Mesm Tokyo, Autograph Collection is located near the waterfront – within the new WATERS Takeshiba Precinct in the special ward of Minato City. It is easily accessible to Tokyo Station and Shinagawa station, shopping and entertainment areas.

The urban luxury hotel’s name comes from the word “mesmerize”. And the property certainly captivates with its 265 excellently appointed rooms including suites with magnificent views of the traditional Hama-rikyu Gardens.

For dining experiences, The Chef’s Theatre is a French restaurant that reimagines European dishes using the finest Japanese ingredients. Over at Whisk, the trendy downtown bar invites you to indulge in handcrafted cocktails and specialty Japanese Sarutahiko coffee. And if you must (after all the wining and dining), burn some calories  and work out on state-of-the-art equipment at the 24-hour fitness centre.

Find out more: Mesm Tokyo, Autograph Collection

After a day out shopping and dining, head back to relax at Tokyo Edition Toranomon. Occupying level 31-36 within Tokyo World Gate mixed-use skyscraper, the hotel is conveniently located near the subway stations of Kamiyacho, Roppongi-Itchome and Toranomon. It has 206 rooms, including 22 suites and several rooms with private terraces affording unobstructed views of Tokyo Tower and Tokyo Bay.

The lobby bar is a place for visitors to work, network and unwind. The Gold Bar transforms from a relaxed lounge during the day (offering an afternoon Japanese tea ceremony with a twist, and an all-day food menu), to a sophisticated cocktail bar in the evenings. Here you can sip original custom cocktails as well as an extensive variety of sake.

The restaurants here are helmed by renowned British chef Tom Aikens; this is his first foray into Japan. The well-appointed Jade Room features an original bespoke menu, and on the outdoor terrace is an unexpected ‘Sky Garden’ where guests are transported from the dynamic city streets to a beautifully serene oasis.

For some pampering, head to the tranquil spa whose treatments use products sourced and made in Japan. There’s also a 24-hour gym powered by Technogym, as well as swimming pool and Jacuzzi, both bathed in natural light from a skylight window above.

Find out more: The Tokyo Edition

Located in Urayasu city in Chiba Prefecture, this recently refurbished urban resort offers panoramic views of Tokyo Bay. It is close to top attractions such as Tokyo Disney Resort, the entertainment and shopping district of Odaiba, and Makuhari Messe, one of Japan’s largest convention centres. The property is just 30 minutes by train or car from central Tokyo.

The hotel features 350 rooms, including 10 spacious suites and 40 club rooms on the ninth floor and above. Many guestrooms afford beautiful water views. The Regency Club lounge on the ground floor offers exclusive experiences for guests staying in a suite or club rooms.

Food-wise there’s plenty of options. Sushi Ema is a traditional Edomae sushi restaurant where guests can enjoy carefully selected seasonal ingredients. At Teppanyaki Fukitei, chefs prepare meals with premium Matsusaka beef, seafood and seasonal vegetables. Meanwhile international cuisine with a European flair can be enjoyed at The Garden Brasserie & Bar. And in the evenings, The Rooftop Bar overlooking Tokyo Bay is an ideal spot to enjoy a cocktail or wine.

Find out more: Hyatt Regency Tokyo Bay

Design and architecture fans will be captivated by this unique boutique hotel in Karuizawa, a tranquil resort town about an hour by train from Tokyo (take the shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Karuizawa Station followed by a 10- minute taxi ride).

Opened in April 2022, Shishi-Iwa House (SSH No.2) has 12 stunning rooms, a restaurant, and a wine and whisky bar. This is an extension of the original SSH No.1 which boasts 11 rooms, a reading library and the Grand Room, a sizeable gathering space. In 2023, SSH No.3 will be launched with 11 rooms and a spa and onsen bath house. The first two houses are designed by Shigeru Ban and the third by Ryue Nishizawa; both well-respected architects are Pritzker prize recipients.

The restaurant here is helmed by executive chef Masashi Okamoto who creates special menus based on seasonal ingredients sourced almost entirely from the local Nagano region. To have a pre-dinner drink or nightcap, make your way to the bar which stocks a range of rare Japanese whiskies and fine wines.

Besides relaxing in the property, there are various monthly hotel programmes and experiences curated for guests. They can also spend their days exploring the surrounding areas. Located five minutes’ walk from the hotel is Sezon Museum of Modern Art, housing one of the best contemporary art collections in Japan. Architectural buffs can stroll down the street to the unique Uchimura Kanzo Stone church. Sengataki Onsen hot spring, a local favourite, is 10 minutes’ walk from the hotel. For nature and forest bathing at its best, the picturesque Sengataki park and waterfall is five minutes’ drive away. Meanwhile, Ginza Street at Kyu Karuizawa is where one can find local produce like jams, rice crackers, souvenirs, and art and craft.

Find out more: Shish-Iwa House Karuizawa

Motorsports enthusiasts can check in to this new hotel in Shizuoka, about 80 minutes by car from Tokyo. It is the first property of the Unbound Collection by the Hyatt in Japan. The hotel overlooks breath-taking views of Mount Fuji and the Fuji Speedway race circuit which hosts world class racing events. This is one of several attractions in the new Fuji Motorsports Forest project developed by the Toyota Group which offer a distinctive experience where motorsports meet luxury hospitality.

The 120-room hotel also houses the Fuji Motor Sports Museum which showcases about 40 racing cars dating from the end of the 19th century – at this exclusive space, guests can learn and be immersed in the history and culture of this exciting sport.

Meanwhile, guests can dine at Trofeo, an all-day Italian trattoria-style eatery with outdoor terraces. Or at Robata Oyama, which offers an interactive Japanese dining experience where fresh produce are grilled at the central show kitchen. Bar 4563 is a speakeasy-style bar whose menu includes crafted cocktails and a range of premium Japanese whisky.

Finally relax at the Omika Wellness & Spa, a sanctuary that includes an indoor pool, a spa, indoor and outdoor hot spring onsens, and fitness centre. The latter boasts a state-of-the-art driving simulator designed for professional race car drivers, but accessible for guests.

Find out more: Fuji Speedway Hotel

Text: Amy Van/The Peak

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