Since we’ve been away from Tokyo, the city has been busy adding to its already-brimming food and drinks, arts and hotel scenes. Japan’s capital city has welcomed a new Michelin star ramen restaurant, an immersive art experience that’ll let you smell the scent of 13,000 orchids and a sake bar serving a version of the drink using a brewing technique created in 1928 — and that’s just the start.
From shopping in a 12-storey single store, to dining at a restaurant that mashes up Japanese cuisine with Italian, ahead, we round up some of our favourite new experiences to add to your itinerary next time you’re in Tokyo, Japan.
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Walk Through Water Installations
teamLab ‘Planets Tokyo’ is the latest immersive experience launched by teamLab. ‘Planets Tokyo’ sees guests walk through water installations and take in the scents of 13,000 real orchids that ‘react’ by making space for visitors to walk around. Michelin-starred restaurant Vegan Ramen UZU Tokyo has also opened on-site, dishing up bowls of signature flower ramen.
Sip Wakayama Sake
Established in 1928 in Wakayama Prefecture, legendary sake brewery Heiwa Shuzou has opened the doors to Heiwa Doburoku Brewery. The venue offers up a modern take on the classic Japanese drink in the heart of Tokyo’s Nihonbashi district.
Taste Michelin-Starred Ramen
Ginza Hachigo is the latest ramen bar in Tokyo to be awarded a Michelin Star. The newest member of the exclusive Michelin-starred ramen club, Ginza Hachigo’s beautifully complex soup is clear, flavourful, and made by boiling down Nagoya Cochin, a mix of chicken, duck, scallops, dried tomatoes, shiitake mushrooms, konbu (seaweed), heirloom onions and cured ham.
Shop at a 12-Storey Store
The massive Uniqlo Ginza flagship has had a refit. The 12-storey store is now one of Ginza’s biggest shopping destinations. Additions include a ‘custom-order salon’, where you can get measured for a perfect-fitting suit, and a Uniqlo Coffee on the 12th floor that’ll feature the brand’s exclusive blends alongside cookies from revered bakery Ginza West.
Tuck Into a ‘Parmigiana That Wants to be Ramen’
Tokyo’s Gucci Osteria da Massimo Bottura has finally opened in Ginza. After many pandemic-induced delays, the restaurant is now dishing up a crossover of refined Italian cuisine and local Japanese produce, including a ‘Parmigiana that wants to be a ramen’.
Eat Peruvian Fine Dining
The duo behind Central, Kjolle, and Mil in Lima opened Maz in Tokyo’s financial district. If you like to combine your love for travel with unique food experiences, star Peruvian chefs, Virgilio Martinez and Santiago Fernandez, have opened their first fine-dining restaurant in Tokyo.
Tour the Home of the Tokyo Olympics
It’s been over 12 months since the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and Paralympics wrapped up and the baton was passed over to Paris, the host of the 2024 Games. And now, visitors are allowed to tour the Japan National Stadium. The tour lets visitors explore the Tokyo Olympic Stadium at leisure – you can walk the track field, marvel at the Olympic torch, and even stand on the podium used during the Games.
Stay at an ‘Art’ Hotel
Mesm Tokyo offers a ‘lifestyle’ hotel crafted for individualists. Located near the waterfront within the new WATERS Takeshiba Precinct, Mesm Tokyo oozes combines authentic design and Japanese hospitality making the hotel the ideal choice for travellers seeking innovation and creativity in Tokyo. The hotel brings art into nearly every aspect, even going as far as to have a dedicated creative director involved in everything from its staff uniforms to its food and beverage.
People-Watch at a 1920s Bar
Tokyo EDITION in Toranomon features 206 guest rooms, including 22 suites with views of the Tokyo skyline, and three restaurants. Its Gold Bar offers prime people-watching and a drinks list that pays homage to the pre-Prohibition golden age of tipples.
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