ARTICLES
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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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RELAXING IN TOKYO'S UNIQUE SAUNASWith onsen bathing being a favorite pastime throughout history, and bathtubs being a fixture in many homes, Tokyoites have always embraced the appeal of thermal therapy. It is no surprise, then, that Tokyoites would also take the sauna - recent years have seen an uptick in these heated facilities. Taking things a step further, some of Tokyo's hottest, newest saunas come with innovative features such as solo cubicles, sauna facilities with craft beer on tap, and so on.
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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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GETTING ACTIVE ON THE WATER IN WESTERN TOKYOFor 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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MEET THE WORLD'S ULTIMATE TECHNIQUESOverlooking 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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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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DELVING INTO TOKYO'S ART SCENEIn Japan's pulsing, cosmopolitan capital, the refined realm of art is more diverse and internationalized than ever. Read on to see Tokyo through the discerning eyes of a gallery owner, and for insider introductions to some noteworthy bastions of brushwork and bohemia.
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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.
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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.