What kicked off as an adventure through Japan ended in a travel nightmare for a group of 31 high school students, teachers, and parents.
30.07.2023 - 03:51 / forbes.com
When visiting Tokyo, it’s key to book a luxurious hotel that feels like a serene retreat removed from the crowds. After all, Japan’s sprawling capital is populated by 37 million people, making it the single largest city in the world.
From the moment guests enter the lobby of the Mandarin Oriental Tokyo, on the 38th floor of the Nihonbashi Mitsui Tower, the serenity of the space and the breathtaking bird’s eye views of the Tokyo skyline and Mt. Fuji make them feel instantly transported above the bustling streets and sidewalks.
That sense of tranquility is a thread that runs through every aspect of the luxury hotel’s lofty spaces, from the ultra-luxe and spacious guest rooms to the sleek restaurants and bars. Combined with a contemporary spa that is nominated as Japan's Best Hotel Spa in this year’s World Spa Awards, and it’s easy to see why Mandarin Oriental Tokyo is the perfect perch to call home during a stay in the dynamic city of Tokyo.
Location
The hotel is perched high up on the upper floors of the Nihonbashi Mitsui Tower, in the city’s prestigious Nihonbashi financial district.
Architecture and Decór
Crisp, contemporary furniture and decór, with sumptuous linens, rugs, textiles, and artwork rooted in Japanese design.
Highlights
Accommodations
179 guest rooms and suites are located between the 30th and 36th floors of the sleek, 38-story Nihonbashi Mitsui Tower. Every category feels spacious and airy, ranging from about 535 to 650 square feet for rooms, and 965 to a staggering 2,700 square feet for the capacious suites.
All are well-appointed with luxe goose down bedding, walk-in showers and soaking tubs, bluetooth speakers, Natura Bissé toiletries, and both comfy bathrobes and gorgeous patterned kimonos.
Spa
The contemporary spa has nine treatment rooms (including four suites and a Spa Studio), and offers Asian and Western-inspired treatments. Totally Tokyo offers a relaxing sensory tour through five Japanese elements: green tea, pine, bamboo, rice bran, and plum. And the opulent 24-Karat Age-Defying Facial uses actual gold leaf to restore and refine skin.
Even if you don’t book a service, be sure to make an appointment to visit the spa for a water therapy session so you can cycle through the pools and sauna while taking in panoramic views of the city skyline.
Dining
The hotel offers a huge array of options for dining and drinks, including an intimate nine-seat sushi counter, French fine dining, upscale Cantonese, and even a casual, family-friendly pizza bar. On the ground level, there’s also a handy shop serving coffee, pastries, and sandwiches to stay or to go.
On-Site Bar and Dining Options:
• Signature French Fine Dining
• Sense Cantonese Dining
• Tapas Molecular Bar
• Sushi Shin
What kicked off as an adventure through Japan ended in a travel nightmare for a group of 31 high school students, teachers, and parents.
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