The Five Finest Hotels In All Of Tokyo
Tokyo, the bustling capital city of Japan is a much desired international destination for travelers. The most populous city in Japan and the seat of its government, Tokyo is popular with business people and tourists alike. When staying in Tokyo, it is best to fully experience the city with its rich history, deep culture and modernization. In fact, Tokyo mixes modern with traditional designs and styles. With high skyscrapers and modern anime shops, the city has gardens filled with flowers, cherry trees, and ancient temples.
Located on the island of Honshu in the Kanto region of Japan, Tokyo was originally established as a small fishing village called Edo. Throughout the 16th and 17th centuries, the city grew and became a military center. In 1889, the city of Tokyo was officially established. Designed at the turn of the 20th century, Tokyo is centered around major railway stations that connect to the suburbs. Much of the city was modernized when it hosted the 1984 summer Olympic games. The 1970s gave way to high rise developments. Today, Tokyo is the business, political and cultural center of Japan.
There are many must see landmarks in Tokyo. Those visiting this international city should not miss the Imperial Palace, the Emperor’s residence and its beautiful, tranquil gardens. The Tsukiji Fish Market, the Shinjuku Garden and the Meiji Shrine are great places to stroll through. Harajuku is the shopping and fashion center of the city. Senso-ji Temple is a serene monument to the goddess of mercy.
When visiting Tokyo, here are the 5 finest hotels to stay in
The Capitol Hotel Tokyu
The luxurious Capital Hotel is located on the hill of the Hie Shrine, also called the Hoshigaoka or Hill of Stars. Originally named the Tokyo Hilton, the hotel was remodeled in preparation for the 1964 summer Olympics. The international hotel has hosted VIPs from around the world including celebrities like the Beatles and the Three Tenors. The hotel has 251 guest rooms including 13 opulent suites. It is conveniently located in Akasaka, the heart of downtown Tokyo but is a gem with its beautiful and tranquil setting.
The Capitol Hotel has 5 restaurants and bars. These include the Suiren which serves modern Japanese cuisine, Origami with international and Asian cuisine, and The Capitol Bar overlooking the main lobby with sweeping city and garden views. The Origami Lounge is in an open atrium off the lobby and faces the gardens. Star Hill serves Chinese cuisine, and the Origami Pastry Boutique sells sweets, breads and baked items. Thee hotel also offers room service.
A spa and fitness center takes up 2 floors and includes a 20 meter indoor pool, a whirlpool bath and the Carju Rajah TIADO Spa. Guests are welcome to visit the Library Lounge. Rooms are designed in sophisticated Japanese style and offer luxurious amenities. There is plenty to do in the area including The National Art Center, the Roppongi Hills, Omotesondo Hills, government buildings and the Akasaka Sacos for shopping, dining and entertainment.
http://www.capitolhoteltokyu.com
Room rates: $361 and up
Hotel Okura
The Hotel Okura opened in 1962 and offers 796 guest rooms with many amenities. When it opened, Hotel Okura instantly received world class status with its service and homage to culture and art and the Japanese tradition of “wa” or harmony. Located in the popular Roppongi district, there is much to do and see whether for business or pleasure.
The hotel has 3 rooms for events. The Okura business center offers rooms for private meetings. The Okura Health Club features a fitness center and pool. The hotel offers a Japanese Culture Experience which is a lunch where guests can learn Japanese table manners and learn how to create origami. Live, free concerts are performed in the main lobby on the 25th of each month, and Hotel Okura has an art show to support education and charities and hosts the World Gardening Fair.
There are several fine restaurants located in Hotel Okura. La Belle Epoque serves French cuisine, Tok-Ka- Lin serves Chinese, Yamazato serves Japanese, Kyubay serves sushi, and Sazanka serves Teppanyaki. The Orchard Bar is the main bar while Bar Highlander is Scottish themed. Room service is available and Chef’s Garden Camillia serves take out. Private dining is also available.
Room rates: $216 and up
Hotel Chinzanso
Located in the heart of downtown Tokyo Hotel Chinzanso is among beautiful gardens that were established in 1861 on the Camellia Hills. Rooms at this fine hotel offer vast garden views and restaurants among the fragrant gardens. It is a unique urban oasis that blooms yearlong. Rooms and suites face either the gardens or the magnificent Tokyo skyline. The luxurious rooms provide relaxation and comfort in a tranquil atmosphere. Room amenities include high end linens and toiletries and the latest electronics for entertainment and convenience.
Several unique restaurants are in the Hotel Chinzanso. Il Teatro offers authentic Italian fare and garden views. The Bistro offers light snacks to full meals in French style. Kinsui serves traditional Japanese food in the garden. Mokushundo serves old style cuisine in a cozy garden grove. Miyuki offers elegant Japanese meals with fresh seasonal ingredients and garden views. Much-An offers Soba noodle dishes in the garden. LeJardin serves traditional British tea each afternoon. LeMarquis is the main bar with deep mahogany seating. Foresta serves a variety of food in the open kitchen with views overlooking the garden from the third floor.
YU is a full service spa with a heated pool and a natural hot spring with a retractable roof. The hotel hosts a tea ceremony, traditional Kimono fitting, a garden tour, Japanese language lessons, a library for guests, and an International Christian Fellowship. There is a souvenir and a pastry and cheese shop. Business and event facilities feature event planning services and the gardens.
http://www.hotel-chinzanso-tokyo.com
Room rates: Start at $311
Conrad Tokyo
Located in the heart of Tokyo, the Conrad is close to rail lines and easy access to and from the airport. The contemporary hotel is located from the 28th through the 37th floors above ground level. Located on the 29th floor, the Mizuki Spa and Fitness Center encompasses 1400 square miles. It includes a 25 meter pool and 10 private spa rooms with panoramic skyline views. Spa treatments include massage, facial and body services, sauna and steam rooms, and Pilates, Yoga and Ballet classes. Rooms include a twin or a king with either city views or views of Tokyo Bay. Each room has luxurious amenities, and the hotel offers world class service.
There are 4 restaurants located on site. Collage has a modern French themed menu, China Blue offers Cantonese cuisine with modern flare, a wine cellar and views overlooking the bay. Kazahana serves Japanese with views of the Tokyo skyline. Cerise is a warm, relaxed Brasserie inspired restaurant serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. The TwentyEight is a sky scraper bar with floor to ceiling windows, live music, and a menu offering afternoon tea, scones, sandwiches and desserts. The Conrad has business and event facilities. Elegantly designed with modern facilities, there are 2 ball rooms, 3 banquet rooms and 3 private meeting rooms.
http://www.conradhotels3.hilton.com
Room rates: Start at $1000
Mandarin Oriental Hotel
The Mandarin Oriental is a luxury hotel located a short walk from Tokyo’s dining, shopping and entertainment center and just an 8 minute walk to the Tokyo Station. It is near iconic Tokyo sites such as the Imperial Palace and just 5 minutes from the Tokyo Stock Exchange. There are 157 guest rooms and 22 suites. Rooms are large and contemporary offering panoramic views. Located above the 38th floor, the Mandarin Oriental provides private elevators to all guest floors.
There are many choices of fine dining within the hotel. Signature offers fine French dining, Sense serves traditional Cantonese, K’shiki serves Italian and Ventaglio serves Mediterranean. There is a Tapas bar The Molecular, a sushi bar SORA, a Roman style Pizza Bar, and the Mediterranean Ventaglio. The Mandarin Bar serves chic cocktails and live music. The Cellar offers private dining. The Gourmet Shop offers bread, confections, cakes and deli service.
The spa at the Mandarin has 4 treatment rooms and 5 spacious suites with magnificent city views. A variety of holistic signature treatments, heat and water treatments an in room Shiatsu massage, a beauty shop and fully equipped fitness center are included in the spa. The Mandarin has 16 event spaces including a ball room that holds up to 260 guests and a private wedding chapel that holds up to 90 guests. An event planning team will help with all arrangements. The area features state of the art technology, and the business center is fully equipped.
http://www.mandarinoriental.com/tokyo
Room rates: Start at $511
