Konnichi wa, South Forbes

MANILA, Philippines - A trip to Japan can leave one mesmerized by its charming homes, impressive shrines, and quaint villages that blend seamlessly with the picturesque landscapes. This is characteristic of Japanese design where the built environment becomes part of the natural, inspired by the principles of zen.

In South Forbes Golf City, the country’s largest fully-integrated and all-themed golf resort city at the heart of the Metro Sta. Rosa – Tagaytay corridor, and recipient of the Best Golf Community Development honor by the CNBC International Property Awards, the world’s most prestigious property awards programme, there is no need to bring out the yen in Tokyo Mansions, South Forbes’ Japanese-inspired enclave where everyday can be a totally zen experience.

Torii Gate. Entering Tokyo Mansions reveals a simple display of plants and dry stones at the guardhouse, a simple structure with a slender base and a prominent roof. The swaying row of tall bamboo along the stone pedestrian walk immediately creates a relaxing, lulling effect. The short walk from the street to one’s front porch becomes a respite, allowing its residents to enter in a more peaceful disposition.

Walking along the landscaped walks of Tokyo Mansions, named after Tokyo’s notable districts, is in itself a meditative exercise.

Imperial Palace. At the end of the main avenue is an elegant structure — the Tokyo Mansions clubhouse. Residents and guests drive along a concentric circular formation with a fountain at the center. Once one steps in, the grand design becomes apparent: two similar structures separated by an open-air foyer create a sense of balance. A two-level infinity pool offers residents and their guests a chance to relax.

Soon, a Zen garden located further to the side will be that spiritual space where the mind becomes acutely sensitive to the uncomplicated.

Tokugawa Tribute. The Edo model mansion has a contemporary take on Japanese architecture and interior design. The interiors at the main level are a testament to Zen minimalism with the introduction of full-height glass panels and sliding doors integrates the private indoor space to the natural outdoor area. The dark wood of the furniture and architectural elements as well as the reds and greens of accent pieces do not at all clash against the white canvas of the floor, walls, and ceiling. The open layout of the living-dining-kitchen areas allows for a more fluid and functional use of space. The adjacent den is made private with wood-framed sliding doors that mimic the traditional shoji screens.

The master’s bedroom is designed for a well-traveled couple. The patterns on the ceiling hints of tradition, akin to Japanese weaving. A lounge chair and ottoman beside the window is perfect for some reading before retiring for the night. The children’s bedrooms are the exclusive spaces for a jovial older sister and an active younger brother.

Restoration of Tradition. The Meiji exterior extols the virtue and beauty of simplicity and austerity with its pristine-white walls and clean yet expressive lines from ground to roof, free from ostentatious ornamentation often used in classical Western design. The tranquil waters of the pools finished in black tiles create soft reflections symbolic of a calm and enlightened spirit. A layer of black Japanese roof tiles rests on wooden eaves and exposed rafters that mimic the gentle waves of the ocean. The best time to view the Meiji mansion is from dusk to evening when it transforms to a traditional Japanese lantern that illuminates the night sky as originally conceived by the architect.

The ground level is practically a showroom of world-class furniture and art pieces that enhance, not overwhelm, the pure form of the house. The master suite remains traditional with the ingenious use of sisal matting that resemble the time-honored tatami. The bed rests against a glass headboard depicting flowers in bloom, similar to sumi paintings that have adorned the Japanese home for centuries.

Dózo. Move in right here, right now in South Forbes Golf City where every resident is entitled to free golf membership to the world-class 18-hole Golf and Leisure Club. Call 635-7777 or 631-8855 for a free city tour or log on to www.southforbes.com for more information.