By Daniel de Bomford
A stone’s throw from the bustle of Tokyo, where the concrete jungle gives way to the pristine hues of ocean blue, lies Hayama. Along the cedar-lined shores of this sleepy village stands SCAPES THE SUITE, a four-room lodging by Positive Dream Persons that nurtures a weary mind, body and soul, providing a relaxation experience under the gaze of Mount Fuji.
Positive Dream Persons is known for its work across the hospitality sector and specializes in re-creating existing assets to enhance their natural cultural appeal. SCAPES represents the conjunction of their vision and business acumen. “SCAPES is a coined word that combines ‘landscape’ and ‘escape,’ and it represents our concept of providing a beautiful retreat away from the everyday,” says Takamasa Sugimoto, the company’s founder. “We designed SCAPES to be a peaceful haven, especially for professionals in Tokyo who seek a recharge away from the city.” The hotel goes beyond its facilities and functions, focusing on providing emotional value.
The scenery is almost surreal. From every room, Mount Fuji appears to float above the water line, especially in winter, when the air is crisp and dry. Morito Shrine’s torii gates, said to have been founded by Japan’s first Shogun, Minamoto no Yoritomo in the 12th century, enhance the visual experience, tying together the region’s deep history and culture with its natural beauty.
SCAPES emphasizes what Sugimoto calls “emotion as a service.” The hotel offers its guests the experience of “active rest,” where they are encouraged to rejuvenate themselves by gently stimulating the body and mind. With complimentary equipment, such as yoga mats, mountain bikes and running shoes, as well as a library where guests can relax with a hot drink, everyone is encouraged to transform fatigue into vitality by giving their minds and bodies a comfortable load.
This personal, local experience is reflected in the kitchen, where it operates with a farm-to-table model, sourcing seasonal ingredients from the local region and adjusting the monthly menu to suit the local palate. This connection to the local environment extends to its “Seasons Stay Plan:” picnics in spring, rooftop barbeques in summer, wine and harvest meals in autumn and quiet meditations under Mount Fuji in winter.
Its relaxed, quiet ethos caters to personal experiences rather than mass tourism. “Our primary clientele is not families,” Sugimoto explains. “We cater to individuals and couples who are looking for some time to themselves.” The laid-back atmosphere is reflected in its late check-in and check-out times, emphasizing its unhurried focus.
For guests looking for a relaxed, stress-free stay to rejuvenate, SCAPES THE SUITE by Positive Dream Persons is waiting to provide that experience. The breathtaking scenery, combined with Hayama’s rich history and local traditions, offers something rare: an emotional connection to place.
To hear more from President Takamasa Sugimoto of Postive Dream Persons Inc, check out this interview with him.
AloJapan.com