ARTICLES
TRADITION
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STEPPING INTO THE INTIMATE WORLD OF THE LOCALSExplore 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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IN TUNE WITH NATURE AND UNIVERSEThere 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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FOR ALL TEMPURA AFICIONADOSTempura 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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A HIDDEN TASTE OF TOKYOStep 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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JAPANESE HOME COOKING MADE EASYIt'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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TOKYO'S PLANT-BASED CUISINEJapan'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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TOKYO'S CULINARY THEATERTokyo'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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A MODERN TASTE OF KINTSUGIFrom 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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SIMPLE, YET A NOVEL IDEAExperience 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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"BEAUTY" IS POWERAt 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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A HIDDEN VILLAGE RICH IN NATURE AND TRADITIONSee 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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APPRECIATING NATURE, THE JAPANESE WAYIn 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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RETAINING TRADITIONS WHILE GO BEYOND TRADITIONSThe kimono–a symbol of Japanese beauty and tradition – is continuing to evolve through the work of contemporary artisans. At a bright, airy boutique in Tokyo, HIROCOLEDGE reimagines the kimono for modern life with vivid designs based on timeless motifs.
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JAPAN BLUE MEETS THE FUTUREIndigo – the color of victory, the color of tradition, and the color of the future. Using all-natural ingredients and techniques passed down from the 8th century, Tateisucanna offers fashion imbued with the wisdom and beauty of Japan’s aizome indigo dyeing tradition.
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EDO KUMIKO : AN INTRICATE AFFAIRVisit this small Edo workshop, specializing in delicate wooden latticework, and bring back a piece of Japanese carpentry history in the form of a beautiful andon lantern, a speciality of Takahiro Tanaka who continues this proud Tokyo tradition.
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EXPERIENCE AUTHENTIC TRADITIONFrom traditional craft techniques to the elaborate tea ceremony, a host of unique hands-on experiences awaits the traveller to Tokyo.
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MEDITATION GALLERY KURENBOHVisit this unique gallery run by the art-loving head priest of Chohouin Temple for a meditative conversation with the carefully selected art pieces on display.
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MORNING YOGA IN A VERITABLE MUSEUMMorning yoga classes at Hotel Gajoen Tokyo in Meguro ward invite yogis of all levels from beginner to advanced to practice in beautiful art-filled surroundings. Afterwards, enjoy a relaxed healthy breakfast in the boutique hotel’s top-floor lounge.