Ritz-Carlton is planning to open its third hotel in Japan in the ancient capital of Kyoto in spring 2014 by rebuilding the Hotel Fujita Kyoto, which closed in January.

The hotel will be built alongside the Kamogawa river, which is one of the most popular walking spots, particularly during the cherry blossom season in the spring.

Strict regulations on the construction of buildings within the metropolis — which remains one of the few low-rise cities in Japan — mean that the hotel will have a maximum of four floors above ground but a further three levels underground.

Japan‘s top whisky distiller has started accepting orders for a limited run of a whisky that has been aged in oak barrels for more than 50 years.

Shipments of the Yamazaki Single Malt 50-Year-Old Whisky will begin on Dec 13, in response to orders taken at department stores and liquor shops across Japan.

Suntory said it is only producing 150 bottles, but added that demand had already been strong and that it is considering another similar release in the future.

Japan has overtaken France for the number of restaurants with three Michelin stars, according to the latest guide to the nation’s western cities to be released on Friday.

Japan is now home to 29 establishments that hold the highly coveted three-star rating, against 25 in France.

The latest version of the Michelin guide to Kyoto, Osaka, and Kobe this year adds the former capital Nara and will be available both in Japanese and English.

Japanese Department store Takashimaya is selling three commemorative gold boxes for New Year “Osechiryori” food delicacies to mark its 180th anniversary.

The luxury lunch boxes, with three layers, are made from 18-karat gold and weigh 3.35 kilograms.

Takashimaya said it is selling only three of them for 18.9 million yen ($229,000) each for New Year and is accepting orders until Oct 11.

More renowned for its prowess with wheeled vehicles, Toyota Motor Corp. is increasing its seaborne fleet with the launch of a new leisure boat, the Ponam-35.

But the 11.95-meter cruiser is still related to the car manufacturer’s mainstream products as its two V8-cylinder engines are adapted versions of the 4.5-liter V8 diesel engine that can be found in the Toyota Land Cruiser.

And while elsewhere it might be considered unusual for a car firm to dabble in pleasure boats, several of Japan’s other major auto firms also have boat divisions.

Italian brand Roberto Cavalli has announced that it will open its first Japan flagship store in September, with the designer behind the label to visit Tokyo to mark the opening of the boutique in early November.

The store is located in the city’s upmarket Aoyama district and will also be the first directly owned and managed Roberto Cavalli boutique in Asia.

“Tokyo is on the world’s stage of fashion, glamour and sophistication,” said Cavalli. “This is a city of energy and inspiration.