Tokyo Ushers In A New Era Of Luxury

From the 46th-story observation deck of the Shibuya Sky in Tokyo, a sea of glittering lights and sweeping skyscrapers rise up from the earth and stretch out as far as the eye can see.

Boasting some of the most resplendent views over Japan’s sprawling modern metropolis, to witness the grandeur and scale of this frenetic city from above is a force of nature so powerful, you can’t help but feel like you’re standing in the presence of greatness.

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While there is no city on earth that so seamlessly blends historic charm and modern marvels quite like Tokyo, from taking a stroll through the city’s tranquil Imperial Palace and paying a visit to its many Shinto shrines to visiting its countless iconic attractions from Shibuya Crossing to the winding streets of Harajuku and the atmospheric alleys of Kagurazaka, the real magic that belies this vast and wondrous city can be found no matter where you turn.

When it comes to fine dining, Tokyo is not only home to more Michelin-starred restaurants in the world, but it’s renowned for its bounty of freshly sourced ingredients that honor the changing of the seasons. For a taste of some of the city’s best seasonally inspired Japanese fare, serious foodies and seafood aficionados should look no further than Nihonryori RyuGin. The perfect place to embark on your culinary journey, chef Seiji Yamamoto is not only a living legend when it comes to his craft, but with three Michelin stars under his belt, RyuGin’s menu balances the highest quality ingredients and techniques that combine to create a memorable experience from start to finish.

One of the country’s most time-honored culinary traditions, plant-based cuisine known as Shojin-ryori has a long and storied history in Japan. A strictly vegetarian and vegan diet that was once a lifestyle that was widely observed by Buddhist monks has seen a resurgence in popularity all across Japan’s culinary landscape in recent years.

While there’s no shortage of vegetarian restaurants to choose from, Tokyo’s two Michelin-starred Daigo is set on the grounds of Seishoji Temple and serves as one of the best living examples of Shojin-ryori done with an elevated plant-based twist. Set within easy walking distance to Tokyo Tower, Daigo—which is the Buddhist term for great enlightenment—excells when it comes to sourcing the freshest and highest quality ingredients from all across the country. With each individual table set within its own private room replete with traditional low tables and tatami mats, diners here are treated to an authentic multi-course vegetarian meal while enjoying views over a serene Japanese garden.

Perennially ranked one of the 50 best bars in the world, master mixologist Hiroyasu Kayama’s Bar Ben Fiddich continues to serve as one of the most coveted spots in town thanks to his one-of-a-kind cocktails, all served up in a whimsical speakeasy-style saloon in the heart of Shinjuku.

Renowned for its exceptional service, elegant design, and unparalleled service and hospitality, Tokyo’s vast array of luxury high-rise hotels blend all of the modern sophistication and timeless elegance you can imagine. In addition to over-the-top amenities, from one of the city’s most sumptuous spas to gourmet fine dining, Aman Tokyo has long served as one of the city’s most venerable locales.

Spanning the top six stories of a skyscraper with unobstructed views over Tokyo’s Imperial Gardens, Aman’s minimalist meets modern take on a traditional Japanese ryokan-style inn serves as a sky-high sanctuary that’s every bit as luxurious as you can imagine. At its heart, the hotel’s two-story spa blends traditional and Western-style treatments and amenities, along with onsen-style baths, steam rooms, and a heated 30-meter lap pool with panoramic views of the city.

With views of the iconic Tokyo Tower in one of the city’s buzzy new Azabudai Hills district, Aman will be welcoming its new sister property, Janu Tokyo, to the ranks of high-profile hotels in early 2024. Along with having one of the largest wellness facilities in the city, Janu will serve as Tokyo’s newest urban resort.

In addition to offering guests 122 spacious guest rooms and suites, many of which will offer their own private balconies with views over Tokyo Tower, Janu, which translates to ‘soul’ in Sanskrit, will be home to an array of top-notch on-site amenities. Among the six dining outlets slated to open on the property will include a sushi and omakase-style restaurant and sumibiyaki (barbeque) chef’s tables, a French Patisserie, a Chinese restaurant, and an Italian food emporium in addition to an array of bars, lounges, and garden terrace.

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a bonafide Japanophile who’s traveled here many times over, in a city as timeless and dynamic as Tokyo, there’s always something new and exciting to discover. From the top of the city’s tallest skyscrapers to the quaint and atmospheric alleyways of a bygone era, the world’s largest and most exhilarating urban metropolis offers an array of extraordinary new hotels, world-class hospitality, exquisite fine dining, and entertainment, and there’s never been a better time to visit.

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