Fall, the Season of Discovery: Experience the Splendours of Autumn with Four Seasons Japan Collection

Autumn brings a jewel-like resplendence to Japan’s two most iconic cities - the modern capital of Tokyo, and the ancient capital of Kyoto. Vivid colours and seasonal rituals unfold across streets, squares and gardens, inviting both residents and travellers to join the fall festivities.

Japan’s deep love of autumn is expressed through a series of local idioms containing “— no Aki” (meaning “fall, the season of ―”). Immerse in the spirit of four such idioms, as embodied through best-of-autumn experiences at all three Four Seasons Hotels in Japan.

Shokuyoku no Aki: Fall, the Season of Appetite

Dining and Drinking

Epicures with a taste for award-winning autumn flavours can make their way to SÉZANNE (2 Michelin stars) at Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Marunouchi, where Chef Daniel Calvert’s dynamic French cuisine puts the spotlight on prized seasonal ingredients such as white truffle and hairy crab. Also on the cards in November 2023: an exclusive four-hands dinner by SÉZANNE and The Chairman, the highly acclaimed Cantonese restaurant in Hong Kong.

MAISON MARUNOUCHI, the Hotel’s Parisian-style bistro, unveils a spectacular spread to elicit chills and thrills. Available through October 2023, the Halloween-themed Afternoon Tea features six spook-tacular sweets, inspired by favourite monsters from campfire stories, literary classics and comic books. Get into the spirit of Halloween with family and friends for laughter-filled afternoons with a delicious menu of eerie delights.

Family and friends will love sharing autumn-inspired creations such as the Whole Roasted Organic Spring Chicken from Iwate Prefecture, served with ratatouille and soft polenta. Seasonal mille-feuilles are also on the menu: Mont Blanc in October and November; and Lemon Honey in December 2023. As night casts her spell over the city, raise a glass to fall with the cocktail of the season: a Japanese Negroni, crafted with the acclaimed Sakurao craft gin from Hiroshima and Scarlet amaro from Kanagawa.

Over at Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Otemachi, the luscious sweetness of Shine Muscat grapes takes centre stage in the seasonal Afternoon Tea at THE LOUNGE. Discover a repertoire of sweets and savouries, all meticulously crafted to capture the beauty of fall. For a sustainable fine dining journey, guests can make their way to Michelin-starred est, where Chef Guillaume Bracaval serves contemporary French fare, with the option of elevating dishes with fresh shavings of white truffle.

A night of sparkling glamour awaits at VIRTÙ, the Paris-meets-Tokyo bar ranked #20 on Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2023. Head Bartender Keith Motsi pays homage to the season with liquid indulgences such as the Grapes + Sonic, Muscat Froze, Queen of Grape Sour and Akitsu.

Supotsu no Aki: Fall, the Season of Sport and Wellbeing

Spa Experiences

As the mercury dips and nights deepen, centre the mind, recharge the body and elevate the spirit at Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto. Situated in the Higashiyama district, home to many of the city’s most famous historical attractions, this luxurious urban retreat hosts an array of wellness experiences, ranging from the calm and meditative to the active and energizing. Its ultra-spacious wellness zone is spread across 10,000 square metres (100,000 square feet), offering one of Kyoto’s largest hotel sanctuaries for relaxation and renewal.

Guests who are starting their yoga journey or wishing to deepen their practice are invited to partake in private yoga sessions with seasonal views of the Japanese pond garden. Tune into the body, with a combination of asanas (poses), pranayama (breathing exercises) and meditation to promote energy circulation and rebalance the mind-body.

Guests can also prepare for the cool, dry season with selected spa treatments at Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Marunouchi. Carefully designed for the body’s transition from summer’s residual heat, SUI sets the stage for seasonal cleansing and wellbeing. Begin with a detoxifying foot bath, infused with purifying Japanese biwa (loquat) leaves, followed by a customized massage with one of three Ayurvedic oils — Vata (wind), Pitta (fire) or Kapha (water).

Dokusho no Aki: Fall, the Season of Reading

Reading and Reflecting

Time moves differently at Shakusui-en, the 800-year-old Japanese pond garden at the heart of Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto. Bringing together rich local history with brilliant fall foliage, this tranquil oasis is the ideal spot to slow down, reflect and read one’s favourite book. Guests can choose from several other reading spots, including at the poolside or by the scenic picture windows of The Brasserie.

Bibliophiles at Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Otemachi are in for a treat at THE LIBRARY, an atmospheric hideaway lined with story-filled shelves. Settle in with a good book, and be transported to new realms of discovery.

Geijutsu no Aki: Fall, the Season of the Arts

Cultural Explorations

Experience an authentic Japanese tea ceremony at Shakusui-tei, the teahouse at Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto. Led by a renowned tea master, this ritual immerses guests in the etiquette and intricacies of Japan’s tea heritage, dating back nearly a thousand years. Framed by splendid fall views of the historical pond garden, every moment resonates with the spirit of Kyoto.

Guests can also experience the colours of autumn at more than 70 scenic spots across Kyoto. The Higashiyama district, home to Four Seasons, offers easy access to plenty of glorious leafy landscapes, including at Kiyomizu-dera Temple and Chishaku-in Temple.

Those in Tokyo can explore a selection of spectacular foliage-viewing spots, curated by the Four Seasons Concierge. Within easiest reach are the picturesque grounds of the East Imperial Gardens, Hibiya Park and Ueno Park - all splendid sights that deserve a place on any autumn aficionado’s bucket list.