Tokyo Itineraries

Tokyo’s spring blooms and festivals

Wed, 12 Oct 2022 16:21:12 -0400

The beautiful but brief flurries of cherry blossoms are the opening act of a host of spring festivities in Tokyo that run from April through to early June.

In early April, the pink wave of sakura (cherry blossoms) that spreads up the Japanese archipelago, hits Tokyo. Hanami—cherry blossom viewing season—is one of the most popular periods to visit Japan’s capital, but it’s far from the only floral star of spring. Azalea, wisteria, and irises each have their moment. The spring months are also when many Shinto shrines celebrate their matsuri (festivals), and in May, you can attend the titanic clash of wrestlers at Japan’s largest sumo stadium.

The allure of azaleas

For more than 300 years, a hillside within the precincts of the Nezu Jinja shrine (1-28-9 Nezu, Bunkyō-ku) has bloomed throughout April with tsutsuji (azaleas). This venerable Shinto shrine has been in its current location since the early 18th century, when it’s believed the first of its 3,000 azalea bushes was planted. The spectacular display now encompasses 100 different species in shades ranging from white through pink, red, and even yellow. As well as a close-up experience of the cloud-pruned bushes in the hillside garden, the shrine grounds offer superb panoramic views and photogenic tunnels of red torii (gates).

Insider tip: A short walk from Nezu shrine (also in the atmospheric, old Tokyo district of Yanasen) is Hotel Graphy Nezu (4-5-10 Ikenohata, Taitō-ku), a hip place to stay, complete with a cool café-bar hangout with a street-side terrace.

Edo-era wisteria vines

As the azaleas are beginning to fade at the end of April, wisteria have their big moment in the floral spotlight. Symbolizing longevity, intelligence, and good luck, these lovely lilac flowers were immortalized in an image from Utagawa Hiroshige’s renowned woodblock print series, One Hundred Famous Views of Edo. The wisteria in that image can be found at the Kameido Teijin shrine (3-6-1 Kameido, Kōtō-ku), a 25 minute subway ride east of central Tokyo. The gorgeous, centuries-old blooms hanging from trellises, with the shrine’s vermilion arched bridges in the background, is an unforgettable scene that can be enjoyed here every year.

Insider tip: A more central Tokyo location to admire wisteria is at Koishikawa Kōrakuen (1-6-6 Kōraku, Bunkyō-ku), a strolling garden established in 1629, where you can also view rice planting in May.

Rainy-season flowers

In Japan, the traditional calendar marks 72 micro seasons. At the point that spring segues into summer comes the rainy season of tsuyu, meaning plum rain, as it coincides with the ripening of plums. This is also the time when irises are at their peak, with a splendid display at the inner garden of the city’s premier Shinto shrine, Meiji Jingū (1-1 Yoyogi Kamizonochō, Shibuya-ku). Here, in a wooded grove at the heart of Tokyo, runs a river of 1,500 irises, which come into bloom in late May. Earlier in April, the same garden has azaleas in full bloom.

Insider tip: Meiji Jingū is next to the Harajuku train and subway stations, one of Tokyo’s most popular fashion shopping districts which straddle the tree-lined boulevard of Omotesandō.

Golden Week holidays

Japan celebrates a series of consecutive public holidays in early May that are collectively known as Golden Week. Head to the capital’s many shrines and temples to see koinobori (carp-shaped windsocks) fluttering from flagpoles. Meiji Jingū pulls out all the stops with its Spring Grand Festival, which includes performances of traditional arts such as bugaku imperial court dances, noh and kyōgen theatre, sankyoku chamber music, and recitals of the satsuma-biwa (Japanese lute).

Insider tip: Asakusa’s Sanja Matsuri, held over three days on the third weekend of May, is one of Tokyo’s blockbuster religious festivals, attracting up to two million people. Spectators pack out the street to view three large mikoshi (portable shrines) paraded around.

Clash of the Titans

Spring is one of the three times during the year that you can catch the agile giants of Japanese wrestling in action at the nation’s largest sumo stadium—The Spring Grand Sumo Tournament. It offers traditional spectacles and wrestling thrills as the superstars of sumo tussle it out in the dohyo, a central clay ring covered in sand.

Insider tip: A short walk from the stadium, Edo-Tokyo Museum (1-4-1 Yokoami, Sumida-ku) imaginatively documents the city’s 1,000-year development and transformation through a detailed series of full-scale replicas of historical landmarks, such as the wooden Nihonbashi Bridge.

The information provided herein is sponsored by Diners Club International®. It is intended for informational purposes and is not intended as a substitute for professional advice. Content on this website may contain information from third parties and/or links to third-party websites. Diners Club International bears no responsibility for the accuracy, legality or content of this information.

Been there, done that: Tokyo

Thu, 24 Mar 2022 11:18:54 -0400

Cross off six must-have experiences in one of the world’s most enigmatic cities

This energetic city of cloud-piercing skyscrapers, ancient shrines, neon lights, and peaceful cherry-blossom parks is likely to surprise, dazzle, bewilder, and enchant all at once. Here are six experiences that will open your eyes to its fascinating clash of the old and the new.

GO WITH THE FLOW

Admire the crowd at Shibuya Crossing

There aren’t many busy intersections in the world worth going out of your way to experience first-hand, but Shibuya Crossing is certainly one of them. The 10-lane intersection itself is nothing special, but the action unfolds when the pedestrians get the go-ahead to cross. Suddenly, a surge of people make their way across the intersection in every direction, effortlessly gliding past each other. Visit during a Friday evening when you’ll get swept along as workers pour out of the station and cross under the neon lights and flashing billboards of the surrounding stores.

Insider tip: At peak times, up to 2,500 people cross the junction at one time, and it's an incredible thing to watch from the rooftop bar of the MAGNET by SHIBUYA109 department store.

Escape the crowds in Kamiyama

The frenetic atmosphere of the Shibuya district slows down when you enter the calmer streets of nearby Kamiyama. Tourists are being drawn to the quieter areas by a growing number of excellent places to eat, such as Kamiyama. Walking through the bamboo-fringed stone path, you’ll be drawn downstairs to a spotlight-lit basement where you’ll join a long communal table for hand-stretched noodles, crisp tempura, grilled chicken, rolled omelet, and slices of Wagyu beef.

Insider tip: Every meal here ends with a steamed pot of sobayu. The thick, milky cooking water from the noodles. It’s an acquired taste, but it’s a tradition that reaches back to the Edo period and is thought to have many health benefits.

STEP BACK IN TIME

Time-travel at the Tokyo National Museum

Japan has one of the most recognizable cultural identities in the world, and it’s all on display at the sprawling national museum. Founded in 1872, the six-building institute houses more than 110,000 artifacts. From ancient scrolls, prized pottery, and towering statues, there is a lot to take in. If you’re pressed for time, head straight to the second floor of the Honkan building for a curated selection of highlights. For a deeper dive, give yourself at least half a day and don't miss the Toyokan building for its collection of art and ceramics from the second century BC.

Insider tip: The museum complex sits within the expansive Ueno Park, which is one of the best cherry-blossom spots in the city come springtime. For the rest of the year, it’s a chilled place to take a picnic under a ginkgo tree and contemplate the art you’ve just seen in the museum.

Find old-world Tokyo at the Edo-Tokyo Museum

For an even greater understanding of Tokyo’s history, the gigantic Edo-Tokyo Museum in the Ryogoku district uses small- and large-scale reconstructions to bring the city’s dramatic evolution to life. There’s a lot to digest and you could easily spend half a day taking it all in, but the interactive elements mean you can learn a lot in the space of an hour or two.

Insider tip: A team of English-speaking volunteers run daily tours between 10am-3pm and really bring the history to life. These are immensely popular and should be booked at least two weeks in advance.

MAKE A RELIGIOUS PILGRIMAGE

Find spiritual enlightenment at Sensō-ji

First founded in 645 AD, the oldest and most visited temple site in Tokyo pays homage to Kannon, the Buddhist goddess of mercy. You’ll approach the temple along the Nakamise-dori, a 200 meter stretch of shops that sell everything from souvenirs to genuine Edo-style crafts, before reaching the majestic Kaminarimon (Thunder Gate) with its enormous red lantern. In front of the temple, smoke billows from an incense cauldron that pilgrims waft over themselves to bestow good health.

Insider tip: With more the 30 million visitors a year, it’s safe to say a daytime visit will be busy. If that’s not your cup of tea, plan to arrive after dark when the temple and shrine are beautifully illuminated.

Block out the bustle at Meiji Jingū

Dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken in 1920, Shintō shrine was built at a time when Japan was transforming itself into a modern industrial nation. Located within Yoyogi Park, it's surrounded by more than 100,000 trees which shut out the noise and energy from the surrounding city. On arrival, you’ll pass under a series of towering torii (entrance gates), before the shrine reveals itself through the trees. The unpainted cypress wood and mint-green copper roof makes a breathtaking impression against the natural background. When you’ve toured the shrine, take a stroll through the impeccably kept Meiji Jingū Gyoen (inner garden).

Insider tip: You may want to make an offering at the main shrine. To do so, place a ¥5 coin in the box, bow twice, clap your hands twice, and then bow again.

On the mountain in Japan

Thu, 24 Mar 2022 11:25:56 -0400

With consistent snowfall, world-class powder, and a modern lift infrastructure, the Japanese are spoiled when it comes to ski terrain.

The winds from Siberia carry a seasonal snowfall that eventually settles on the mountain ranges of Japan, creating a yearly winter wonderland. So be sure to pack your snow boots, as we’re heading to Tokyo to discover three of the most impressive resorts near the capital of the land of the rising sun.

Niseko: pine and bamboo forest runs

Each winter, the fresh snow found in the mountain resorts of Hokkaido attracts many winter sport afficionados. It’s not uncommon for backcountry areas to be covered in chest-high powder, and the runs through the pine and bamboo forests see good coverage throughout the long season, which stretches from November to May.

The region’s four resorts have separate but interlinked ski areas, all accessible from a single lift pass. The modern gondolas and chairlifts keep skiers moving, so you won’t have to worry about long wait times. During the day, the views are dominated by Mount Yōtei on the horizon—a half-scale replica of Mount Fuji.

After sundown, the Grand Hirafu ski area offers extensive night skiing for anyone that still has strength in their legs. The tree-lined Holiday run skirts along the western edge of the resort and offers incredible views of the town below. When you finally slide back into your hotel to unclip your skis, you have your choice of sushi spots and traditional omakase restaurants to pick from, thanks to the rapidly expanding food scene. niseko-village.com

Zao Onsen: hot springs and snow ghosts

Often overshadowed by Hokkaido, travelers are slowly beginning to discover the beauty of northeastern Japan. Zao Onsen is the largest resort in this part of Japan, offering 25 slopes and over 9km of pristine pistes that novice to expert skiers alike can enjoy. Located in Yamagata Prefecture on the volcanic slopes of Mount Zaō, this resort is famous for its surreal Juhyo—rows of snow-covered pines that form a gathering of ice sculptures. If you’re not confident enough to race between them on your skis, the cable car ride to the summit can offer you a breathtaking panoramic view of the range.

In town, it’s all about soaking in the hot springs. There are plenty of bathhouses to choose from, and the sulfur-rich waters are said to help both hypertension and skin irritations. While none of this has been medically proven, the warm waters are sure to at least soothe the aches and pains of a long day on the slopes. zao-spa.or.jp

Shiga Kogen: perfect powder and untouched backcountry

The largest resort in Japan has seen a lot of investment since hosting major events like the Women’s Downhill and Super-G in the Nagano 1998 Winter Olympics. Divided into 18 ski areas interlinked by a network of quality lifts and gondolas, you’ll need at least three days to conquer all 90 runs.

Although the resort is more sheltered from those Siberian winds we mentioned earlier, the quality of the snow remains high throughout the season. And although there’s a run for every ability, the intermediate and advanced skiers are likely the ones that will get the most from their stay. If you’re tempted to hit the backcountry, know that you’ll be required to hire an official guide to show you the way—an expense that’s well worth it for the untouched snowscape and feeling of pure seclusion.

Off the slopes, life in the major town of Sun Valley revolves around rejuvenating dips in public hot springs and partying in the many lively izakayas (bars) as well as the booming food scene. The region is home to the famous Jigokudani Monkey Park, where Japanese macaques spend their days relaxing in the hot natural pools. If you’re looking to make friends with the local macaques, there are plenty of guided tours that will be happy to make an introduction. shigakogen-ski.com

The taste of… Tokyo

Thu, 24 Mar 2022 11:29:13 -0400

Tokyo’s dining experiences are as diverse as its ancient temples and neon-lit intersections, ranging from reimagined sushi in Michelin-starred restaurants to busy counters in neighborhood izakayas (bars).

With a noodle bar, ramen shop, or sushi restaurant on every corner, Tokyo is a great place to experience authentic Japanese cuisine (washoku). So ready your chopsticks and prepare your palate for fiery wasabi horseradish as we take you on a tour of secret spots that serve sushi, sashimi, and lesser-known Tokyo flavors you’re sure to savor.

A taste of tradition

Eating out is as old as Japan’s Buddhist temples, which has resulted in a rich array of restaurants to try traditional dishes from sushi to soba noodles. Just south of the museum-packed Ueno Park, start with something both familiar and typically Japanese at the Ueno Hirokoji branch of Ippudo (3-chōme -17-5 Ueno), a global ramen chain founded by Shigemi Kawahara in 1985. Kawahara popularized tonkotsu (pork) ramen, which you can try in signature dishes such as the Shiromaru Classic and Akamaru Modern.

Swap Ippudo’s counters for a table at Miyuki (2-chōme-10-8 Sekiguchi). Located within Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo, the restaurant overlooks the riverside Chinzanso Garden and was designed during the Meiji era by 19th-century prime minister Yamagata Aritomo. With an elegant, traditionally Japanese aesthetic, Miyuki’s house specialties include green-tea soba noodles served in a special dashi broth paired with high-grade dried tuna, shrimp shells, and kudzu (Japanese arrowroot) starch to thicken.

In classic Japanese fashion, Miyuki also has teppanyaki and sushi counters, while Zakuro (4-chōme-6-1 Ginza) offers a hands-on experience in its cook-it-yourself nabemono hotpot dishes. Founded in 1955, the small chain claims to have introduced the shabu-shabu meat and vegetable hotpot to Tokyo, deriving its name from the “swish swish” sound of stirring the pot. At Zakuro’s branch in the upmarket Ginza shopping district, the charcoal-cooked shabu-shabu and shallow sukiyaki hotpot are based on carefully selected Wagyu beef and seasonal ingredients.

Insider tip: Japanese train stations are surprisingly good places to find a meal, such as ekiben (‘station bento’) boxes, and Tokyo Station has a basement precinct of restaurants, including the cluster known as Tokyo Ramen Street (1-chōme Marunouchi).

Five must-try dishes

Traditional Japanese staples include noodles, broths, pickled vegetables, catches from the waters surrounding the islands, and various preparations of meat, as these classic dishes prove.

Sushi
You can try the time-honored Japanese dish of raw seafood and vinegared rice, whether in nigiri, maki or uramaki form, everywhere from local haunts to Michelin-starred restaurants.

Tempura
Forget the Western interpretations of this battered and fried seafood or vegetable dish and experience the crisp results of cold batter and hot oil accompanied by a flavorful dipping sauce.

Yakitori
Locals have snacked on this skewer-grilled basted chicken since the 17^th century, but the street-food favorite fits the waste-free contemporary trend by using every part of the poultry.

Miso soup
The umami, probiotic-rich soup is a daily staple. Its base is made up of miso soybean paste and fish or kelp dashi stock accompanied by seasonal ingredients, including tofu, green onions, clams, and pork.

Udon
Like soba, these thicker and chewier wheat-flour noodles are served chilled with a dipping sauce (zaru) or in a steaming broth, and udon-ya restaurants add various toppings to the comfort food.

A taste of the future

The city on Tokyo Bay is famously futuristic, typified by the anime- and manga-plastered facades of Akihabara Electric Town, and its dynamic culinary scene is no exception. Here, you can snack on croissants from Parisian bakery Maison Kayser (1-chōme-4-21 Takanawa), lunch on pizza in the forest surrounding the Meiji Jingu Shinto shrine at Forest Terrace Meiji Jingu (1 Yoyogikamizonocho, Shibuya City), and dine on sustainable Japanese-French fusion cuisine at Kihachi (2-chōme-1-19 Kitaaoyama).

For more typical Japanese dishes in a minimal, contemporary setting, head to Kamiyama (10-8 Kamiyamachō) for a choice of fine or coarsely ground soba and Japanese craft beers. Visit during lunchtime for specials on dishes such as cold soba with oroshi (grated white radish) or duck meat and dripping sauce, and hot soba with herring or dry seaweed.

Insider tip: For an authentic fine-dining experience, look out for kaiseki, a meal of seasonal tasting plates that originally accompanied green tea during traditional Japanese tea ceremonies.

Tokyo Spa Hotels: Zen and the art of wellness retreats

Thu, 24 Mar 2022 11:32:05 -0400

Tokyo’s top-end hotel spas are Zen-inspired oases of serenity, offering innovative treatments rooted in ancient Japanese wellness wisdom.

Calming rituals and wellness-boosting routines have been central to Japanese culture for centuries—seen in everything from hot-spring baths (onsen) and tea ceremonies to forest-bathing (shinrin-yoku) and flower appreciation (hanami). Characterized by the tea ceremony’s Zen-inspired fundamentals of harmony, respect, purity, and tranquility (wa, kei, sei, and jaku), the Japanese lifestyle embraces opportunities to gradually improve yourself (kaizen), find beauty in imperfection and transience (wabi-sabi), and discover your life’s purpose (ikigai).

With blissful hotel spas atop Tokyo’s landmark skyscrapers, you don’t have to leave the Japanese capital for a revitalizing treatment with a view of Mount Fuji.

Water-themed revitalization at the Palace Hotel Tokyo

An oasis of greenery amid the skyscrapers of central Tokyo located right next to the moat of the Imperial Palace’s extensive gardens, the 23-floor Palace Hotel Tokyo is home to Japan’s first Evian spa. The 12,917 square foot spa evokes the French mineral water’s journey through the Alps, from the mountaintop source signified by the loose stone garden in reception, to the treatment rooms named after peaks in the European range. Try the exclusive signature treatment, a therapeutic blend of traditional Japanese seitai acupressure-style therapy with a deep-tissue massage. Also, be sure not to deny yourself a dip in the indoor pool.

Insider tip: Visit in April for an aerial view of the cherry blossoms in the Imperial Palace gardens, accompanied by a glimpse of Mount Fuji in the distance on clear days.

1-chome-1-1 Marunouchi, Chiyoda City; en.palacehoteltokyo.com

Soak with a view at Conrad Tokyo

Mizuki Spa & Fitness is located on the 29^th story of the Shiodome skyscraper and offers a sweeping view of Tokyo Bay, as well as the 17^th-century Hamarikyu Gardens. Reflecting the urban chic of the hotel’s restaurants and cocktail bar, the spa offers a restorative onsen experience in its Japanese cypress hinoki bathtub, which features in the Mizuki Spirit treatment. This signature treatment also includes a foot ritual, facial, tea ceremony, and bamboo massage—all designed to bring the body into balance. Enjoy the views through floor-to-ceiling windows while receiving an essential-oil massage or an anti-cellulite session, and unwind in the dry or steam sauna, whirlpool, and indoor pool.

Insider tip: Reset after a long flight with the energizing Jet-Lag Recovery body treatment, which incorporates kuromoji spicebush essential oil to reduce muscle tension and restore inner calm.

1-chome-9-1 Higashi-Shinbashi, Minato City; hilton.com/en/hotels/tyocici-conrad-tokyo

Global treatments in a Zen setting at The Peninsula Tokyo

On the sixth floor of this Japanese lantern-inspired tower overlooking the Imperial Palace gardens and Hibiya Park, the Peninsula Spa offers a comprehensive package of luxurious experiences, such as facials and body wraps as well as wellness days and men’s treatments. The calming environment features treatment rooms with traditional yukimi shoji screens and adjustable heated beds, a relaxation area with a thermal suite, aromatic steam rooms, dry saunas, and shaved-ice fountains, and a reception overlooking the heated indoor pool. The spa draws on eastern, Ayurvedic and European doctrines, but the facials that use products from Swiss skincare brand Margy’s Monte Carlo are especially popular, including the wrinkle-banishing treatment that uses Swiss apple stem-cell extracts.

Insider tip: To experience ancient Japanese healing techniques, choose the Zen Balancing signature treatment, which includes an incense ceremony, a mountain-salt foot bath, and jade-stone massages.

1-chome-8-1 Yurakucho, Chiyoda City; peninsula.com/en/tokyo/5-star-luxury-hotel-ginza

Cherry-blossom-inspired massages at The Ritz-Carlton, Tokyo

The Ritz-Carlton Spa’s 21,528 square foot setting is one of the most impressive in town. The spa can be found on the 46^th floor of the landmark Midtown Tower and offers views of Mount Fuji beyond Tokyo’s skyline. Drawing on a blend of Eastern and Western traditions, treatments include the relaxing Sakura, which incorporates rose quartz crystals and essential oils in a muscle-easing massage, and Zenrenity, a body purification that uses plant-based products and marine algae. Enjoy a variety of saunas, showers, and baths, a full-service beauty salon, 24-hour fitness center, and indoor pool—which is atmospherically illuminated at night—and treatments including Bastien Gonzalez pedicures and Cle de Peau Beaute facials.

Insider tip: Pair a spa visit with afternoon tea in the 45^th-floor lobby lounge, where finger sandwiches are accompanied by the classical notes of the grand piano.

9-chome-7-1 Akasaka, Minato City; ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/japan/tokyo

Oriental wisdom at The Capitol Hotel Tokyu

Located in Tokyo’s stately equivalent of Capitol Hill or Westminster, this Tokyo hotel sets the scene for a relaxing spa experience alongside its neighboring Hie Shinto shrine and clean Japanese design, which is based on ikebana (flower and plant arranging) and water. The elegant Carju Rajah Tiado spa aims to be holistic and clinical, a fusion of approaches that is reflected in the Japonisme décor.

Insider tip: The unisex barber, a favorite with Japanese politicians and executives, offers head massages and range of grooming treatments.

2-chome-10-3 Nagatacho, Chiyoda City; tokyuhotelsjapan.com/global/capitol-h/index.html

Under the radar in Tokyo

Thu, 24 Mar 2022 11:34:38 -0400

Take the time to explore some of Tokyo’s lesser-known districts to sample a slower, more authentic side of the city.

With so much to experience in Shinjuku and Shibuya, it’s no wonder that many visitors spend the majority of their time among the bustle and energy of these neon-lit districts. However, you only need to travel a few stops on the Metro to experience a completely different take on Tokyo. From the booming youth culture of Kiyosumi Shirakawa and the winding back alleys of historic Yanaka to the European charm of Jiyugaoka, we focus on three districts that deserve your attention.

Kiyosumi Shirakawa

While many parts of Tokyo still hold onto their historical roots, many neighborhoods, like Kiyosumi Shirakawa, are quickly becoming more modern. Trendy coffee shops, small-batch breweries, independent restaurants, and thriving gallery spaces are now commonplace especially to explore this booming food and art scene.

If you visit on a Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday, expect to find many of the galleries closed and coffee shops quiet. The area really comes to life Thursday to Saturday, when locals travel across the city for exhibition openings or to catch up with friends over coffee as the week draws to a close.

Where to grab a coffee: The baristas around here know how to make a very good flat white, and you can find some of the best brews from U.S.-born Blue Bottle Coffee and New Zealand’s Allpress Espresso.

Where to find peace and quiet: This low-traffic area is worlds away from the constant bustle of Shibuya and Shinjuku. It’s also home to Kiyosumi Gardens—one of Tokyo’s best preserved traditional landscape gardens, beloved for its sacred stones and year-round displays of purple azaleas, hydrangeas, and irises. It costs ¥150 for adults, so we recommend bringing some cash.

Yanaka

Yanaka offers a glimpse of old-world Tokyo, and even though this historic area borders the overcrowded tourist hub of Ueno, it remains relatively low on most visitors’ radar. With restoration triumphing over rebuilding, much of the architecture remains unchanged. Adventurous travelers might enjoy navigating the network of back alleys to discover traditional wooden houses and semi-hidden ancient shrines. Visitors may also find themselves stumbling upon an enormous cemetery—a peaceful escape from urban life.

Where to hit the shops: While you’ll find plenty of independent coffee shops and small market stalls tucked away in the back streets, most shoppers descend on Yanaka Ginza, a narrow, pedestrian strip that’s a fantastic place to shop for gifts. Begin at the eastern end, where you can enjoy a brilliant view of the street from the gently sloping staircase, and bring plenty of cash to sample the street food.

Where to stop for a drink: For a glimpse of the area’s community spirit, head to Ueno Sakuragi Atari—a row of three traditional houses that were saved from demolition and transformed into a space for meeting, eating, and drinking.

Jiyugaoka

Known as “Little Europe,” you'll find piazzas, café-culture, Venetian bridges, and even canals complete with gondolas. It may sound gimmicky, but there’s a thriving community here and it’s become one of the most sought-after places to live in the city.

Where to shop: Like Paris, the area is fashion-conscious and lots of big-name brands have stores lining Marie Claire Promenade and Green Street. For clothes made by local designers, branch off to Hiro and Maple Street.

For a glimpse of old-world Japan: The area may have almost completely embraced modern life, but there are still some pockets of tradition to be found. Perched on a small hill to the north of Jiyugaoka Station, the 800-year-old Kumano Shrine offers a place of solace for locals. Pass through the photogenic gateway into a world of ancient zelkova and oak trees, as well as other hidden statues.

Flavour Seekers – The Tokyo Tour

Diners Club International — Thu, 27 Jan 2022 21:39:57 -0500

To say Tokyo is home to a variety of sights to see would be an understatement. From the steps of the Meiji Shrine to the top of its neon-lit skyscrapers, there’s a view worth admiring around every corner—complete with a dish worth savoring.

MOTOYOSHI TEMPURA

Perhaps the only thing that receives the same level of meticulous care and attention present in every meal would be the guests of Motoyoshi Tempura themselves. The warmly lit and cozy ambiance of the interior invites you to relish in every bite of tempura, every sip of wine and every minute of your moment here.

TOKYO SHIBA TOUFUYA UKAI

The Tokyo of 200 years ago is preserved in the 6,600 m² of extensive Japanese gardens that surround TOKYO SHIBA Toufuya Ukai. Specializing in homemade tofu crafted with high-quality soybeans and fresh spring water, it’s the perfect place to refuel before climbing the 600-step staircase of the nearby Tokyo Tower.

GINZA SUSHI AOKI

Traditional Edomae techniques honed over generations still have a place in the foundations of Ginza Sushi Aoki. But tradition hasn’t stifled innovation. Toshikatsu Aoki now imbues his experience traveling the world into the sushi. From his favorite flavours to his most cherished conversations, there’s a story to be told in every bite, in every dish.

HIGASHIYA GINZA

No trip through Ginza would be complete without indulging in some of the finest wagashi and green tea Tokyo has to offer at Higashiya Ginza. With 30+ varieties of green tea and an assortment of seasonal sweets to pair them with, you’ll be hard pressed to leave the shop empty handed.

TORAYA

For anyone looking to justify their sweet tooth cravings, Toraya offers confections that are packed with both a rich history and flavour. Before establishing themselves in Tokyo, Toraya had made a name for itself as early as the 16th century, serving wagashi to the imperial court of Emperor Goyozei.

NIHONBASHI SEMBIKIYA

At a glance, it would be easy to mistake Nihonbashi Sembikya for some kind of museum dedicated exclusively to fruit, but it’s that reverence to their craft that makes it a standout experience. The main store is a multi-floored shop that features the highest quality of fruits from all over the world. If you’re looking to enjoy the best Sembikiya has to offer from the comfort of a bright, open and relaxed atmosphere, be sure to add this to your itinerary.

SHIROSAKA

Kaiseki is Japan’s traditional take on the multi-course dinner, and Shirosaka is where the style has been perfected. The menu is an “omakase”—or set course. And while it changes with each passing season, owner and chef Hideki Li’s unrelenting commitment to his craft has not, earning the restaurant worldwide acclaim.

MARU

The traditional and the modern come together in perfect harmony at Maru to deliver creative kaiseki cuisine without needlessly complicating the experience. That same philosophy has been applied to the restaurant’s atmosphere, culminating in an elegant yet relaxed dining experience that leaves its patrons feeling like a guest in their own home.

L’EFFERVESCENCE

A verifiable retreat from the bustle of the city, L’Effervescence delivers the premier French dining experience in Tokyo. There’s an intentional and profound respect for nature that comes through on every plate that invites their recipients to slow down and reconnect with the world around them. If you’re seeking a fresh twist on French cuisine, look no further.

Diners Club Flavour Seekers: Tea and Sweet Shops in Tokyo

Wed, 10 Mar 2021 16:36:49 -0500

Learn about the most tranquil tea and sweet shops Tokyo has to offer with Diners Club. People love the delicate flavor of Japanese confections and tea.

Diners Club Flavour Seekers: Timeless Tokyo

Wed, 10 Mar 2021 17:08:56 -0500

Learn about where you can immerse yourself in Japan's ancient culinary tradition with this video on Tokyo restaurants from Diners Club.

Diners Club Flavour Seekers: Modern Kaiseki in Tokyo

Wed, 10 Mar 2021 02:47:52 -0500

Diners Club Flavor Seekers: Modern Kaiseki in Tokyo