Latest news with #AmanTokyo
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Travel + Leisure
06-07-2025
- Travel + Leisure
I've Lived in Tokyo for 20 Years—These Are the 15 Things You Should Do When You Visit
The greater Tokyo metropolitan area spans over 5,000 square miles by some estimates. To put that in perspective, all five boroughs of New York City put together are only about 300 square miles. Needless to say, it's a lot of ground to cover. To help you make the most of a visit to this endless sprawl, I've distilled my experience from over 20 years of living here into a list of 15 unmissable experiences that will give you a feel for Tokyo's singular culture and style. Here are 15 of the top things to do in Tokyo, according to a local. View of Mt. Fuji at sunset. Jackyenjoyphotography/Getty Images Although it's two prefectures over, Japan's iconic mountain is visible from the capital in the right conditions. On a clear, low-humidity day, the solitary volcanic cone looms in the west, emerging as a stark evening silhouette when the sun dips behind its bulk. A few high rises in town offer a nice vantage point, including the free observatory at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, but I prefer the swish lounge at Aman Tokyo, where you can appreciate Fuji-san with live koto music and a glass of Bollinger Champagne. Beer pouring into a mug in front of several dishes. Izakaya , often translated as Japanese pubs, are casual eateries with an emphasis on drinks and shareable plates of food. They run the gamut from ancient, beer-soaked venues with overturned sake crates for seats to sleek, modern gastropubs with elevated tapas and curated wine lists, but whatever the venue, the atmosphere when the room gets crowded and boozy is as raucous and chummy as Tokyo gets. You'll find izakaya everywhere, but some of my favorites are Ginza's Uokin Honten, where the cheap and plentiful fish dishes attract huge crowds; Shinjuku's Nihonshu Genka Sakegura, a sake specialist with 50+ bottles on offer; and Shimokitazawa's Shirubee, a venerable haunt serving savory oden. A young woman shopping a thrift store in Shimokitazawa. Shimokitazawa is a grungy counter-culture neighborhood in western Tokyo famed for its live music scene and boho thrift shops. It's a part of town that has mostly resisted large-scale development, retaining the winding alleyways and tiny plots of the post-war city. Even if you aren't much of a shopper, spending a day wandering those narrow lanes and seeing what young Tokyoites are purchasing in their ever-evolving quest for self-expression is an immersion in Japan's fashion culture. My recommendations are Flash Disc Ranch for LPs, Soma for vintage sneakers, and RAGTAG for designer labels. Visitors at Meji Shrine in Tokyo. Manorath Naphaphone/Travel + Leisure The importance of shrines and temples to the cultural life of Tokyo can't be overstated. They also provide much-needed green spaces for rest and reflection amid the concrete jungle. Shibuya's Meiji Jingu and Asakusa's Senso-ji are the city's largest and most popular shrine and temple, respectively, but peaceful Gotokuji in the western suburbs is worth a trip. It claims to be the origin of Japan's maneki-neko beckoning cat statues, and you'll find them all over the grounds, as well as carved into the 17th-century pagoda. The dining room in Sezanne. Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts Tokyo is famously the reigning king of Michelin cities, boasting 251 stars across 194 restaurants. This naturally includes a lot of sushi and kaiseki powerhouses like Harutaka and RyuGin, and the city is also home to incredible contemporary French fare, with long-time favorites like L'Effervescence and Quintessence. Many of these restaurants have maintained their stars for over a decade, but I favor some of the newer additions like Sézanne, crowned with a third star this year, and MAZ, a boundary-busting fusion of Peruvian tradition and Japanese ingredients. A scenic pond in Shinjuku Gyoen. Shinjuku Gyoen is a massive park run by the city of Tokyo, and it's one of the few in town with well-tended grass that you can actually lay on. Like in New York's Central Park, locals love to bring a blanket and sprawl on the springy turf, canoodling, reading books, and snoozing beneath the skyline. There's a strict no-alcohol policy, but you can bring your own food and non-boozy drinks. I suggest a veggie-loaded sarnie from nearby & sandwich. and a post-picnic kip. A person holding up a microphone in front of a karaoke joints are a ubiquitous part of the Tokyo cityscape. No wonder, because they are an absolute blast! Unlike the anxiety-inducing open-mic bars common in the U.S., these are floors and floors of private rooms where no one but your friends has to hear you drunkenly warble through "Bohemian Rhapsody." Many places even supply costumes and hand percussion instruments. You'll find a karaoke place near pretty much any station, but try resort-themed Karaoke Pasela in Shibuya for wacky themed rooms, some of which have city views. A bartender passing a first cocktail bars emerged in 19th-century Yokohama at foreign-run waterfront hotels that served a largely foreign clientele. The scene has come a long way since then, with Japanese bartenders lauded as some of the world's best drawing on local spirits and produce for their original creations. At the fancy end of the spectrum, you have elegant Zen escapes like Gen Yamamoto, where seasonal craft cocktails are given the omakase treatment and served in custom flights. More toward the rowdy end are the closet-sized bars of Shinjuku's Golden Gai, a warren of grungy alleys home to snug drinking holes with obscure themes and idiosyncratic bartender-owners. Small Residential and Shopping Street in Tokyo's Yanaka Neighbourhood. GrahamShitamachi is a term that's hard to define, but think of it as something like 'old town.' Most old towns are singular districts, but Tokyo's historic streetscape survives in disparate pockets, defined by narrow, winding alleys of two-story homes and workshops that lack gardens or other buffer zones between building and street. Even in these cramped circumstances, residents of the shitamachi create beauty, lining the curbs with flowerpots and other small decorations that make for atmospheric strolling. The shitamachi neighborhoods of Yanaka and Ningyocho are good places to immerse yourself in this retro atmosphere. Monjayaki being cooked on a judge a book by its cover here, because I've sometimes described monja's liquid mix of cabbage, dashi, and flour as looking like vomit on a hot plate. I swear it's actually quite tasty, and scooping it straight from the griddle to your mouth with the tiny metal spatula provided tickles the childish desire to play with your food. The island of Tsukishima in eastern Tokyo is the place to try this quirky dish as there are about 80 specialty restaurants clustered on one lantern-lit street. Venerable Moheji has four stores there, so you can nearly always find a seat for their signature mentaiko and mochi version. Interior of a public bath in Tokyo, Japan. Oleksandr Rupeta/NurPhoto via Getty Images Bathing culture is big in Japan, and before most houses had indoor plumbing, people got sudsy at the public bath or sento . These neighborhood businesses are undergoing a minor renaissance today, still frequented by local grannies and grandpas for whom it's a social center but also increasingly by young people drawn by the retro design. For the old-school experience, try Takenoyu. For something a bit more polished, try recently renovated Komaeyu, which has added craft beer and tacos to the experience. An exhibit inside the Meguro Parasitological Museum in Tokyo. Lars Nicolaysen/picture alliance via Getty Images There's plenty for the art lover in Tokyo, from the classic grandeur of the Tokyo National Museum and the other old-school facilities around Ueno Park to the sleek new teamLab digital art spaces. There are also some really niche museums where a curator has followed their passion to the nth degree, like the Small Worlds Miniature Museum, where entire real-world neighborhoods and even Kansai Airport are recreated in minute detail with moving parts, or the ick-inducing but fascinating Meguro Parasitological Museum. Tokyo has museums dedicated to kites, tattoos, love dolls, printing technology, luggage, children's games, and more. You'll definitely learn something, even if it's just about the power of obsession. Shohei Ohtani up to bat as the Dodgers play in the MLB Tokyo Series. Japanese baseball is a can't-miss cultural experience thanks to the enthusiastic cheering section at games. These die-hard fans memorize songs, dances, and individual cheers for each player to keep the energy high, and their antics are at least as interesting as the action on the field. The greater Tokyo area is home to five teams, so there's almost always a game on—and you might even see the next Shohei Ohtani. Participants enjoying a sake brewery a drink brewed from rice, water, and koji mold, is not only the national drink of Japan but also a staple of Japanese cooking. Learn more about how an infinite complexity of brews is coaxed out of those three simple ingredients by touring a brewery. While Tokyo isn't known as a sake production area, breweries Toshimaya and Ozawa operate in the western suburbs and offer tours and tastings with reservations. A person pouring tea into a tea cup next to a plate filled with small tea is huge in Tokyo, with diners shelling out nearly 90 billion yen each year to nibble scones and petit-fours. That means hotels go all-out to capture a slice of that market, offering regularly changing seasonal sets in plush lounges with enviable views. Some of my favorite venues are Janu Tokyo's outdoor garden terrace, where Tokyo Tower dominates the scene, and the sky-high lounge at Mandarin Oriental Tokyo, whose classic elegance and endless scones keep me coming back.
Business Times
23-04-2025
- Business Times
Driving ‘zero waste' in Bali
Hotels have been flying the sustainability flag for years, with varying levels of commitment. But even before 'zero-waste' became a buzzword, Desa Potato Head in Bali, one of the trendiest beach clubs in the world, was already focused on the environment. In 2023, the eco-luxury resort clinched a spot in the World's 50 Best Hotels annual list – alongside iconic locations such as Raffles Singapore, Aman Tokyo and Claridge's in London. But what is less known is the fact that it has taken its own plastic ban and compost kitchens a step further, to become a working model of eco-hospitality. For example, it produces only 0.5 per cent landfill waste, and runs a zero-waste restaurant – a claim few other garlanded hotels can make. In this week's BT Lifestyle, we visit the property in Bali and learn more about how style, nightlife and serious waste management can not only co-exist under the same roof, but actually thrive. In Health, we ask the question: Is irritable bowel syndrom (IBS) simply caused by stress and not a 'real' condition? This being IBS Awareness month, we explore both the misconceptions and science behind this complex gut-brain disorder, and whether exercise and diet can bring it under control. In Arts, get a sneak peek at the upcoming production of Macbeth, the latest Shakespeare in the Park production to take place at Fort Canning. And in Dining, we see if Tempura Ensei, the Singapore outpost of a 120-year-old Edo-style tempura restaurant in Japan, lives up to its ancient reputation. For all this and more, don't miss BT Lifestyle this week.
Yahoo
19-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Maria Sharapova Celebrates 38th Birthday In Style As She Tours Japan
Maria Sharapova celebrated her 38th birthday on Saturday at a posh and stylish retreat in Tokyo, Japan. She was also kind enough to give her fans on Instagram a preview of how she spent the special occasion. The five-time Grand Slam champion uploaded an in-gym mirror selfie early that morning, with the message, "The only jet lag I accept is in Tokyo. And if it's at a gym at 5:30 am, preferably the @aman_tokyo," showcasing her fitness-conscious routine regardless of the occasion and her holiday destination. Maria Sharapova's love affair with Japan continued, where she has been a frequent visitor during her career and in retirement. Her decision to stay at the upscale Aman Tokyo hotel speaks to her love of the city's importance of tradition and modernity. Advertisement Fans and peers from the tennis community also celebrated her birthday by pouring her birthday greetings through social media. The official X (formerly Twitter) account for the Australian Open posted, "I love Australia! Happy birthday, @MariaSharapova," along with a video reel of her memorable Australian Open experiences. The Tennis Letter also offered birthday wishes in the form of a tweet, stating, "Happy Birthday to Maria Sharapova." The U.S. Open also posted a special video for Maria, remembering her iconic and fond memories at Flushing Meadows. Meanwhile, fan accounts such as @NewsSharapova also sent greeting messages, calling her "an incredible human being." Sharapova will be inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in August as part of the Class of 2025. She is one of 10 women to have won the career Grand Slam. As she continues to navigate her post-tennis life, Sharapova remains a source of inspiration with her commitment to health, world travel and multiple businesses, extending the lasting legacy she has created both on and off the tennis court.
Trade Arabia
27-02-2025
- Business
- Trade Arabia
Aman Nai Lert Bangkok to open on April 2
Aman Nai Lert Bangkok, a new urban sanctuary following in the footsteps of Aman Tokyo and Aman New York, will open in the Thai capital on April 2. Located in the oasis of Nai Lert Park amid the embassies of Lumpini, the property rests in green seclusion, a haven of calm amid the leafy embrace of the privately owned park. The 52-suite hotel will be home to an exclusive Aman Club, with its own dedicated spaces, a 1,500-sq-mAman Spa & Wellness centre and multiple dining and socialising venues alongside exceptional branded residences. With reservations now open for stays from April 2, Aman Nai Lert Bangkok brings the brand full circle from its 1988 launch of flagship property Amanpuri in Phuket and will provide a gateway to Aman's 24 hotels and resorts in Asia. The 36th property in the Aman collection, and its third global urban property, Aman Nai Lert Bangkok epitomises every aspect of the brand's hospitality and revered DNA of peace, privacy and unparallelled service. Chief among the tapestry of influences informing the hotel, is the historic Nai Lert Park Heritage Home, owned by the Nai Lert family, who, in addition to being Aman's partner on the project, have an unrivalled legacy in Bangkok. Over the decades the trees and gardens have grown, creating the lush oasis that is the park today, with hotel harmoniously juxtaposing old and new, within nature's timeless embrace. Perfectly placed to ensure an immersive experience of all the city has to offer, Aman Nai Lert Bangkok will provide signature experiences unveiling Bangkok's best-kept cultural and culinary secrets. Speaking about the property Vlad Doronin, Chairman and CEO of Aman Group, said: 'Thailand has played a significant role in the history of our brand and the latest evolution, Aman Nai Lert Bangkok, will offer a unique connection to the rich heritage of the city. This is enhanced by our close collaboration with the Nai Lert family, in particular Naphaporn 'Lek' Bodiratnangkura who's involvement and support has ensured the property reflects the legacy of its incredible location. Further, Aman Nai Lert Bangkok represents another milestone in our long-term vision to introduce the exceptional Aman experience to urban destinations as well as providing a strategic link to our properties across Asia.' Aman Nai Lert Bangkok will introduce Aman's trademark serenity to an area renowned for its energy. Long-time Aman collaborator, Jean-Michel Gathy of Denniston architects has designed the hotel to integrate details of the century-old Nai Lert Park Heritage Home with contemporary elements. In addition, custom-made products by local artisans and antiques honour the elegance and simplicity of Aman's emblematic design ethos. Symbolic of the genesis of the hotel, a central feature is the majestic, 100-year-old Sompong tree dictating the building's root-framing courtyard and its striking elliptical void. A contemporary urban sanctuary in a sprawling metropolis, the restaurant and gathering spaces will sit across the two distinct floors. From the ground level entrance with its carved roofline, lifts rise to the 9th floor, crowned with a light-filled central atrium and reception area. Located on the same level will be the convivial 1872 lounge bar and signature Italian restaurant, Arva. On the same floor, poolside bar, The Pool, spills onto the east-facing terrace and the hotel's infinity swimming pool overlooks the green canopy of Nai Lert Park. On the 19th floor, exclusive to Aman Club Founders, is an open-air terrace with skyline views, as well as two restaurants, an atmospheric Aman Lounge, and Cigar Bar. In addition, Founders will also have access to the hotel's state-of-the-art wellness facilities. The Aman Spa & Wellness, spanning two floors will house both a medical clinic, operated by renowned experts Hertitude Clinic, and an Aman Spa. The Medical Spa by Hertitude Clinic will include eight private clinic rooms, one examination room, an IV Lounge and cryotherapy chamber. On a separate floor, the Aman Spa will offer an extensive range of hydrotherapy facilities and movement spaces. Treatments will take place across six spa therapy rooms, a dedicated Thai massage treatment room, and the unique private Banya Spa House. Situated on floors 11 through 18, the hotel's 52 suites will be among the largest in the city, starting at 94 sq m . Floor-to-ceiling windows frame park and city views. Encompassing an entire floor, the Aman Suite is one of the largest presidential suites in Bangkok, offering up to 713 sq m and three bedrooms with a balcony and terrace, dining room with bar counter and separate kitchen, spacious living room, private spa, entertainment room, and dedicated study. – TradeArabia News Service
