KAI Anjin is a new boutique ryokan inspired by the new TV adaption of James Clavell’s iconic 1975 novel Shōgun.
We’re not sure if you ever read James Clavell’s sizeable tome about life in feudal Japan through the eyes of a 17th century English navigator (or were simply waiting for an update to the original 1988 TV adaption) but you’re in luck as Shōgun, a modern streaming rendition, has launched and so far audiences are liking what they see. Now you can feel what it must have been like to be among the Shogunate elite at KAI Anjin, a new boutique hideaway on Shizuoka’s Izu Peninsula.
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Located in the town of Ito, Hoshino Resorts’ new KAI Anjin is a boutique hot spring ryokan easily accessed from Tokyo by train and named after Miura Anjin, better known outside of Japan as William Adams, the first Englishman to reach Japan and one who became the first-known Western samurai (Tom Cruise played the intrepid solider in The Last Samurai).
It is at this hotel that you can learn how Adams arrived in what was a closed Japanese society at the time, and how his contribution to the country’s maritime history inspired Pilot Major John Blackthorne’s character, also known as Anjin in both the novel and TV series.
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The significance of KAI Anjin’s location dates to 1604 when Shogun Tokugawa ordered Adams to build Japan’s first western-style ships in the shipyards of Ito city. Each year in August, the Anjin Festival is held to commemorate his efforts with a ceremony, parade and taiko drum competition, concluding with a spectacular firework display over the ocean.
Embodying the philosophy of the KAI brand, which operates over 20 authentic ryokans across Japan, KAI Anjin features stunning ocean views and maritime-inspired artwork across its contemporary yet minimalist guest rooms. Even the kaiseki meals, which feature fresh local seafood, have a touch of British sensibility.
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After soaking in the hot spring, relax with complimentary drinks inspired by what British sailors drank instead of water, including IPA beer and refreshing apple cider, and bask in the sea breeze on the San Buena Deck. Alternatively, if you’re teetotaling, try a flight of teas from Adams’ ports of call in the Travel Library, which is adorned with local crafts and books about history and nature.
Then head upstairs to the bathing halls, which has stunning sea views, although we suggest you do so before delving into that 1988 adaption, which features English sailors being boiled alive.
We’re sure that won’t happen to you.
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