Prevue September-October 2016 - 60

Previous page: National Schools of Wood Carving & Weaving, Te Puia; Right (r-l): Train ride with Maharajas' Express; Sky Gallery Lounge, Prince Gallery Tokyo Kioicho, a Luxury Collection Hotel; Changing of Royal Guards, Korea process. Swordmaking has been done by hand in Japan since the 10th century, using layers of steel with different carbon concentrations, which are folded and welded together, then polished. Or groups can learn the ancient art of knife forging in a hands-on experience at the Takefu Knife Village, which uses traditional techniques dating back to the 1600s. A 6-hour knife-making course teaches them how to smelt steel, weld, polish and sharpen a kitchen knife. In Tokyo, small groups can join in an hour-long experience making woodblock prints-the Japanese version of the painting parties in the States. The ukiyo-e woodblock print workshop is located in proximity to the well-known Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa. Woodblock printing has a long history in Japan, dating back to its use in the development of books for Buddhist temples in the 11th century. Or groups can try their hand at the ancient art of flower arranging, known as ikebana. InsideJapan arranges hour-long sessions in a traditional machiya townhouse in Kyoto. The new 250-room Prince Gallery Tokyo Kioicho just opened this past July on the 30th to 36th floors of the Grand Prince Hotel Akasaka. Its signature bar on the 35th floor has two-story floor-toceiling windows overlooking the city. A member of Starwood's Luxury Collection, it features 3,000 sf of meeting space. The just-opened 84-room Hoshinoya Tokyo, located in the prestigious Otemachi district, offers an authentic and intimate Japanese experience, with each floor of the 17-story tower its own ryokan (traditional inn), with a dedicated staff. Tatami mats lead from a central lounge to the rooms via a single hallway, lending the feeling of staying in a private home. It also has a private hot Get Your Zen On Check out "5 Ways Groups Can Get their Zen On in Kyoto" on our website for more hyperlocal experiences in Japan. 60 | prevuemeetings.com At Korea's Gyeongbokgung Palace, attendees can not only watch a reenactment of the changing of the guard, but try on the guards' costumes. spring spa on the top floor with open roofs, providing guests with a view of the sky as they soak. KOREAN ROYALTY At Korea's Gyeongbokgung Palace, attendees can not only watch a reenactment of the changing of the guard, but actually try on the guards' costumes and have their photos taken with them. In addition, there are clothes-fitting programs offered at Deoksugung Palace and Unhyeongung Royal Residence. Or groups of 10 or more can visit the Insa-dong PR Center for the chance to try on hanbok, the traditional dress, which is worn by both women and men on special occasions or during national holidays. These beautiful costumes have inspired the collection of some of the worlds most esteemed clothing designers, from Christian Dior to Carolina Herrera. Insa-dong has a wide selection of hanbok designs and materials, including some worn at the royal court. Another popular place for a hanbokfitting experience is at the Seoul Global Cultural Center, located in the center of Myeong-dong, where the staff helps the group with fittings and choosing from traditional jewelry and accessories. Attendees then pose for photographs in front of large-scale backdrops of Korean palaces and hanok houses. A 317-room Four Seasons Hotel opened last fall in Seoul's central business district, with meeting space to accommodate groups of up to 500, along with 25 private rooms in its various restaurants. The luxe spa features a Korean sauna. Earlier this year, the 410-room Plaza joined Marriott's Autograph Collection. The hotel is located in the center of the historical district, near Deoksugung Palace, http://www.prevuemeetings.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Prevue September-October 2016