
Everyone knows that despite enormous western influence and globalization Japanese greatly honor customs and traditions of their ancient culture. Tokyo is a city of contrasts and extremes which in turn is reflected in world-famous and luxurious side if this culture. It is no secret that Japan is known for impeccable service, tremendous respect for finer things and holding great attention to details. Tokyo cannot be described in a few words. The capital of Japan is huge and diverse. On one hand, this city is the embodiment of ancient Japanese traditions, and on the other, it is an ultramodern business metropolis. You can feel the atmosphere of old Tokyo by visiting the numerous palaces, temples and shrines.
One of the reasons we chose this city to talk about this month is because we are sure that if you will visit it once you will want to come back to this unique place. It will fascinate you by its exceptional cultural identity and cosmopolitan way of life. There is no doubt that you will be able to enjoy opulence while gaining knowledge about ancient traditions and cultures taking into account appealing bled of old and new that this city holds. Japanese are very careful with nature, if you visit this city it is hard not to notice the green oasis in between skyscrapers. Gardens in Japan are given special attention, therefore, if did not take a walk in one of them, it means you have not seen the city at all. Everyone who flies to Tokyo, firstly wants to see the streets filled with tall skyscrapers, with bright advertising posters and crowds of people. To see this, you should visit one of two places – Shibuya and Ginza, the first one is famous for its intersection, which is officially recognized as the most congested on Earth. The green traffic light is lit for pedestrians from four sides at once making huge crowd literally rush towards each other along zebras. We will talk more on interesting and unique sites of this city and culture itself, meanwhile, we have prepared a list of top hotels and restaurants for you to start exploring.
The demand for high-end accommodations continues to be on the rise in Japan, especially Tokyo, which will be hosting the 2020 Summer Olympic Games and offering some of Japan’s most fascinating attractions. We have picked top-five hotels for you to stay in and trust us your experience in these hotels in Tokyo will overcome your finest expectations.
Aman Hotel Tokyo
Rooms from 1040/night
Luxe from 1740/night
Occupying the top six floors of the Otemachi Tower, Aman Tokyo reflects the city’s cosmopolitan personality and Japanese soul.The large Rooms and Suites are outfitted with traditional Japanese furnishings, from washi paper sliding doors to a furo deep-soak bathtub
The Peninsula Tokyo
Rooms from £800/night
Luxe from £1370/night
Some of the most spacious rooms in Tokyo can be found at The Peninsula, a 24-storey, rose-tinted tower inspired by a Japanese lantern. Expect unwavering service, panoramic views from the rooftop restaurant, legendary afternoon teas and a convenient location in Yurakucho.
The Ritz Carlton Tokyo
Rooms from £945/night
Luxe from £1100/night
Some of the most spacious rooms in Tokyo can be found at The Peninsula, a 24-storey, rose-tinted tower inspired by a Japanese lantern. Expect unwavering service, panoramic views from the rooftop restaurant, legendary afternoon teas and a convenient location in Yurakucho.
Shangri-La Hotel
Rooms from £780/night
Luxe from £1400/night
It’s all about luxury with a capital L at Shangri-La’s Tokyo outpost, which spans the top 11 floors of a 37-storey skyscraper in the Marunouchi district – as reflected in its rich-hued textiles, vast walls of windows, lavish chandeliers, intricate floral arrangements, spacious guestrooms and expansive art collection.
The Trunk Hotel
Rooms from £800/per night
Luxe from £4700/per night
It is a boutique hotel for all people who are living the “now”, and whose desires are to be of help to someone and to do something for a reason.Perhaps Tokyo’s hippest (and smallest) opening of the year: Trunk (House) is a former geisha house converted into a modern-day creative salon – aka a one-bedroom haven packed with contemporary design, modern art, deluxe karaoke, stylish butlers and private dining on a quiet lane in Kagurazaka.
Sometimes it happens that people do not like Tokyo, its energy is not suitable for them, but we have not yet met anyone who would not like the local cuisine. It is divided into two parts: classic fish and meat restaurants. Yes, it’s meat, because marble beef was bred in Japan and it is best prepared here. it’s no secret that Tokyo offers one of the best dining scenes on the planet. In 2019, 13 restaurants in Tokyo get 3 Michelin stars, and there are 230 Michelin-starred restaurants in Tokyo totally, which are the most in the cities around the globe. Tokyo’s dining options are so diverse and outstanding that we decided to revisit our picks for Tokyo’s top five restaurants. Have a look at them.
Sukiyabashi Jiro
Eating Sushi at Sukiyabashi Jiro is one of the best things to do in Tokyo which should be added to your bucket list for many foodies in the world. Sukiyabashi Jiro has only one menu: Omakase Course (about 20 sushi pieces), and every piece of Sushi on the course is carefully selected every single morning depending on which ingredient they can buy at fish markets. There are lots of people on its waiting list at all times, and it’s too difficult to book the seats. The cost of the omakase tasting menu is 40,000 yen plus tax for either lunch or dinner.
Sushi Masuda
Sushi Masuda is one of the best sushi restaurants in Tokyo, was opened in Aoyama in 2014 and received Michelin stars since 2015. The chef Rei Masuda has the experience to engage in the renowned sushi restaurant Sukiyabashi Jiro for 9 years. He spends time preparing and making each piece of sushi only with seasonal and fresh ingredients. There are only six seats in front of the chef and a private room which accommodates six guests in the restaurant.
Imafuku
Wagyu Beef is one of the most popular Japanese food and got even more popular among tourists from overseas. Especially, they enjoy eating the quality Wagyu Beef in these two styles: Sukiyaki and Shabu shabu. Imafuku which wins a Michelin star, is one of the best restaurants in Tokyo serving Sukiyaki and Shabu shabu. Enjoy the gorgeous Japanese dishes in the Japanese modern rooms at Imafuku.
Ishikawa Kagurazaka
Ishikawa Kagurazaka, which is located on the hidden drink alley in Kagurazaka is one of the 13 Michelin 3-star restaurants in Tokyo in 2019. It is also one of the restaurants which is very difficult to book. Kagurazaka Ishikawa serves Kaiseki dishes (Japanese traditional course meals), which are less seasoned so that every ingredient really brings out the full flavor of them. With playful touches on traditional Japanese cuisine, there is always a new twist to enjoy during dinner at Ishikawa. The dishes walk on the edge of simplicity, and yet there is something that makes you stop and contemplate.
Esquisse
The Tokyo’s renowned French restaunrant Esquisse opened in Ginza in 2012 and has won Michelin 2 stars since 2013. This restaurant serves unique French dishes with the tradition and technique of French cuisine mixed with Japanese food. Its inspiring and creative dishes make you feel as if you enjoyed art. There are a few courses each for lunch and dinner in Esquisse.