Travel Story: Japan, the spirit of hospitality

At Laguna Cyprien we are constantly orbiting towards a lifestyle and philosophy. In this movement we have identified with some aspects of Japanese culture: its sense of hospitality, its connection with nature and its appreciation for rituals. Along with a series of photographs taken by our creative director, here we want to share with you a little of these elements that we value and that are part of our vision of life.

The spirit of hospitality in Japan

In Japan, hospitality is built on the concept of Omotenashi , a philosophy rooted in the culture that goes beyond service. It is not only found in jobs, but is also related to a relational way in which people prioritize humane treatment of kindness and mutual respect. You notice it at all times, like when you enter a store and are greeted and seen off with a cordial greeting.


Omotenashi is best represented in tea ceremonies. Using a combination of carefully selected elements, masters prepare tea in front of their guests, in complete transparency. Each movement is charged with meaning and guests are surrounded by unique treatment.


Where hospitality goes beyond the tangible

Something we noticed when visiting Japan is how the elements complement each other to create the ideal environment. In hotels, for example, beyond aesthetics, all the components, such as the arrangement of furniture, the selection of decoration and the different textures, are an essential part of creating a complete experience. Everything is designed so that when you walk through the places, the transitions between the different spaces are subtly distinguished through aroma, light and sound, inviting us to perceive the environment with our senses.

Along those lines, one thing that sets Japanese hospitality apart is its attention to detail. Through attentiveness and genuine interest, they anticipate your needs, from the simplest things like making sure you have a glass of water by your bed, to adjusting the temperature in your room or drawing a bath for you just minutes before you return to the hotel. Many accommodations provide you with pajamas and other clothing to keep you comfortable at all times, and make sure you are satisfied with specific items, such as books, facial products, sake and tea.

Hospitality and service are always surrounded by rituals. This way of living based on repetition is very personal, since by giving ourselves the time and space to carry out an activity, without diminishing its value, we allow ourselves to stop and appreciate the present.
Back to blog
1 of 2

The importance of calm

In Japan, everything seems to move at the same slow pace, and although there is no lack of movement in the cities, the way people act is peculiarly slow. You constantly encounter an atmosphere of calm, for example when buying fruit and noticing that the vendors take their time to pack your purchases. This feeling of calm is not only found in hospitality, but also in their connection with nature.

Contemplation is a cultural characteristic that has not been lost and is directly related to meditation. Plants and trees, as well as other elements such as sand and rocks, are used in Japanese gardens to calm the mind and allow people to concentrate on the present.

Some daily rituals,how to light an incenseand letting its characteristic white smoke travel through the space with its aroma, helps us remember those moments of calm and peace, where the rhythm can slow down until it seems motionless, becoming a contemplative moment.

1 of 2

Our Incense from Japan

Hospitality built on admiration, respect and kindness allows us to connect with people on a more intimate, more human level, and that is something we seek to express not only in our service, but also in our everyday life. We are grateful that between the beauty of the details and the feeling that each encounter is full of sincerity, Japan has allowed us to appreciate another form of hospitality.