ARTICLES
TRADITION
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PRICELESS CULTURAL EXPERIENCESOften inaccessible to travelers on a truly meaningful level, every now and then exclusive opportunities arises for well-connected visitors to fully indulge in the most enchanting traditions of Japan. Here we introduce some of the very same.
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CURATED STROLL INTO THE CITY OF DIVERSITYDelve into diversity in Daikanyama, one of Tokyo's eclectic collections of artistic enclaves. With an expert guide, a walk around Shibuya's "brooklynesque" neighbor unveils the rich history and many charms of this enchanting area.
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FINE DINING AND FERMENTATIONSake, shoyu, miso, and more - some say fermentation is the foundation of Japanese gastronomy. With interest growing globally, eyes turn to the superb Tokyo restaurants leading the way in fermented food culture.
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A FOODIE'S PARADISE -
THE HIDDEN POWER BEHIND TRADITIONAL JAPANESE CUISINEUnlock one of the secrets to Japan's revered culinary heritage. At a historic sake brewery where traditional craftsmanship meets modern luxury, or an innovative and elegant restaurant, take an intriguing voyage to discover the many powers of koji through gastronomic delights and exclusive experiences.
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SEE TOKYO THROUGH THE EYES OF ARCHITECT KENGO KUMAWorld-renowned architect Kengo Kuma designs more than just buildings - his works serve as places where the past and present connect, and where visitors can experience Japan's history through a contemporary lens. We visited some of his most iconic projects in Tokyo, and learned the fascinating stories behind them from the man himself.
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AN EVER-CHANGING CITY -
TOKYO’S GLOBAL APPEALWe asked Japan travel specialist Scott Gilman to share his view of Tokyo. Just what is it that makes this destination so appealing?
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HOSPITALITY PRO: “HOME IS A FEELING”Aman Tokyo general manager Tomoko Yagi spoke with us about ways that travelers can feel right at home even while immersing themselves in authentic local experiences that might at first seem anything but familiar.
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TOKYO—A UNIQUE BLEND OF EAST AND WESTTokyo based interior designer Masamichi Katayama of Wonderwall shares a few of his favorite must-visit spots in Tokyo.
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NO(H) WHERE LIKE TOKYONoh actor Noboru Sano guides us to three of his favorite places in Tokyo to experience authentic Japanese culture at its best.
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TOKYO'S MANY LAYERSMonocle Magazine's Asia Bureau Chief Fiona Wilson has spent more time than most exploring the mix of old and new that make Tokyo such a unique place. Here, she shares a few of her favorite finds in the city.
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ZEN FOR YOUR EVERYDAY LIFEWith 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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DELICATE AROMAS OF JAPANScent, emotion, and memory are inextricably intertwined - so what finer way to mark a sojourn in Tokyo than visiting the atelier of a globally-acclaimed perfumer. Aromas that capture the very essence of Japan await.
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BEAUTIFYING THE BROKENKintsugi is the art of "golden repair," and a window to the soul of Japan that values the venerable and the perfectly imperfect. A timeless technique, it can be experienced on a visit to the contemporary artisans of Tokyo finding innovative applications for the art.
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TOKYO AS A HUB OF CULTUREThe culture of craftsmanship reaches each corner of Tokyo, imbuing every art form and experience with an extra dimension. Experts on crafts from across the country concentrate here at the nation's hub, and Tokyo has an artisan for almost any craft you can imagine, be it elegantly simple or richly refined, waiting to welcome you into their world.
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A BOAT JOURNEY TO UNCOVER TOKYO'S ORIGINSTrace the history of Tokyo - from its roots as a humble fishing village, to its days as the prosperous capital called Edo, to the dynamic metropolis that it is today - on a boat ride through its waterways. A cruise from Nihonbashi will take you on a journey through time and give you a peek into Tokyo's food culture, architecture, and religious traditions.
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YOUR VERY OWN TEA CEREMONY WITH A GREAT MASTERThe tea ceremony, which flourished in the Edo period, lives on in ultra-modern Tokyo. Let Charen Tranquilitea, helmed by a tea-ceremony specialist descended from feudal lords, introduce you to the way of tea through tailor-made experiences such as cha-kaiseki (tea ceremony and kaiseki fine dining) at a Michelin-starred restaurant.