Cultural Concierge
At just 33 years old, Shiho Sakayori brings centuries of Japanese culture to life in her role as Concierge at Four Seasons Chinzan-so. An enthusiastic student of traditional Japanese customs and culture, her wealth of information and friendly demeanor make for enjoyable — and educational — experience.
She can explain almost any local custom. But for the ultimate cultural immersion, join Shiho for tea. After studying traditional Japanese tea ceremonies for 13 years, her knowledge and skill shines through with every steaming cup. Wearing an elaborate fine silk kimono (one from more than 20 in her collection), she’ll offer a traditional Japanese bowl called a chawan. Hand crafted herself, it’s used for preparing and drinking the fragrant green matcha tea favored by the Japanese.
And with any luck, you’ll also have the pleasure of tasting Shiho’s Kaiseki — a series of dishes using classic Japanese preparation techniques. It should come as no surprise to learn that she studied the traditional methods and is something of an expert at making it.
