Platinum Concierge

CONCIERGE
TOKYO CITY GUIDE
2014
Only taking over from Kyoto as the nation’s capital
relatively recently, Tokyo is now the most populated
metropolitan area in the world.
TOKYO
On one hand Tokyo is an imperial capital and historical
hub, nurturing the traditional arts of the Japanese
culture; while on the other it is a modern cosmopolitan
city replete with some of the most bizarre trends and
creative subcultures on the planet.
Tokyo is a city that trades in some of the most cuttingedge technology on the market, and it is often
impossible to find an “in” as a foreigner. Esoteric,
frustrating, bizarre and endlessly fascinating, Tokyo is
the mysterious Oriental beauty.
CONTENTS
WHAT TO SEE
4
WHERE TO STAY
6
WHERE TO EAT
8
NIGHTLIFE
16
WELLBEING
19
WHERE TO SHOP
20
WHAT TO SEE
ASAKUSA
Tokyo
IMPERIAL PALACE
1-1 Chiyoda
TOKYO SKY TREE
1-1-2 Oshiage
TOKYO DISNEY RESORT
Tokyo
Asakusa is a gateway also known as “Thunder Gate.” As you walk
down the market-lined streets of Nakamise-Dori, you will arrive to the
Senso-ji Temple, which is one of the most famous Buddhist temples in
Tokyo. The temple is a shrine to the Buddhist Kannon, and although the
golden statue of Kannon is no longer on display, it still attracts
worshippers who come to pay their respects. A great location to get a
feel of Buddhism as a relevant aspect of Japanese culture that
pervades everyday modern life.
The Imperial Palace in the Chiyoda district is the home of the Japanese
Emperor, and incidentally the most expensive square kilometre of land
on the globe. Although virtually destroyed by Allied bombing during
World War II, it has been returned to its original state with its
elaborate buildings, imposingly high walls, and protective moat. The
inner palace gardens are open to the public (Except on 23rd
December and 2nd January), and are well worth exploring.
The newest and highest tower in the world. Tower was inspired by the
Eiffel Tower in Paris, and is meant to be the ‘symbol of Tokyo’ now. It is
634 m tall, weighs 36,000 tons. Observatory Deck is open day and
night.
The Tokyo Disney Resort offers two theme parks, Tokyo Disneyland
and Tokyo Disney Sea. Both offer great attractions for adults, children,
and indeed, the whole family. Ikspiari, a large shopping and dining
mall inside the Tokyo Disney Resort is also great for shopping, eating,
and for entertainment as well.
WHAT TO SEE
GHIBLI MUSEUM
1-1-83 Simorenjaku, Mitakashi
ODAIBA AQUA CITY
1-7-1 Daiba, Minato-ku
TOKYO CITY KEIBA
Tokyo
TOKYO DOME CITY
Tokyo
SHIBUYA
Tokyo
The official museum of Studio Ghibli, makers of the famous animated
films such as Princess Mononoke, Howl’s Moving Castle, My Neighbor
Totoro and Ponyo. The museum is not a dull, quiet experience like your
average exhibition. Kids love it and adults can release their inner
child, be amazed at the artwork and the imaginations of the talent at
Studio Ghibli.
Formerly the home to an authentic (albeit miniature) Statue of Liberty
from France, Odaiba Aqua city is an bayside complex complete with
shopping malls, restaurants, a theme park, ferry rides, bayside cruises
all with a great view of Tokyo. The view of the nightlights and
skyscrapers reflected in the waters across the Rainbow Bridge is
stunning.
Ever wondered what the Japanese take on horse racing would be like?
Just a short drive from central Tokyo in Oi is the Tokyo City Keiba
complex that attracts locals to place their bets on the horse races.
There are plenty of seats and comfortable indoor accommodations
available. Keep an eye out for the names of the horses on the
racetrack - some are the most bizarre, random and hilarious you’ll
encounter!
Centred around the world’s largest domed stadium, The Tokyo Dome,
is a complex with a theme park, LaQua shopping mall, restaurants,
and hotel. Catch a ride on the Thunder Dolphin, shop, or catch a local
Japanese baseball game. Tokyo’s team is called the Yomiuri Giants.
Shibuya is home to young Japanese pop culture and the oft-cited
famous intersection with the large screens, neon lights and crowd of
pedestrians. Shibuya is where you can uncover the various fashion and
pop-cultural influences that affect the youth of modern Japan.
WHERE TO STAY
THE MANDARIN ORIENTAL
2-1-1 Muromachi Nihonbashi
Chuo-ku
PARK HYATT TOKYO
3-7-1-2 Nish-Shinjuku
Shinjuku
THE RITZ CARLTON TOKYO
Tokyo Mid Town, 9 Akasaka
Minato-ku
AGNES HOTEL AND
APARTMENTS TOYKO
2-20-1 Kagurazaka, Shinjuku
CLASKA
1-3-18 Chuo-cho, Meguro-ku
Along with its trademark elegance and refinement, The Mandarin
Oriental has a light and airy feel. With high ceilings and sweeping
windows, and perched above the 38th floor of the landmark
Nihonbashi Mitsui Building, you really do feel a million miles away
from the bustling city below. But if you feel like going back to reality,
the hotel is only minutes away from many of the largest department
stores, such as Mitsukoshi and Takashimaya.
This hotel is most famous for being the filming location for Sophia
Coppola’s film ‘Lost in Translation’. But despite this claim to fame, it’s a
stunning hotel in its own right. Situated on the top 14 floors of a 52storey tower, it offers spectacular views over Tokyo. It is also
conveniently close to Tokyo’s main transport hub, Shinjuku station.
Taking up the top nine floors of a dramatic skyscraper in the Roppongi
District and in a newly opened complex called Tokyo Midtown, The Ritz
Carlton offers panoramic views over the city. The elegant décor, stateof-the-art facilities, magnificent sky lobby and charming gardens make
this is a worthwhile place to sojourn while in Tokyo.
Located in Shinjuku is a comfortable boutique hotel with 56 rooms,
evoking a different atmosphere from the somewhat generic
presentation of luxury you find in a large, standard hotel. With a focus
on “living”, the facilities and rooms are great for business travellers.
Young, urban, hip and trendy influences are clear at CLASKA, a small
boutique hotel with rooms designed with a modern flair. Offering
personal services and located in a quiet area away from all the hustle
and bustle of central Tokyo, this spot is a unique and relaxing place to
stay.
WHERE TO EAT
TOFU-YA UKAI TEI
4-4-13 Shiba-Koen, Minato-ku
MUTSUKARI
Ginza Pony Bldg 6F, 5-5-19
Ginza Chuo-ku
AOYAMA ESAKI ***
3-39-9 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku
Located in Shiba near the Tokyo Tower, this traditional tofu restaurant
feels like it has stepped right out of the pages of ‘Memoirs of a
Geisha’. The subtle and understated elegance of a classic tea house
and scenic setting combine to make this venue probably oneof the most
sought-after tables in town.
Offering a memorable and impressive dining experience, Mutsukari
creates delicately and artistically arranged dishes from the freshest
ingredients. The interior is designed mixing the old and new, with an
open kitchen, as well as secluded rooms offering privacy.
Awarded three Michelin stars this year, Esaki serves Japanese cuisine
at its best. Specialising in fresh seafood and vegetables, the eight-dish
menu is an absolute feast for the senses, and the slow cooked Kinki fish,
which is cooked to perfection, is a must have.
11-2 Hotel Seiyo Ginza B1F
Chuou-ku
Kicchou is a famous Kaiseki restaurant with a long established history
as one of the best in Tokyo. Kaiseki is traditional Japanese cuisine; to
become a master chef takes many years of dedicated training, often
passed down through generations. Located in the luxurious Hotel Seiyo
Ginza, Kicchou’s main sister restaurant in Ginza 8-Chome has a slightly
nicer setting, but first-timers are better off visiting this branch.
KANETANAKA
Revered as one of the two ultimate Japanese restaurants, Kanetanaka
is a restaurant serving delicious traditional Japanese kaiseki cuisine.
KICCHO
7-18-17 Ginza, Chuou-ku
SHINKIRAKU
4-6-7 Tsukiji, Chuo-ku
The other of the two ultimate Japanese restaurants, Shinkiraku serves
up traditional kaiseki.
WHERE TO EAT
KYUUBEI
8-7-6 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
SUSHI MIZUTANI***
8-2-10 Seiwa Silver Building B1F, Ginza
Chuo- ku
GINZA UKAITEI *
Jiji-Tsushin Bldg. 5-15-8
Ginza, Chuo-ku
Kyuubei is a venerable 71 year old sushi shop
smack bang in the middle of Ginza, Tokyo.
Kyuubei was one of the first restaurants to serve
the “gunkan maki” style of sushi.
Hidden in the basement of an ordinary business
building in Ginza, this compact restaurant is home to
one of the country’s best sushi chefs. The presentation
will blow you away - both exquisite for the eyes and
the stomach.
Ukaitei serves absolutely delicious teppanyaki
where the chef prepares each dish in front of you.
People flock here for the blend of Japanese food,
lively atmosphere and great service.
IMAHAN - SUKIYAKI
2-2-5 Asakusa Taito-ku
ANAGO RYORI: MASUMI
Hokutoyotsua Building 1F,
11-2 Arakicho, Shinjuku-ku
GONPACHI
1/F & 2/F, 1-13-11 Nishi- Azabu,
Minato-ku
LES CREATIONS DE NARISAWA
2-6-15 Minami-Aoyama, Minato-ku
Imahan is famous for its Japanese steamboat dishes
Sukiyaki (sweeter) and Shabushabu (more savoury).
However it also has a good Kaiseki menu, and is
conveniently located next to the Senso-ji Temple for
those in need of a good meal amid their cultural
touring.
Arguably the best restaurant to enjoy salt-water eel,
enjoy the highly- refined dishes in a Japanese
atmosphere.
Though Gonpachi specialises in yakitori, the
restaurant also serves sushi, and is consistently well
reviewed by our members. They have a few
branches, and we especially recommend the one in
Nishi-Azabu – previous Prime Minister Koizumi is
often spotted here, as has President G.W. Bush.
Founding Chef Yoshihiro Narisawa trained from the
age of 19 under Paul Bocuse and Joel Robuchon.
Awarding Les Creations de Narisawa the best
restaurant in Asia since 2009.
NIGHTLIFE
f.BAR
Fukao Bldg. 1F, 1-4-5
Azabu Juban, Minato-ku
MAMEMARU
Marunouchi Park Bldg.
Bricksquare 3F, 2-6-1
Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku
XEX BAR - ATAGO HILLS
42/F Atago Green Hills
Mori Tower, 2-5-1 Atago,
Minato-ku
BLUE NOTE JAZZ CLUB
6-3-16 Leica Bldg. MinamiAoyama Minato-ku Tokyo
ESTADO PRIVATE
KARAOKE
4F Ginza 888 Building,
Ginza 8-8-8, Chuo-ku
VANITY LOUNGE
Roi Bldg. 13F 5-5-1
Roppongi, Minato-ku
The newest and hottest addition to the bar and nightlife scene, f.Bar is
located right next to club Warehouse702. Managed by Fashion TV,
f.Bar attracts a model crowd with a lounge-like atmosphere imported
straight from the west.
Mamemaru is a classic bar/restaurant with a Kyoto-style twist. Serving
drinks and small traditional Japanese dishes, Mamemaru also holds
Geisha Night on specific evenings where, by reservation, groups can
enjoy real Kyoto-style geisha entertainment.
One of the city’s best scenic bars, overlooking Rainbow Bridge and
Tokyo Tower. It is located in Atago, 10 minutes from Roppongi, and
serves excellent Italian and Japanese food.
World-class performers, from jazz artists to top performers of various
genres, gather at this direct branch of New York’s Blue Note. Along
with the delicious food and drinks, it offers a special place of escape
for music-lovers.
With offshoots in both Ginza and Roppongi, the Ginza Estado is
rumoured to be the most expensive and luxurious karaoke venue in
town. Every grand suite room is oozes luxury and is ridiculously
relaxing.
Undoubtedly the hottest and newest spot in all of Tokyo, Vanity
Lounge finally brings a lounge style atmosphere to the heart of
Roppongi. Located on the top floor of Roppongi’s Roi building, the
venue instils feelings of cool and calm thanks to the glamorous decor
and fresh electro-pop twists. Party at the newest spot while
overlooking the city from one of the many decadent VIP rooms.
NIGHTLIFE
LE BARON DE PARIS
Aoyama Center Building B1F, 38-40 Minami-Aoyama, Minatoku
FERIA
B1F 7-13-7 Roppongi
Minato-ku
FESTA
1-2F Amerex Bldg., 3-5-7
Azabudai, Minato-ku
KARAOKE 47
Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo,
2-2-1 Nishi-Shinjuku,
Shinjuku-Ku
SMASH HITS
B1F M2Bldg., 5-2-26
Hiroo, Shibuya-ku
JAN KEN PON
1-4-5 Ebisu-nishi,
Shibuya-ku
With secret VIP karaoke rooms and a chic, red lighted interior, Le
Baron attracts a sophisticated posh crowd.
Housed in a four story building in Roppongi, Feria is undoubtedly one
of the iconoclastic foreign clubs in Tokyo. Feria always attracts a
diverse international crowd with its mix of music, great lounge spaces,
and an open air sofa area on the top floor.
The Roppongi District is famous for its access to karaoke boxes, and
each venue offers something unique for each of its visitors. After a
long day of meetings, treat your colleagues to an upscale karaoke
experience at Festa. A bottle of free wine is available for parties of
four or more, singers can choose from 200+ costumes to match their
performance, and participants even have the opportunity to purchase
a CD recording of their singing endeavor.
An incredible view of Shinjuku perfectly compliments your karaoke
session at Karaoke 47.Just because you are inside for karaoke,
doesn’t mean you can’t do a little site seeing as well. Located on the
47th floor of the Keio Plaza Hotel, each of Karaoke 47‘s karaoke
rooms offers a panoramic view of Tokyo.
For a truly international, family-friendly treat, visit Smash Hits in
Hiroo (Shibuya). The karaoke box specializes in music from Sweden,
Finland, Italy and Greece; offers free admission for children ages 718, and paying adults receive two comped drinks and free karaoke.
As one of the largest karaoke boxes in Tokyo, Smash Hits is also an
option for some much needed client bonding time.
Our final choice is not for the faint of heart. Unlike most karaoke
boxes, Jan Ken Pon provides a very talented live band to compliment
your vocal skills. For approximately $20, this karaoke hotspot may
be one of the most affordable and memorable locations for you to
sport your best Cher or Jon Bon Jovi renditions.
WELLBEING
SPA GUEST HOUSE
SHINJUKU
Located in Shinjuku is a serene and calming spa offering a wide array
of holistic treatments ranging from total body treatments to body
wraps, scrubs and Balneo therapy.
1-5-11 Shinjuku Sanyou Bldg.
1F, Nishi Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku
ARMANI SPA GINZA TOWER
Armani Ginza Tower, 5-5-4
Ginza, Chuo-ku
MIZUKI SPA
1-9-1 Higashi-Shinbashi,
Minato-ku
NAGOMI SPA
Grand Hyatt Tokyo, 6-10-3
Roppongi, Minato-ku
YU, THE SPA – FOUR
SEASONS HOTEL TOKYO
Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at
Chinzan-so, 2-10-8 Sekiguchi,
Bunkyo-ku
This highly exclusive luxury spa is located in the flagship Armani Tower
in Ginza. Original treatments using Obsidian minerals combine with the
breathtakingly gorgeous and relaxing interiors to create a new and
chic spa experience.
The Conrad Tokyo Luxury Hotel houses the Mizuki Spa, the largest of
its kind in Tokyo. Covering more than 1,400 square meters on the
29th floor, the Mizuki Spa offers a very luxurious and relaxing
environment to escape from the city.
Located in the Grand Hyatt Tokyo, unlike its exterior, the Nagomi Spa
is set in extremely warm and relaxing earthly tones. With a wide
range of massage and body treatments and packages, this fabulous
spa provides traditional spa techniques with a Japanese touch of
relaxation.
YU, THE SPA is located in the Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Chinzan-so
and is designed using a calm, oriental garden theme. With regular
and VIP packages, Vichy showers, and a wide range of treatment
packages (even multi-day retreats), YU, THE SPA is bound to help you
loosen those stressful knots.
WHERE TO SHOP
GINZA AREA
Ginza is the most famous high-net worth area in Tokyo. Home to many
flagship stores with fabulously outrageous architecture, this location is
filled with luxury shops, restaurants and entertainment aimed squarely
at the big spenders. Namiki-Dori is the name of the famous street in
Ginza where many high-brand boutiques such as Hermes, Ferragamo,
Fendi, Max Mara, Cartier, Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Christian Dior,
Valentino, Emilio Pucci, Coach and Bulgari can be found.
HAKUHINHAN
This is the biggest and best toy shop in Tokyo. Over six floors lies a
veritable treasure trove of puzzles, games, stickers, dolls… the list
goes on. The top floor is home to the Hakuhinkan theatre, which shows
musicals and plays.
8-8-11, Ginza, Chuo-ku
OMOTESANDO
Harajuku
ROPPONGI HILLS
6-10-1, Roppongi, Minato-ku
Omotesando is the name of a large street in Harajuku and an upscale
shopping area. There are several high-end brand shops along the
street, such as Gucci, Dolce & Gabbana, Louis Vuitton, Burberry and
Fendi, as well as the impressive structural glass Prada store.
This is a luxury shopping and entertainment complex with many fashion
and jewellery boutiques. There are also a range of international
stories such as Louis Vuitton, Zara, Max Mara, Anna Sui, Issei Miyake
and Diesel. The Tokyo City View, situated on the top floors of the Mori
building, offers the most impressive 360 degree panoramic view of
Tokyo, second only to the fantastic helicopter cruises you can take in
the city. On a clear day, you can see out to Yokohama, the Tokyo Bay
and even snow-capped Mt. Fuji in the distance.