Live a Japanese experience, but without leaving Portugal
And yes, you can order sushi and taste it in a Japanese room.
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In June 2021 when those responsible for this project announced on Instagram, it would soon arrive in Viseu “It is very special that a new project” will travel through the deepest essences of Japanese culture, in one place.
Days later, a new teaser: “The union of Japanese and Portuguese souls, a perfect symbiosis that materializes, little by little, in an unprecedented and different project, in Portugal and borders.” But in fact, the works much earlier, more specifically in March 2019.
The original, more than 300 years old, began to be recovered at that time, having been reorganized and adapted to the same concept as a typical Japanese inn. From the structure of the building to the space, through the bedrooms, outerwear, bathroom, clothing experience for guests and materials chosen, everything has been designed to provide a true original bed in Japanese culture.
Well, it was last April that the project was unveiled. It is about Viseu Ryokan, a space that allows us to live a Japanese experience, but without leaving Portugal. It is the first perfect in Portugal and one of the first in the world outside of Japan, where a balance is sought between the Japanese culture and costumes typical of this new space.
Viseu Ryokan aims to be a perfect symbiosis of traditions and, therefore, those responsible choose to be faithful to many architectural lines and keep in this way visible as old stone walls, where endless stories accumulate and that, now, will gain a new life.
But what is a ryokan anyway?
Recognized as one of the oldest types of accommodation in the world, ryokan are always associated with the hospitality of their owners.
In these traditional inns, where samurai, merchants and merchants used to stay, all the exercises are done to make their students feel more welcome.
A hallmark of millenary and so intense Japanese culture, the ryokan is the materialization of motenashi, a feeling deeply rooted in the Japanese people, which goes far beyond hospitality and which, for the Japanese, refers to the act of serving well that comes from the heart.
The Trumps of Viseu Ryokan
In fact, when arriving at a Ryokan, the differences from western hotels are notorious. And not Viseu Ryokan are very clear:
- Bedrooms: Each of Viseu Ryokan’s seven exclusive rooms invites you to travel. Amidst the typical Japanese decor, and in keeping with their costumes and habits, each accommodation is equipped with a futon – a typical Japanese mattress – and a private bathroom with Japanese technology. The environment of total tranquility, the perfect balance and not made available to you to feel found at home;
- BATHROOM: Japanese culture has been recognized for many centuries for its high standards of hygiene. This solution, associated with the development of the world, made the health solution unique in the world. Coming as close as possible to this, all the WC’s in Viseu Ryokan’s rooms are equipped with technological toilets;
- SPA: Trying to create a true location setting and a planned experience, Viseu Ryokan offers its own version of an “On”. A SPA, aimed at guests and non-guests, where you can find a wide range of SPA services, a jacuzzi and sauna;
- Yukata: Clothing, similar to a traditional kimono, widely used in informal and children’s hygiene, such as ryokan and onsen. Each room at Viseu Ryokan is provided with yukata so that we can enjoy moments of true rest;
- Gastronomy: Of course, the kasutera stands out, a cake similar to the sponge cake, whose origin dates back to the 16th century. The history of kasutera relates to the arrival of the Portuguese in Japan. The typical recipe form of sponge cake was adapted by the Japanese culture and gave rise to this cake, which is cooked in squares cut from six kilos and later in smaller pieces.
Nothing is obvious by chance, so the atmosphere of leisure and relaxation is guaranteed And forget your shoes: you will have to wear flip-flops, provided by the space, to circulate in the common areas of the unit.
And yes, even though sushi hasn’t been forgotten in the Viseu Ryokan. In fact, just place an order and you can even taste the various pieces in the Japanese room, which can be used for many other initiatives, such as an origami workshop or show cooking.
Interested? So you can now book your room for an experience that will certainly be quite different from the usual. And if you really move to the city, take the opportunity to get to know the Quartz Museumone Mata do Fontelo and also the Cathedral of Viseu.
Pictures of: I love photography