ARTICLES
THINGS TO DO
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ZEN FOR YOUR EVERYDAY LIFE
With the flurry of activity in modern society, it has become more important than ever to intermittently calm one's mind and realign oneself. Visit Chokokuji Temple in Nishi-Azabu to practice zazen (seated meditation with the eyes naturally kept open) with Buddhist monks. You'll walk away with newfound realizations, having learned a meditative technique that you can easily incorporate into your daily routine.
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GETTING ACTIVE ON THE WATER IN WESTERN TOKYO
For an adventure amidst verdant scenery, journey to the forested Okutama region in western Tokyo, where pristine waters form the base for a variety of exciting activities. Kayak or try stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) down the river to explore the area. But water sports aren't the only things to do here - brimming with lush nature, Okutama is dotted with museums, temples, and shrines, where you can get acquainted with the local history and culture.
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URBAN ART ODYSSEY
Keen to dive beneath the surface of Tokyo's art world - from large-scale museums to edgy galleries (plus everything else in between)? Richard & Tezen is a leading art consultancy that excels at crafting bespoke insider experiences across the capital, for curators, collectors and art lovers.
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A HIDDEN TASTE OF TOKYO
Step back in time at a legendary traditional restaurant wrapped in gardens in the heart of Tokyo - and savor an atmospheric meal of seasonal, homemade dishes.
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TOKYO'S CULINARY THEATER
Tokyo's long celebrated restaurant scene is not just about superlative food: add a sprinkle of flexibility combined with some first-class hospitality - and the end result? Restaurants such as atelier morimoto XEX, where guests can enjoy a bespoke culinary experience which is unique, atmospheric and always memorable.
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TOKYO'S PLANT-BASED CUISINE
Japan's ancient world of Zen Buddhism-inspired vegetarian cuisine has been given a fresh modern upgrade by top Tokyo chef Daisuke Nomura. Accompany the culinary innovator on a shojin ryori journey - from morning vegetable market shop to an exclusive private tasting in his restaurant.
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A MODERN TASTE OF KINTSUGI
From a rare encounter with a legendary kintsugi artist to an exquisite tea ceremony-inspired cocktail experience - slow down and explore the rich cultural landscape that lies beneath the surface of Tokyo’s fast-paced urbanism.
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STEPPING INTO THE INTIMATE WORLD OF THE LOCALS
Explore the rich history of Japan's national drink at Toshimaya Shuzo. This brewery is attached to Tokyo's oldest sake shop, established in 1596. Feel the living sake tradition with a personal introduction from the head brewer and a sake tasting paired with locally-grown vegetables you pick yourself.
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MEET THE WORLD'S ULTIMATE TECHNIQUES
Overlooking the Imperial Palace Gardens, Peninsula Spa, located within The Peninsula Tokyo, offers tranquility and respite from the Tokyo rush. Indulge in luxurious spa treatments that combine the latest methods from around the globe with time-honored Japanese beauty regimens, including its signature Chi-Healing treatment, a Peninsula Spa exclusive.
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FOR ALL TEMPURA AFICIONADOS
Tempura has been a popular source of nourishment in Tokyo since the 17th century. At Tempura Tenko, international visitors can take a genuine masterclass with head chef and owner Hitoshi Arai, covering everything from browsing a wholesale market to frying the tempura with his proprietary blend of oils.
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IN TUNE WITH NATURE AND UNIVERSE
There are two main types of Shojin-ryori, Japan's time-honored take on Buddhist vegetarian cuisine: simple, practical dishes served to monks, and those served to guests as a mark of hospitality. The Tokyo version of this cuisine focuses on delighting guests with premium ingredients and aesthetics. Experience this traditional style with a modern twist at Daigo, a reservation-only restaurant near Tokyo Tower that's one of only two Michelin-starred Shojin-ryori restaurants in Japan.
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"BEAUTY" IS POWER
At Ippodo, beauty is power. The owner and curator of this gallery in Tokyo's luxurious Ginza district is Keiko Aono, a knowledgeable art connoisseur who is dedicated to showcasing contemporary art by Japan's top artists and rising stars alike. Savor Japanese art and culture in the intimacy of Ippodo's private tearoom - a tranquil, exclusive space for experiencing the Japanese tea ceremony while admiring exquisite works of art.
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SIMPLE, YET A NOVEL IDEA
Experience a uniquely modern take on cha-kaiseki tea ceremony dining at Sokkon in upscale Aoyama. Owner Soko Udagawa, the 18th-generation master of the Sowa-ryu school of tea ceremony, turns convention on its head with a refreshingly accessible approach that he calls “a return to the essence of tea tradition.”
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YOUR OWN PRIVATE TEA CEREMONY
Find out what the Way of Tea is all about in a ceremony created just for you.
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APPRECIATING NATURE, THE JAPANESE WAY
In the art of bonsai, little pots hold fascinating miniature worlds encapsulating many of Japan’s ancient aesthetic ideals and philosophies. Meet an acclaimed bonsai master in Tokyo, and discover a new way to appreciate nature and Japanese culture through his timeless works of living art.
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A HIDDEN VILLAGE RICH IN NATURE AND TRADITION
See the other side of Tokyo on Mount Mitake. Just two hours from the bustle of the city center, this richly forested holy mountain has welcomed pilgrims and visitors for centuries, in lodgings run by Shinto priest families. Discover a world of ancient worship, traditional cuisine, and stunning natural beauty.
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JAPANESE HOME COOKING MADE EASY
It's perhaps the ultimate souvenir from a trip to Tokyo: the ability to cook Japanese food. TOKYO COOK excels at teaching the art of Japanese home cooking, from gyoza dumplings to dashi broth, with experiences that are fun, tasty - and surprisingly easy.
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VIEW OF LIFE TO REALIZE THE MOMENTS
A fresh breeze, the gentle rustle of trees, relaxing scenes of green – outdoor beauty can be found even in the center of Tokyo. At TRUNK HOTEL in Shibuya, enjoy an oasis of natural freedom to create your own story.