Entô--allow this word to roll off of your tongue. What image comes to your mind as these syllables leave your lips?

Entô--a remote, distant island separated from modern civilization. In the past, this word symbolized punishment. In the cities of the past, the idea of Entô, of exile, to a far-off island held only thoughts of fear and sadness--the deepest misery. The people of this island, however, hold a different sentiment. This place is one of pride, of happiness, a place where the nobility of old, even Emperors like Emperor Go-Toba, would come to visit.

And what comes to your mind? Does this word feel bland, colorless, easily forgotten? Our goal is to guide you through this word, to its deep recesses, to what lies within the echoes.

Hotel Entô. The first character “En” (縁)means “fate” or “destiny”. Some see the bonfire of Hotel Ento and think the light, also called ‘Tōka’ (橙火), is meant to guide them to their fate or destiny. Others imagine the fleeting light of a sailing boat floating in the distance, luring in the catch of the night.

It’s not just how the hotel name is pronounced that carries meaning. The romanization of the name “Entô” has a diacritic placed above it. What is this meant to represent? Is it a mountain, a house, a person? Is it you? Whatever this represents, compared to the vastness of the earth it stands small, isolated. This kind of image may float through your mind as you ponder this word.

Once you arrive at the end of your journey, what image will linger in your mind? Which landscape will be painted into your conscience?