With its captivating mix of culture shock and delightful discovery, it’s little surprise that Tokyo is one of the most popular desti’s among the LUXE-erati; it seems you can’t get enough of its grand-slam dining, zensational design and all manner of experiences both classic and quirk.
Read on for our top 5 LUXE Tokyo recs that have stood the test of time:
5. Hoshinoya Tokyo
Kickstarting the Tokyo Top 5 is this real-deal ryokan offering trad omotenashi hospitality slap-bang in biz-central. Retreat to one of 17 self-contained floors adorned with tranquil tatami walkways, artful furnishings, and shoji sliding doors and individual open-air hot spring baths. Add in toothsome Franco-Nippon fusion cuisine and instructor-led morning stretch sessions at the nearby Imperial Palace and you’ll never want to leave.
1-9-2001 Otemachi, Chiyoda-ku, hoshinoyatokyo.com
4. Aman Tokyo
Bow down to this mod n’ minimal, charcoal and blond Kerry Hill-designed honey with serene, pared-back rooms of Japanese wood and washi backdrop. Sample Japanese-inflected Italian at Arva, an exercise in sushi precision at 8-seat Mushashi, and casual bistro fare at the Café, plus there’s a lofty lap pool and onsen-inspired spa.
The Otemachi Tower, 1-5-6 Otemachi, Chiyoda-ku, aman.com/resorts/aman-tokyo
3. Tsukiji Outer Fish Market
The original wholesale fish market and auction house might have swum off to spruce new digs in Toyosu, but the outer environs of the original market are still open for biz. Get there early to wander through the tight labyrinthian lanes stacked with ocean-fresh catches of the day and stalls heaving with produce; caffeinate at Turret Coffee and brave the queue for nigiri at Daiwa Sushi.
5-2-1 Tsukiji, Chuo-ku, tsukiji.or.jp
2. Nezu Museum
Set in its own serene secret garden away from the manic streets of Minato-ku, this Kengo Kuma-designed culture nest houses beautiful Asian artefacts, a twee collection of trad teaware and monthly-changing feature exhibitions. Venture outside to the pic-perfect, maple-shaded, moss-covered garden replete with tranquil water features and a rustic teahouse for pre-booked cha ceremonies.
6-5-1 Minami-Aoyama, Minato-ku, nezu-muse.or.jp
1. Sushi Sho
Jiro Ono might get all the international attention, but for lovers of LUXE, the no. 1 Tokyo spot goes to veteran nigiri sensei Keiji Nakazawa. His venerated omakase counter treats just ten lucky diners to 30+ sake-accompanied courses featuring paper-thin, Edomae-aged and umami-packed sushi. Unable to nab a dinner pew? Opt for the no-res lunchtime bara chirashi set, though be sure to arrive before noon as they make only 20 a day, good luck.
1-11 Yotsuya, Shinjuku-ku, sushi-sho.com
Hero Image: Aman Tokyo
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