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Online Benefits If you do not need the print version of EIC Express, please visit http://www.keioplaza.com/eic/express.html for registration. Those who register will be notified of new issues via e-mail. This measure is part of the hotel's effort to decrease paper waste and stay as environmentally friendly as possible. The Keio Plaza will give a 500-point bonus to those who choose to register. The Plaza Michinoku Summer Festivals: Tradition and Pageantry at Keio Plaza Hotel Across Japan, countless summer festivals are held to ensure good harvests in the autumn and protection from plagues and disasters. Particularly famous are the "Three Major Festivals of Tohoku," held in the northern part (or Tohoku region) of Honshu Island in early August. The Aomori Nebuta Festival is attended by more than 3 million visitors. Huge floats, known as nebuta, drift through Aomori City, featuring warriors, legendary and historic figures, and other motifs. Lit up against the night sky and surrounded by dancers, these displays are extremely impressive. At the Akita Kanto Festival, a bamboo pole called a kanto with more than 40 large lanterns is carried along by a single participant. Such individuals often hold kanto in stable poses on their shoulders, foreheads, or backs, without the use of their hands. The Sendai Tanabata Festival is connected with the Chinese astronomical legend of Tanabata. While Tanabata is celebrated in July throughout most of Japan, in Sendai, it is observed a month later, and the splendid festival decorations are appreciated by people all over the nation. Parades, concerts, and other events make the festival especially memorable. Keio Plaza Hotel holds "Plaza Michinoku Summer Festivals" until August 31st, to provide a chance to experience these famous events. The hotel displays symbolic objects from the festivals, some miniatures of nebuta, a kanto pole actually used in the Akita festival, decorations from the Sendai Tanabata Festival, and more in the Main Lobby. A restaurant fair held at the same time showcases foods from Tohoku. In addition, Keio Plaza Hotel holds many other regional fairs that bring culture and traditions from across the nation to the heart of Tokyo. At each visit, we encourage you to check with us and discover what new experiences await you. A Barrier-Free Pioneer Continues to Advance Since its foundation, Keio Plaza Hotel has had a firm policy of providing the best possible comfort to all guests. Originally conceived of as an open "plaza" (or public square) in a vibrant international city, the hotel continues to adhere to its original ideals. In 1988, Keio Plaza Hotel was chosen as the site of the "World Congress of Rehabilitation International" and became the first hotel in Japan to install "Universal Rooms" that allow wheelchair users and others to stay in comfort. Following this, the hotel introduced guestroom communication devices and written conversation phones for guests with hearing problems and a voice information system for people with impaired sight. In 2002, ten improved "Universal Rooms" were opened, and in 2007 we became the first hotel in Japan to install lavatories specially modified to accommodate assistance dogs. The renewed main ballroom will be completed by the end of 2008. It will feature separate male and female lavatories for wheelchair users, as well as a magnetic loop system to help guests with hearing aids. Keio Plaza Hotel continues to provide safer, more advanced, and more pleasant facilities for each and every guest. Mt. Takao: Nature at Tokyo's Doorstep Mt. Takao, a "three-star mountain" according to France's famous Michelin guide, is the perfect place for visitors to Tokyo who are looking to sample the joys of Japan's natural environment. Although it is only 599 m high, Takao is home to some 1,600 kinds of plants, 100 species of wild birds, and 29 types of other animals. This wealth of nature is within easy reach of Shinjuku Station, near Keio Plaza Hotel, and can be accessed by a 45-minute journey on the Keio Line train. In addition to eight routes for hikers, Mr. Takao has cable cars and lifts that allow many different ways to take in the scenery. The mountainside is home to a Buddhist temple that has stood for more than twelve centuries and once had a deep relationship with Japan's ruling shogun family. The area also features souvenir stores and restaurants offering delicious Japanese cuisine such as soba buckwheat noodles. Visitors are advised to wear athletic shoes and clothes that allow for easy movement. For more information on Mt. Takao and other nearby getaways, please contact Guest Relations. Series: Scenes from Japanese Society Volume 15: Summer Holidays in Japan Around the world, students in elementary and secondary schools eagerly await the coming of summer holidays, and Japan's children are no exception. Many such schools in Japan have rather short summer vacations, which usually last for some 40 days from late July through August 31st. In some parts of northern Japan, where the summers are short and the winters are long, summer holidays can end in mid-August, in order to make time for longer winter vacations. Since the school year in Japanese educational institutions ends in March, many students receive a great deal of homework during the summer holidays. Particularly voluminous assignments are given to elementary school children. Tasks include working on arithmetic exercises, keeping a diary every day, working on a handicraft, writing a book report, and investigating a chosen subject, such as observation of insects. Students are penalized if they do not complete their work by the time school resumes in the fall. Often, students leave their assignments unattended until late August, when their parents are suddenly called upon to help them out. Local community libraries are frequently crowded with children at this time of year, working busily to make their deadlines. High Quality and Excellent Comfort at Coffee House Jurin (2nd floor, Main Tower) Business Hours: 5:00 A.M. to 12:00 midnight (Orders accepted until 11:30 P.M.) 207 seats Surrounded by green trees and providing a spacious interior, Coffee House Jurin is home to a wide assortment of delicious foods offered at reasonable prices. The menu contains those popular entries like sandwiches and seasonal pastas and pilafs, as well as Japanese favorites such as teriyaki swordfish and steak rice bowls. Other offerings include Asian dishes like nasi goreng and a la carte foods. Jurin's lunch of the day features straight-from-the-market fish and meat of the highest quality. Dinners are distinguished by delicious course meals full of the freshest ingredients. The manager, Junichi Kuwahara says, "We offer a wide range of foods and beverages together with friendly service, to help our guests relax and enjoy themselves. We are the first restaurant in the hotel to open, at 5:00 A.M., and we stay open until 12:00 midnight. We do the best we can to accommodate the requests of every customer. For a meal with your family, to relax by yourself, to pass the time waiting for a taxi or bus, or for any other reason, please just drop in and let us serve you." Visually enticing, rich in culture, and perfect as gifts — discover the crafts of traditional Japan. Series: Tiny Gifts from Yesterday's Japan Volume 18: A Gift of Summer Coolness Fuu-rin (literally, "wind bells") are tiny bell-shaped chimes traditionally common in Japanese homes, often made of glass, metal, or ceramics. Many households hang one or more of fuu-rin outside windows in summertime to enjoy the clear, high notes that they produce in a gentle breeze. Before the advent of air-conditioning, the people of Japan tried in many different ways to overcome nation's muggy summer weather. It was common to sprinkle water around outside to lower the temperature. Other methods used the five senses to create a cooling, refreshing atmosphere. One example involved the use of fuu-rin, whose clear sounds brought a sense of coolness through the ears. Many glass fuu-rin are decorated with images of plants and animals. Iron versions come in the shapes of houses, garden lanterns, and the like. One can choose from an endless variety of shapes, materials, and colors. Recently, fuu-rin have become known internationally as "Japanese wind bells." Fuu-rin make excellent souvenirs (although it is important to be careful when transporting these delicate items), and provide an elegant way to chase away the summer's heat with the music of the wind. For Members of the Executive International Club New Special Room Rates for EIC Members Beginning April 1st, 2008, new discounted room rates noted below will apply to EIC members. Customers staying with us at EIC member rates will be entitled to many special services and privileges, including use of The Club Lounge, free breakfast, and free extension of checkout time to 3:00 P.M. Type of Room Single Double/Twin Superior 23,100 yen 27,300 yen Plaza Comfort 23,625 yen 27,825 yen Plaza Premier 25,725 yen 29,925 yen *Plaza Comfort rooms are located on the 28th through 33rd floors of the South Tower. *Service charge is not included in the above rates. *Rates are subject to change without notice. * These privileges do not apply to guests staying at rates other than EIC member rates. Use of The Club Lounge The International Club Lounge has changed its name to The Club Lounge, and is open to EIC members staying with us at member rates, as well as their guests. In The lounge, guests can enjoy coffee, tea, cocktails, and other amenities in a self-service environment during business hours. Location: South Tower, 34th Floor Seating Capacity: 40 (28 in the lounge area and 2 private rooms with 4 and 8 seats) Hours: 1:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M. Free for EIC members staying with us at member rates; 2,000 yen for each additional guest * Meeting Rooms are also Available: 1:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M. Type A (up to 8 people): 8,000 yen for the first two hours; 4,000 yen for each additional hour Type B (up to 4 people): 4,000 yen for the first two hours; 2,000 yen for each additional hour *Use of meeting rooms available only to customers staying at EIC member rates. *Meeting room cost includes self-service drinks and snacks. *Advanced reservations are recommended. *To use or make a reservation for a meeting room, please contact The Club Lounge staff. Complimentary Breakfast for EIC Members To EIC members staying with us at member rates, we offer free breakfast at the Cocktail & Tea Lounge on the 3rd floor of the Main Tower. The Lounge, bathed with an abundance of morning sunlight, caters only to selected guests during breakfast hours. In this spacious, relaxing area, enjoy a buffet-style breakfast of eggs, bacon, sausages, and more. Breads and cereals of many different kinds, fresh fruits, coffee, tea, juices, and other selections are also provided. Breakfast (served at the Cocktail & Tea Lounge on the 3rd floor) 7:00 A.M. to 10:00 A.M. (Please arrive at the lounge by 9:30 A.M.) Free for EIC members staying with us at member rates; 2,520 yen per person for their guests *Service charge is not included in the above rate. Free Extension of Checkout Time Upon request, EIC members staying with us at member rates can have their checkout time extended up to 3:00 P.M., depending on the room reservation situation. Radio taiso is a series of light exercises (taiso) involving stretches, jumps, arm movements, and more, conducted along with piano music from the radio. The music for these exercises is broadcast by Japan's NHK radio channel for ten minutes every day, starting from 6:30 A.M. The regimen was first designed by the government in 1928, to help people improve their physical condition and strength. Most Japanese people are familiar with these exercises. CD recordings of the piano music are sold, and many people use radio taiso to warm up at school gym classes and industrial plants. When hearing the words "radio taiso," many are reminded of young children exercising together in the early mornings during their summer school holidays, when local organizations hold radio taiso meetings in community squares or at similar places. Although such meetings are not mandatory, many children are strongly encouraged to participate. At many such meetings, the organizers take a roll call each morning and even give "perfect attendance" prizes (such as stationery). Scenes of elementary school pupils doing radio taiso exercises are reminiscent of summertime in Japan to many. Try This! Quiz on Topics Discussed in this Issue We hope you have enjoyed this newsletter. We have provided a quiz on the topics discussed in this issue. Please try your hand at the questions below and send your answers to us. We would appreciate your comments about this newsletter and the Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo as well. Please send your answers and comments no later than September 30st, 2008 to: Customer Relations Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo 2-2-1 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-8330 Japan E-mail: customer-rlt@keioplaza.co.jp Fax: +81-3-5322-8118 Prize for this issue: To four winners chosen by lot from among those who have applied with the right answers, we will present Kyo-sensu (folding fans manufactured in Kyoto). Originally created in Kyoto in the 8th century, sensu folding fans have developed into an established line of traditional craftwork. Besides cooling users down, those fans are used in ceremonies and dances. Both practical and artistic, the beautfully designed sensu fans are popular souvenirs from Japan. 1. When did Keio Plaza Hotel first install its "Universal Rooms," designed to allow guests in wheelchairs to stay with ease and comfort? 2003 1998 1993 1988 2. What nearby mountain (45 minutes from the hotel by train) won a three-star evaluation from France's Michelin guidebook? Mt. Fuji Mt. Takao Mt. Bandai Mt. Aso The winners of the prize for EIC Express, Vol. 34: Eugen J. Elmiger (Switzerland) Wickramasinghe Kalpage (Sri Lanka) Thomas P. Waters (U.S.A) Kimberly Yanoscik (U.S.A) The last issue's answers: 1. c, 2. d Use of Personal Information Personal Information received from Members (hereinafter called "Personal Information"), such as names, addresses, company names, and e-mail addresses, will be used for the purpose of sending newsletters about our services to such Members. The Keio Plaza Hotel chain will obtain, use, and store personal information about Members (such as names or addresses) only for the Keio Plaza Executive International Club (EIC), and will never use such information for any other purpose. The Business Center on the 3rd Floor of the Main Tower The Business Center has opened on the 3rd floor of the Main Tower, where the lobby is located. The Center offers rental cell phones, fax and photocopy services, arrangement of interpretation and translation as well as of international delivery services, business card printing, and other conveniences. Windows PCs (connected to the Internet) and printers are also available. The Center has been renewed to provide everything necessary for efficient business activities. The Business Center's business hours Monday through Friday: 8:00 A.M. to 10:00 P.M. Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays: 9:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. * The coin-operated PCs at the entrance to the Center are available 24 hours per day. Please help yourself. * The Center offers the following pay services, among others: 1. Photocopies (monochrome and full-color) 2. Fax transmission 3. Rental cellular phones 4. Arrangement of interpretation and translation services 5. Typing 6. Arrangement of international delivery service 7. Internet connection 8. Business card printing On Hotel Facilities The Sky Pool will be closed during the summer of 2008, due to waterproofing work on the pool and the 7th-floor garden. EIC Advantages By enrolling in the Executive International Club, you will be eligible to receive a variety of special services and discounts reserved exclusively for EIC members. We cordially invite all members of the Executive International Club to stay with us and experience these advantages. · Free use of The Club Lounge, exclusively reserved for EIC members · Extended late check-out until 3:00 P.M. upon request (subject to availability) · Early check-in at 11:00 A.M. upon request (subject to availability) · Priority room reservations · Frequent flyer mileage points with our 11 participating airline partners *These privileges above do not apply to guests staying at rates other than EIC member rates. Joining is easy. Simply stop by the front desk, visit our web site, or write to the Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo. http://www.keioplaza.com/eic/index.html Frequent Flyer Mileage Points Earn miles when using the following Frequent Flyer Programs. Points will be provided at eligible room rates or higher. To claim points, simply present your FFP membership card upon check-in. Participating Airlines and Program names AIR FRANCE 500 miles per stay ALASKA AIRLINES 500 miles per stay AMERICAN AIRLINES 500 miles per stay ALL NIPPON AIRWAYS 500 miles per stay CATHAY PACIFIC 500 miles per stay VIRGIN ATLANTIC 1,500 miles per stay JAPAN AIRLINES 500 miles per stay KLM 500 miles per stay QANTAS 1,000 points per stay UNITED AIRLINES 500 miles per stay VARIG BRAZIL 1,000 miles per stay To Make Your Next Reservation The Keio Plaza Hotel is a member of Summit Hotels & Resorts, an international luxury hotel group. To make your next reservation with us, please contact phone numbers below. * Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo Tel: +81-3-5322-8000 Fax: +81-3-3345-8269 * Los Angeles Office Toll free: +1-800-222-5346 * Online Reservations http://www.keioplaza.com * Summit Hotels & Resorts United States (toll free): +1- 800- 457- 4000 China / Hong Kong: +852-2965-1902 United Kingdom (toll free): +0800-55- 65- 55 Brazil (toll free): +0800- 55- 1821 Australia (toll free) +1-800-801-855