The seasons come and go, and the scenery around us changes.
As the days flow by and are gone, simply standing still every now and then can be enough to find new and stimulating encounters.

Take a break and see what insights you might discover.
Take a deep sip of tea.
“Pause & Inspire”

#11 Vacances en Enshu

I feel like I deserve a break from my busy lifestyle, even if only for a short while.

It’s time to head somewhere by the waterside, with fresh greenery and a delicious breeze.

The edge of Lake Hamana, which links up with the Enshu Sea coast. The flow of time may remain technically unchanged, but when your senses are exposed to such new sensations, you cannot help but feel you are living in a new dimension. All day long, I feel as free as the gentle waves on the lake’s surface.

The ryokan’s garden, where tea plants grow, offers an opportunity to refresh both body and spirit.

Local tea and traditional sweets bring pure relaxation.

Every holiday is an enjoyable break from the humdrum routine of the everyday.

The heart cannot help but beat faster at the thrill.

But the fact that this place brings comfort at the same time is proof that I have come somewhere very special.

A special place like this always heightens the senses and makes you sit up straight.

It makes me the best possible version of myself. It allows me to rediscover who it is I really am.

Every life needs some time like that.

To be continued.

Model: miu
Direction & Styling: Tadashi Mochizuki｜Stylist Assistant: Chinatsu Shirai
Photography: Masayuki Shimizu
Hair & Make-up: Nori
Produce: Kenichi Kakuno & Hiroshi Inada
Edit & Text: Yoshiki Tatezaki
Location & Special Support: KAI Enshu (Hamamatsu, Shizuoka)

KAI Enshu
Photography for this feature was conducted on location at KAI Enshu, located at the Kanzanji Onsen hot springs resort in Hamamatsu, with the full cooperation of Hoshino Resorts, proprietors of the KAI Ryokan brand. All rooms overlook Lake Hamana at this relaxing hot spring ryokan, which is also renowned for its hospitality featuring Shizuoka’s own famous teas. Between May 15^th and June 30^th, a special “Shizuoka New Tea Plan” is available to celebrate the new tea season. This one-night, two-day package allows you to enjoy all the hospitality the ryokan has to offer, with opportunities to savor new tea every step of the way, from your arrival, to your room, to the hot springs, and of course, to dinner.
*While this article describes some of the services available as part of the “Shizuoka New Tea Plan”, details are subject to change. Please refer to the official website for the latest information.
KAI Enshu website
”Shizuoka New Tea Plan” website