The tranquil side of Tokyo
TOKYO is one of the world’s most electric cities but it can also be a haven of peace, if you know where to look.
Stellar
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TOKYO is famous for its crowded streets, neon signs and cat cafes. But underneath the big-city clamour, is a calm underbelly. The Westin Tokyo is a haven of peace located in the central suburb of Ebisu. Walking through the front doors, you are greeted by the scent of White Tea and an army of friendly staff.
The lobby is designed to refresh your senses with floral arrangements put together by world-renowned florist, Jane Packer. When I arrive, there is a horse and carriage waiting out the front to pick up a guest. When I check out, they’re building a pop up garden in the middle of the foyer.
Outside, the hotel is surrounded by a lush garden designed by internationally acclaimed landscape artist Mr. Kazuyuki Ishihara who has won several gold medals at the Chelsea Flower Show. Follow the stepping-stones and sound of flowing water to find the garden’s main attraction, a waterfall. Is there anything more calming than the splashing of a waterfall? Perhaps the sipping of a green tea: which you can enjoy in The Lobby Lounge overlooking The Westin Garden.
The Compass Rose lounge sits on the 22nd floor with a view over Tokyo’s skyline. Here you can listen to live Jazz music with a craft gin martini in your hand. The bartenders prepare cocktails with the unique method of spinning ice in a glass.
On the other side of the 22nd floor is the Teppanyaki restaurant Yebisu, serving a signature beef from the South of Japan. Prepared by Executive Chef Toshio Numajiri, the Yebisu Beef is famous for its tenderness and light aftertaste. On a clear day, you can eat your beef with a side serving of Japan’s highest peak, Mt Fuji, in the background.
The Westin is close enough to the nearby districts of Harajuku and Shinjuku to venture out for a matcha soft serve ice cream, but far enough away to escape the mayhem of a robot cabaret. Whether you’re wearing a cotton robe in your over sized room or sipping champagne in your bath, the Westin Tokyo is the quiet space you need after elbowing your way through the crowds of the CBD. Check in and rest up.
Traditional Rooms at the Westin Tokyo start from $909: starwoodhotels.com
Originally published as The tranquil side of Tokyo
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