Inspired by Kinosa
For Taylor O’Sullivan, Japan has always been a place of fascination. She studied Japanese from ages five to seven and has carried a lifelong reverence for its culture. Last year, she traveled with her husband Tim and his family on a heritage trip, honoring her father-in-law’s Japanese roots. In the mountains of Hakone, Tim and Taylor went foraging for wild mushrooms. She found a shiitake mushroom that stopped her in her tracks. She photographed these gorgeous mushrooms and gave life to Kinosa, an homage to the texture, patience, and the layered beauty of Japan’s landscapes.
This travel guide invites you to explore Japan through CULTERRA’s lens: refined, deeply intentional, and alive with detail.
Courtesy of Taylor O'Sullivan
Kyoto
Kyoto is where Japan’s cultural heart beats strongest. Temples shimmer with gold leaf, streets glow with lantern light, and behind unassuming doors you will find meals that linger in memory.
Kyoto Dining
Gion Sushi Shokichi
A newcomer to Kyoto’s dining scene that already feels timeless. Sit at the bar where the owner, who speaks English, offers an unforgettable omakase experience. Taylor and Tim fondly recall this as their favorite meal from the entire trip. Don't miss it!
Images courtesy of Taylor O'Sullivan
Katsukura Tonkatsu Sanjo Main Store
For a traditional comfort food turned into an art form, order the pork and shrimp tonkatsu. Crisp, golden, and deeply satisfying.
Courtesy of Katsukura Tonkatsu Sanjo Main Store
Kyoto Hotels
Aman Kyoto
Luxury personified. Nestled within a secret garden near Kinkaku-ji Temple, Aman Kyoto offers forest pavilions, private onsens, and light-filled suites set among tranquil glades.
Images courtesy of Aman Kyoto
Hotel The Mitsui Kyoto
Once the residence of the Mitsui family, this property blends heritage with modern design. Garden views, refined dining, and a spa anchored by an exceptional onsen make it a place of balance and beauty.
Courtesy of Hotel The Mitsui Kyoto
Six Senses Kyoto
Located in the Higashiyama district, this sanctuary celebrates Kyoto’s cultural heritage with design inspired by the classic Japanese story, Tale of Genji. Stay for its spa rituals, ultra-seasonal dining, and serene views of Toyokuni Shrine.
What to Do in Kyoto
Wander
Explore temple gardens, sip matcha in a centuries-old teahouse, or immerse yourself in the artistry of traditional crafts. This is a city that reveals itself most fully when you slow down.
Pontocho Street
Stroll this narrow alleyway at night, where lanterns sway above wooden facades. The air carries the spirit of “old Japan,” charming and nostalgic.
Day Trip to Nara
Just under an hour from Kyoto, Nara offers another dimension of cultural wonder. The city’s famous deer roam freely through Nara Park, creating a dreamlike atmosphere among temples and gardens. Do not miss the Mochi café tucked inside the park, where the mochi is pounded fresh before your eyes. It is said the deer even lend a hand in the kitchen, adding a whimsical touch to an already unforgettable experience.
Images Courtesy of Taylor O'Sullivan
Hakone
Hakone is Japan’s landscape of renewal. Known for its steaming onsens (spas) and misty mountain trails, it is a place where nature itself feels restorative. It was here, on a hike through the forest, that Taylor discovered the mushroom that became Kinosa, a reverent moment transformed into fine art.
Hakone Hotels
Centurion Hakone Bettei
This intimate onsen retreat that feels restorative and dreamlike. Spring for the Deluxe Room for extra space and enchanting atmosphere. With just a few rooms, the stay feels personal and distinctly Japanese. The included meals are exceptional. Guests wear the linen yukata provided by the hotel, which adds a memorable touch.
Kinnotake Tonosawa
Recommended for its chic minimalist aesthetic and connection to nature, this onsen ryokan embodies understated luxury.
What to Do in Hakone
Hike Mt. Kinotoki
Begin at this trailhead for a scenic climb with views of Mt. Fuji. The hike takes about two hours each way and is manageable, yet rewarding. At the summit, stop for a steaming bowl of curry noodles from a small mountain shop. Bring cash, good shoes, and an openness to savor the journey.
Courtesy of Taylor O'Sullivan
Soak in an onsen
Hakone is also best experienced in the water. Slip into an onsen, let the steam rise around you, and allow the landscape to do what it has done for centuries: restore.
From Kyoto’s refined elegance to Hakone’s natural sanctuaries, Japan is a study in harmony. History and modernity, stillness and movement, small details and sweeping vistas. Kinosa is a reminder that beauty often reveals itself in places you least expect, waiting for those willing to look closer.
