By Marinel E. Peroy
Tucked in the heart of Newport City, Hotel Okura Manila has long been celebrated for fusing the quiet elegance of Japan with the warmth of Filipino hospitality. This July, it takes on a new role: host to “Kaien,” a month-long tribute to the Philippines-Japan Friendship Month.
At a grand reception that blended refined design, seasonal flavors, and a sense of shared history, Japanese Ambassador Kazuya Endo called the hotel “the perfect post” for the celebration.
“From the white pine tree and cherry blossom decorations, to the elegant guest rooms with Japanese-style bathtubs, and the authentic cuisine served in its restaurants—you can enjoy Japanese elegance and Filipino hospitality right here, without ever needing to take a flight,” he said.
General Manager Jan Marshall echoed this sentiment: “It is a privilege to host you this evening as we open our celebration of Kaien. May the celebration continue to cement the enduring relationship with our shared commitment to friendship, peace, and continued support.”
Guests to the hotel this month can expect the usual impeccable service and experience a curated cultural immersion.
Special menus featuring Kaiseki-style dining and regional Japanese delicacies are being offered at Yamazato and Yawaragi, the hotel’s signature restaurants.
Guests can also enjoy traditional tea ceremonies and ikebana workshops in specially designed spaces inspired by Kyoto aesthetics.
Hotel Okura Manila is a place where minimalism meets mindfulness, where the lighting and textures evoke a sense of calm, and where the service is both discreet and deeply attentive.
As the Philippines and Japan approach their 70th year of diplomatic relations in 2026, Hotel Okura Manila stands not just as a luxury destination but as a symbol of enduring friendship.
Whether you’re checking in for a staycation or simply dining with intention, “Kaien” at Okura offers a rare opportunity: to celebrate peace, partnership, and beauty—Japanese style with a Filipino heart.
