cuisine that makes the most of Otaru’s local delicacies
The restaurant welcomes its customers with French cuisine that makes the most of fresh and tasty delicacies from the local land, mountains and sea. Course meals to fit your budget and needs are also available. Please feel free to inquire.
Exquisite cuisine from Hokkaido that makes your heart full of delight
The French course meals that GINRINSO boasts allow customers to enjoy the bounty of Hokkaido known as a treasure trove of delicacies. Every dish is a colorful and tasty delight created by flavorful and nutritious ingredients. Course meals to fit your budget and needs are also available.
Hot spring-ONSEN
We have a private spring source within our site, spewing out water from 1,300 meters underground. The water with excellent quality is directed to the wild open-air bath made of rocks, the large spa and private baths in guest rooms.
In the baths, you can watch the northern sky, the sea, mountains behind and all the surrounding nature that look differently in the morning and evening, and feel totally relaxed.
Open-air bath
The open-air bath is one of the symbols of GINRINSOU. It is a very wild, 100-tsubo rocky bath. Stones with names collected from all over Hokkaido are arranged in the bath.
When you soak in the bath, you can sometimes hear a whistle of a train of the Hakodate Main Line running along the coastline, sea breezes, cries of black-tailed gulls and a whistle of a ship, and feel the unique atmosphere of the port town Otaru.
Seen from the open-air bath, the beauty of the sun rising from Ishikari Bay is beyond description.
Large spa
A magnificent, large, circular, oriental-style bath. Abundant mineral water gushing from the deep underground flows out of a mouth of the sculpture of a holy beast without ceasing. The source is a sodium sulfate spring reputed to be soft on the skin. The horizontal line of Ishikari Bay spreads endlessly outside the large window.
Private bath
A luxuriously spacious private bath (hot spring) is provided in the special Japanese-style room in the Main Wing and all the guest rooms in the New Wing.
It is enjoyable to watch the rich natural landscape changing according to seasons from large windows, while soaking in the bath. You can leisurely enjoy luxurious bath time at any time without being interrupted by anyone.
Nitori Museum of Art
Former Hokkaido Takushoku Bank Otaru Branch
It is the venue at which writer Takiji Kobayashi worked as a banker. The vaulted ceiling in the foyer, the former bank hall, which reaches up to the second floor is supported by 6 impressive ancient columns.
The fourth floor displays Japanese paintings by Taikan Yokoyama, while the third floor displays Western art by Japanese artist Ryusei Kishida and other artists from around the world.
On the second floor wooden sculptures by Koun Takamura and his disciple are displayed; the first floor has the Louis Comfort Tiffany Stained Glass Gallery; and the basement floor is an Art Nouveau and Art Déco Glass gallery.
Art Nouveau and Art Déco
Glass Gallery
Nitori Museum of ArtB1
At the turn of the nineteenth century, when Otaru was flourishing in international trade, the Eiffel Tower was being built in France, and a new artistic movement known as Art Nouveau swept across Europe.
Here you can view the various masterpieces of prominent artists of that era, such as Emile Gallé, the Daum Brothers, René Lalique, Josephe Gabriel Argy-Rousseau, and Victor Amalric Walter.
Stained Glass Museum
Former Takahashi Warehouse
The stained glass pieces that were crafted in England between the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries and were actually part of the window fixtures in churches are exhibited in the museum.
In recent years, many of the churches have been torn down due to various circumstances, but these beautiful pieces of art were spared, and through an unusual twist of fate ended up in Japan.
Some of the stained glass is inscribed with words and pictures that tell the history from the flourishing reign of Queen Victoria, through the Edwardian Period, and into the era after the First World War.
Former Mitsui Bank Otaru Branch
Former Takahashi Warehouse
From the late years of the Meiji period, to the beginning of the Showa period, there were as many as 25 banks that supported the financial state of Otaru, and it was often referred to as the largest economic city in northern Japan.
One of these, the former Mitsui Bank Otaru Branch, symbolizes the glory days of Otaru. The Renaissance exterior is made of bold stonework, with hallways that encircle the vaulted ceiling and beautiful plaster sculptures that adorn the ceiling. Enjoy the many elegant pieces of work, in a dignified atmosphere of the old bank building.
Louis Comfort Tiffany
Stained Glass Gallery
Nitori Museum of Art1F
It features signature pieces of stained glass artwork for churches, made by Louis Comfort Tiffany, who led the Art Nouveau era with creative glass works such as opalescent glass and rainbow-colored Favrile glass. Beautiful artwork comes to light again in Otaru after a period of over one-hundred years.
