Things to do in Japan

Tokyu Hotel: the modern face of Kanazawa hospitality

The hotel is also located right in the centre of Kanazawa, so the majority of sightseeing attractions and museums are within walking distanc…

By Zhi Yang

Lobby service leader and overseas sales representative at Kanazawa Tokyu Hotel

In my opinion, the secret of our hotel is its design and location. It’s in a modern Japanese style and features many regional elements, so guests can experience local tradition and culture from the first moment they step through the entrance. The hotel is also located right in the centre of Kanazawa, so the majority of sightseeing attractions and museums are within walking distance – for example, it’s a one-minute walk to the famous samurai district, six minutes to the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art and 10 minutes to the Kenroku-en garden, one of the three most famous in Japan. Because we are so central, there are also lots of places to eat, drink and shop nearby, so that’s very convenient.

My favourite part of the hotel has to be the Deluxe Twin Kanazawa guestroom. It’s decorated in a modern style that features many local elements, such as gold-leaf work, Kutaniyaki ceramic mugs, wooden flooring, tatami-style mats and so forth. It also has a big western bathroom with double sink, walk-in shower and separate toilet, so it’s a perfect combination of Japanese and western taste.

Being in the hospitality industry for years, I enjoy it most when I can really help our guests by listening and talking to them, finding out their needs and offering assistance – and always trying to exceed their expectations. We often receive thank-you letters and cards from them when they return home, so I am immensely proud of my team.

I’m also proud of our Green Coin scheme. I believe it is an excellent initiative, and so far it has gone well. Many visitors are pleased and impressed with the scheme, and guests come to reception every day and hand in the Green Coins. Corporate social responsibility is very important to us, and we are trying to do it the best we can.

Available in these itineraries…

Itinerary

Best of Japan
by Claire Ross

Length14 Days

Price range£6,500 - £7,300pp
Itinerary

Deep Japan
by Malcolm Holcroft

Length14 Days

Price range£9,415 - £10,430pp

Alfred & Zhi Yang

Zhi Yang is originally from China, but moved to the UK for his education at the age of 17. He graduated in International Hospitality and Tourism Management from Bournemouth University, and went on to work in various London hotels including the Ritz, the Hilton on Park Lane and Park Plaza London Riverbank. He moved to Kanazawa – his wife’s home town – in 2013, joining Kanazawa Tokyu Hotel in 2017.

Alfred&

Your journey will start with one of our UK team – someone like Malcolm, who's travelled extensively in Japan. They’ll shape your ideas into the trip of a lifetime. But they won't do it alone. They'll draw on the expertise of our contacts on the ground, connecting you to the people who'll make your holiday one you'll always remember - the tea devotee who'll introduce you to the ceremony surrounding Japan's national drink, the noodle guru who'll teach you how to make the perfect bowl of soba and the ryokan owner who'll tutor you in the relaxing art of the onsen.

Malcolm Holcroft

Asia Travel Expert for Alfred&

Malcolm has always been fascinated with the far east, especially China and has visited five times so far. While he loves exploring the big cities, he also loves getting off the beaten track immersing himself in the local culture. He admits there can be challenges when it comes to things like language but relishes in how beautiful and untouched China still is, in our modern globalised world. One of his favourite activities is people watching in the public parks and he can quickly become absorbed as he observes how differently the people go about their day to day lives. This is a country that will at times throw you out of your comfort zone but will also teach you so much if you let it.
Takeaki Shibuya

Experience coordinator for Destination Asia, Alfred&'s partners in Japan

After 14 years of experience travelling in more than 70 countries as a tour conductor and planner, Takeaki has come home to Japan, which he truly believes is the most unique place in the world to explore. His unusual experiences are a source of creation which draws out the esoteric and the hidden of Japan.
Ms Makishima

Nakai-san at Gion Yoshi-Ima

A long-time employee at Gion Yoshi-Ima and resident of Kyoto, Ms Makishima embodies the Japanese spirit of hospitality: a welcoming character, dedication to her work, and joy in the everyday. Care and devotion is given to her guests and she is always on hand to attend to needs or offer advice to adventurous travellers.
Fabien Fleury

Wine educator, oenophile and guide

Tokyo-based Fabien was born in Saintes, near Cognac, in the south-west of France. As a boy, he used to help his grandfather take care of his vineyard, which instilled in him a love of the whole process of wine-making. Fabien has been giving tasting seminars to wine lovers between Europe and Japan for 10 years and enjoys sharing his expertise on tours of Japan’s wine-making Yamanashi area outside Tokyo.
Ms Akira

Member of the hospitality team at Oyado Koto no Yume

Ms Akira is part of the hospitality team at Koto no Yume, a ryokan in the traditional town of Takayama. Living in a city steeped in culture, she enjoys helping guests to get to know a little more of the traditional arts and crafts, as well as the beautiful sites of Takayama.
Satoshi Inuki

Japanese literature enthusiast & one of Alfred&’s guides in Japan

Satoshi is originally from a small town in Hyogo prefecture. In his early 20s he lived in Edinburgh where he met many people from all over the world who asked him questions about Japan. This prompted him to study more about his own country’s culture, history and traditions. He moved to Kyoto around 10 years ago and became a licensed guide in 2011, since when he has come to know every inch of both his new home town and destinations such as Hiroshima, Okayama and Naoshima to the west.