I Traveled Through 300 Years of Kyoto's History—All From One Hotel

With just five years under it's belt, Hotel the Mitsui has already stood the test of time. Housed in the former estate of one of Japan's most influential families, this five-star hotel is full of details that help guests see the rich traditions of Kyoto with a fresh pair of eyes. In this “If These Walls Could Talk” episode of Unpacked, Aislyn Greene takes you on a tour of the stories—and secrets—that a hotel can reveal about the places we visit. On this episode you’ll learn:  What it’s like to stay at Hotel the Mitsui, one of Japan’s most luxurious and historic hotels.  The ways that interior architect Andre Fu collaborated with local artisans to bring guests an intimate journey through Kyoto culture.  How Japanese tea ceremony traditions have evolved over time.  Don’t miss these moments:  [03:24] Step into a mystical journey through time.  [11:39] What do samurai, monks, and matcha have in common?  [19:43] Intimate and local: How artisans nod to the soul of Kyoto Resources:  Read the full transcript. Book a stay at Hotel the Mitsui or follow their Instagram.  Check out Andre Fu's work on his website. Be sure to subscribe to the show and to sign up for our podcast newsletter, Behind the Mic, where we share upcoming news and behind-the-scenes details of each episode. And explore our second podcast, Travel Tales, which celebrates first-person narratives about the way travel changes us. ** Bonus Opportunity: What's one tricky travel topic you want us to unpack? Send us a voice message here, for a chance to weigh in and be featured in an upcoming episode. **