FIVE STARS
For the Japanese way of life and aesthetic, Aman Tokyo is the first international hotel to incorporate an authentic concept based on traditional Japanese residential architecture and lifestyle. Each room and suite vaunts vast city views and the hotel’s grounds feature a peaceful inner garden and a serene spa and swimming pool. Situated within the Otemachi Tower, Aman Tokyo is conveniently located near many points of interest in the city, including the renowned Ginza shopping district.
Otemachi Tower, 1-5-6 Otemachi, Chiyoda-ku
+81 3 5224 3374
www.aman.com
DINE ABOUT TOWN
Michelin-starred Sushi Iwa in Ginza was opened by chef-owner Hisayoshi Iwa when he was young, and continues to offer top Edo-style sushi. Tucked away in a quiet location, the chef’s philosophy on making sushi creates a nice balance between atmosphere and quality. The interior design fuses modern and traditional Japanese architecture, but the feel of a cosy sushi restaurant remains. It’s quite difficult to obtain reservations here, but worth the effort.
8-5-25 Ginza, Chuo-ku
+81 3 3572 0955
LUXURY SHOPPING
Omotesando, Harajuku and Daikanyama combine a great approach for travellers to seek a mix of Japanese domestic brands to internationally renowned boutiques. During the weekends, they have the real feel of Tokyo’s urban fashion scene. Don’t miss Pass the Baton in Omotesando, an upscale thrift shop created by Tokyo’s creative icons; Undercover by Jun Takahashi, a Japanese brand that sprung from Harajuku’s street scene and is now shown on the runway; and Whiz Limited, which combines multiple design aesthetics to create clothing with a twist.
Pass the Baton Omotesando Hills West, 4-12-10 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku
+81 3 6447 0707
www.pass-the-baton.com
Undercover 5-3-22 Minamiaoyama, Minato-ku
+81 3 3407 1232
www.undercoverism.com
Whiz Limited/Lump, Tokyo 3-21-6-1F Jingumae, Shibuya-ku
+81 3 5785 2644
www.whiz.jp
HAPPY HOUR
The Lounge by Aman, on the hotel’s 33rd floor, boasts floor-to-ceiling windows framing views of the Imperial Palace Gardens, Shinjuku skyscraper views, and even distant Mount Fuji. The signature cocktails highlight Japanese ingredients, such as matcha green tea, shoka (Japanese berry) and ume (Japanese plum).
Otemachi Tower, 1-5-6 Otemachi, Chiyoda-ku
+81 3 5224 3374
www.aman.com
LOCAL CULTURE
When visiting early in the year, experience Setsubun (“Bean-Throwing Ceremony”), which is a traditional event that celebrates the end of winter and the beginning of spring. During the celebration, you can take part in a traditional mame-maki ceremony, where you throw roasted soybeans (mame) and shout: “Oni wa Soto Fuku wa Uti!” (“Get out ogre! Come in happiness!”) Visit Kanda Myoujin Shrine, a nearly 1,300-year-old Shinto shrine, to experience Setsubun.
2-16-2 Sotokanda, Chiyoda-ku
+81 3 3254 0753
www.kandamyoujin.or.jp
EPIC LANDSCAPES
The city itself has many landmarks in each area, but from a landscape-design point of view, I recommend exploring Ginza, Marunouchi, Otemachi and Nihonbashi, which have changed the face of an ordinary financial district into a diverse commercial district – where many hotels are going to be opening.
DAY TRIPPING
Journey into the mountains for an overnight trip in rural Koya-san, which brims with Zen temples and the chance to meet with practioners and resident priests.
Wakayama Prefecture
+81 7 3656 2616
eng.shukubo.net
THE REAL DEAL
I recommend finding a link within the city’s existing local culture that is less a tour and more an insider experience, something Aman can arrange. Become immersed in the city’s stories through introduction to key icons for a genuinely educational experience. Or, head just an hour outside of the city to seaside Kamakura, filled with history; the mountains there were claimed by samurai and shoguns.
