I love Tokyo, and it was such a pleasure to have lived there for 3-years. Hands down, the most interesting of the major world cities. And it keeps evolving and changing, it is always a new (and pleasant) experience to go to Tokyo.
Tokyo (東京 Tōkyō) is the enormous and wealthy capital of Japan, and its main city, overflowing with culture, commerce, and most of all, people. As the most populated urban area in the world, Tokyo is a fascinating and dynamic metropolis that mixes foreign influences, consumer culture and global business along with remnants of the capital of old Japan. From modern electronics and gleaming skyscrapers to cherry blossoms and the Imperial Palace, this city represents the entire sweep of Japanese history and culture. Tokyo truly has something for every traveller.
There are 2 major airports to fly into. NRT Narita International, with the Narita Express (N’EX), the airport has become amazingly convenient. HND Haneda Tokyo International has started taking many of the international flights.
For Japan in general, Spring and late Autumn (Oct / Nov) are my favorite times to be in Japan. The summers can get hot and muggy and typhoons are common in August and September. Winters can get bitter cold, though tend to be on the drier side.
Mid-March to Mid-April is Cherry Blossom Season and is considered a “High Season”, so pricing goes up and many fine hotels reach maximum bookings, so do plan ahead if wanting to visit during this time.
Otemachi
Size: 85 rooms and suites
Style: Contemporary
Year Opened: 2015
Designer/Architect: Kerry Hill
The showers are amazing, with spectacular views of the city and Mount Fuji through floor-to-ceiling glass walls.
Located in the prestigious financial district of Otemachi adjacent to the 3,600-square-metre Otemachi Forest, Aman Tokyo presents 84 contemporary guestrooms and suites with panoramic city views. Occupying the top six floors of the Otemachi Tower, the hotel offers scenic vistas of the harmony of city and nature, Imperial Palace Gardens, skyscrapers in Shinjuku area, skyline of mountains including Mt Fuji and other notable landmarks, as well as easy access to all points of interest in the city including the atmospheric Senso-ji Temple and the renowned Ginza shopping district. A peaceful inner garden, serene Aman Spa, swimming pool and several fine-dining venues, including Arva, Musashi by Aman and the Lounge by Aman complete the elevated sanctuary.
2023 #5
I AM AN AMAN PREFERRED PARTNER
You get additional Amenities when I manage your reservation.
• Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
• Daily breakfast for up to two guests per bedroom
• $100 USD F&B or Spa Credit
• Early Check-In / Late Check-Out, subject to availability
• Complimentary Wi-Fi
and more
a short walk from Tokyo Station
Size: 84 rooms and suites
Style: Contemporary Japanese Ryokan
Year Opened: 2016
Designer/Architect:Rie Azuma, Azuma Architect & Associates
A high-rise ryokan that is deeply rooted in Tokyo’s past. Every floor functions as a private ryokan composed of six rooms, and an ochanoma—or traditional lounge—seamlessly connected via a tatami-matted corridor.
Ochanoma Lounge
Every floor features a common lounge that is exclusive to guests staying on that floor. Most activity takes place in the ochanoma — a lounge that is seamlessly connected to every room on the floor via a tatami-matted corridor. Like in ochanoma at classic ryokans, a wide selection of refreshments — seasonal teas and confectionery during the day–are set out for guests to enjoy at different hours of the day. Guests are encouraged to treat this space as their own living room, where they may read a book, do some work, or relax and pass the time.
2023 #36
PART OF MY SPECIAL PLACES PORTFOLIO
Contact me for pricing and availability.
Ginza
Size: 98 rooms and suites
Style: Contemporary, Sophisticated
Year Opened: 2023
Designer/Architect: Antonio Citterio & Patricia Viel
Topping the 45-story Tokyo Midtown Yaesu Tower, Bvlgari Hotel Tokyo juxtaposes sophisticated Italian stylings with traditional Japanese craftsmanship. Glass walls frame epic views in the 98 guestrooms and two-story spa with mosaic-lined pool and vitality bath. Sample sake-filled chocolates from the sweets shop and apertivo on the top-floor bar’s outdoor terrace, then dine on modern Italian fare from Michelin-starred chef Niko Romito. Book a spot at Sushi Hōseki, an intimate, eight-seat omakase counter headed by three Michelin-starred chef Kenji Gyoten.
I AM A BULGARI PREFERRED PARTNER
You get additional Amenities when I manage your reservation.
• Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
• Daily breakfast for up to two guests per bedroom
• $100 USD F&B or Spa Credit
• Early Check-In / Late Check-Out, subject to availability
• Complimentary Wi-Fi
and more
Akasaka / Nihonbashi
Size: 508 rooms and suites
Style: Modern Japan
Year Opened: 1962
Most Recent Renovation/Update: 2019
Designer/Architect: Yoshiro Taniguchi
Centuries of tradition unfold at The Okura Tokyo. The hotel’s two main buildings: The Okura Heritage Wing and The Okura Prestige Tower feature rooms and suites with authentic Japanese accents, while restaurants such as Yamazato and Toh-Ka-Lin pay homage to time-honored recipes passed down through the generations. There’s also a tea ceremony room, expansive garden, and the Okura Museum of Art, established in 1917 as Japan’s existing oldest privately operated museum.
Visiting on the 25th of even months? Don’t miss the live classical music concert held in the hotel lobby – a longstanding Okura Tokyo tradition.
I AM A VIRTUOSO PREFERRED PARTNER
You get additional Amenities when I manage your reservation.
• Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
• Daily breakfast for up to two guests per bedroom
• $100 USD F&B or Spa Credit
• Early Check-In / Late Check-Out, subject to availability
• Complimentary Wi-Fi
and more
Shibuya / Harajuku
Size: 25 rooms and suites
Style: Contemporary
Year Opened: 2022
Think of Shibuya and you probably imagine one of the busiest intersections in the world, but Trunk Hotel stands at the edge of the verdant Yoyogi Park, affording its rooftop pool and lounge — and many of its rooms and suites — views of urban forest rather than city streets. Then again the interiors are spectacular in their own right, a thoughtful mix of Japanese and Danish influences and a tour de force of exacting craftsmanship. The rooms and suites are all impressive, many with balconies, and the Owner’s Suite, with its indoor-outdoor bathroom, is one of the finest rooms in all of Tokyo. Don’t miss the restaurant, the painstakingly authentic Pizzeria e Trattoria L’Ombelico.
PART OF MY MICHELIN PARTNER PORTFOLIO
You get additional Amenities when I manage your reservation.
Azabudai Hills / Roppongi
Much more convenient at their new permanent location Azabudai Hills.
Artworks move out of rooms, relate to other works, influence each other, and at times intermingle, without boundaries. Through this group of works, one continuous world without boundaries is created.
Asakusa
The Oldest Amusement Park in JAPAN
Mid-October, 2018, the famed Tsukiji Market closed forever. Tsukiji was considered a bit old, and I suspect the land is much too valuable for a fish market. The new location, on the wharfs south of Ginza, will be more modern and even cleaner.
5 Best Day Trips from Tokyo
Hope to see more outside of Tokyo? You have options.
► My Virtuoso Tokyo Information Page
Here is a good place to start for some additional information on quality Hotels, Water Adventures and Activities.
► WIKIVOYAGE: Tokyo Japan Page
A great resource for all the basic information you need for Tokyo Japan.
or leave a comment below
page updated: October 2024
images courtesy: Wikimedia Commons, Tokyo Japan Tourism Board
Please Note: All Hotel / Resort / Cruise / Services Amenities are subject to availability and may have changed since the date of this being published.
Leave a Reply