If Tokyo were a woman, she’d be one with many sides: structured, hard-working, polite and conservative, but also wild, crazy, colorful and creative. She might head to work in pumps and monotone suit, but let loose with funky makeup, platform shoes and a multicolored wig on the weekends. Tokyo is certainly a city of extremes, which in turn is reflected in it’s world-famous, luxurious side.

Japan is known for impeccable service, great attention to detail, and tremendous respect for the finer things in life… making a taste of Tokyo luxury one that will spoil you for life.

Indulging in the decadent side of Tokyo made us aware of an entirely new level of service and sophistication – one that is truly unique to Japanese traditions.

Our hotel was carefully selected based on its prime location and reputation for being the epitome of Japanese luxury.

Shangri-La Hotel, Tokyo, located beside Tokyo Station and walking distance to many of the up-scale restaurants found in Ginza, is perfectly placed for an extravagant escapade. From the platform at the train station, we were greeted by an attentive, Shangri-La staff member dressed in a red uniform, complete with a cute little hat. She excitedly showed us to the hotel, just next-door, leading us through a grand lobby displaying breathtaking chandeliers. We took the long way to our room, wandering through the hotel’s exclusive collection of artwork.

Our enormous suite, complete with incredible view of downtown Tokyo, was a stunning space! Each day we were surprised with little treats left on our desk – chocolates, green tea cookies and other delicious snacks.

In the evenings, we enjoyed cocktails with views of city lights, wrapped in a plush robe and comfy slippers.

One of the highlights of our stay was time spent at the Horizon Club, where we enjoyed breakfasts, light lunches and snacks throughout the day.

In addition to elite table service, the club makes you feel as if you have your very own concierge! All of our travel arrangements were handled of with great care during our stay. The lounge is quiet and relaxing, also catering to business travelers.  I often made this top-floor space my fancy ‘office for the day’! Why not? I think this could be the best view in all of Tokyo!

From our unforgettable hotel experience, to enjoying the finer things the city has to offer, here are our tips for indulging in Tokyo luxury!

EAT

Kobe Misono
Just the word ‘Kobe’ paints pictures of tender cuts of perfectly marbled beef, from cattle that has been pampered by massages. In the US, you can order Kobe-style beef, which is from the famous Japanese breed, but it’s different from the authentic version in color, cut and flavor. If you fancy a taste of true Japanese Kobe Beef, you’ll need to make your way to Japan.

Tokyo has many Kobe options, but none compare to Kobe Misono. All of their cows can be traced via their lineage, coming from a long line of specific Kobe cattle. Set high on the 51st floor, Kobe Misono has beautiful views enhancing the impeccable dining experience – one that you do pay for. At around $200 a plate for the A5 (highest quality) Kobe, it’s quite a price tag! One that is totally worth it for the best steak you’ll ever put in your mouth.

Nadaman
This first-class restaurant can be found on the 29th floor of Shangri-La Tokyo. The restaurant rivals to set a new standard for dining in Tokyo! Chef Yoshida believes in “respecting tradition while highlighting the flavor of each individual ingredient”.

His creative dishes are renowned for embracing the flavors and textures of traditional Japanese cuisine, while incorporating modern influences. His famous Foie Gras egg custard with truffle sauce, a twist on the traditional Japanese egg custard, is a perfectly delicious example. A meal at Nadaman is one to remember forever. The ambiance is classy and contemporary, with creative motifs that set the tone for your luxury dining experience.

DRINK

New York Bar
The lounge made famous for being in the movie ‘Lost in Translation’, this swanky spot is on the 52nd floor of the Park Hyatt, Tokyo.

The view is spectacular – a perfect place to enjoy live jazz, with performances every night. There is often a cover charge, and the cocktails are pricey, but the experience is one of true Tokyo luxury.

Chardonnay Cigar Bar
A classy cigar lounge serving delicious cocktails and fine wine. Entry to the bar does feel a bit as if you’re entering a basement – though one with elegant lighting and cozy seating.

The walls are adorned with old photos – all famous folks with cigars – helping to set the vibe back to the nostalgic luxury of a decades ago.

Lobby Lounge Shangri-La
The perfect spot for a pre-dinner cocktail or nightcap, of course! The Lobby Lounge at Shangri-La has an exquisite ambiance, centered around an elaborate, crystal, ginkgo-leaf chandelier.

The refined space has a baby grand piano, where you can catch a live show. You can also visit for a fancy, afternoon tea party!

SHOP

The Tokyo shopping scene has it all – creative fashion, luxury department stores, vintage wear, and gadgets that you didn’t even know existed. In Harajuku, creativity runs wild! You’ll find funky, fashion forward styles mixed with vintage boutiques. In Shibuya you’ll find the latest trends and outrageous apparel, while Ginza kicks it up a notch in quality with high-end brands and posh department stores.

For luxury shopping that reaches stratospheric levels, head to Shinjuku for a visit to Isetan – a department store that’s known as The World’s Finest Fashion Museum! Isetan Shinjuku earns the title by providing a shopping experience in an atmosphere more similar to a museum – and one that always surprises. It is famous for having window displays created by leading artists, and offering only the finest apparel lines and edibles, like treats from the French macaroon king Pierre Hermé and Jean-Paul Hévin.

We found the most fascinating items to be individually wrapped fruits – a single white strawberry or square watermelon for around $100 each! Boggles the mind and makes you wonder what such a fancy fruit must taste like!

Have you had a luxurious affair with Tokyo? Share your experience in the comments below! 

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