Tokyo has a way of pulling you forward. Days fill quickly. Trains arrive on time. Even moments meant for rest tend to be scheduled and efficient. One day, I felt the urge to step outside that rhythm. I wasn’t trying to escape the city. Instead, I wanted to experience it differently.

A PRIVATE TEA CEREMONY AT CHINZANSO TOKYO

That search ultimately led me to arrange a private tea ceremony at Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo, one of the city’s most historic and quietly refined properties. I did not choose it for novelty. Instead, I chose it deliberately. I wanted an afternoon shaped by stillness rather than movement, and I wanted to slow down with intention.

Although the Japanese tea ceremony is often described as a social ritual, the experience feels surprisingly inward. Each movement requires focus. Each pause matters. Silence does not need to be filled. Instead, it creates space. In a city defined by momentum, that restraint felt rare and quietly luxurious.

EXPERIENCING A JAPANESE TEA CEREMONY IN A HISTORIC SETTING

Tokyo offers several places where visitors can experience a traditional tea ceremony. At Chinzanso, the ceremony takes place inside one of several historic tea houses scattered across the estate. Meanwhile, the surrounding gardens have evolved quietly over centuries.

As a result, the setting feels rooted rather than curated. The ritual appears to belong exactly where it should be.

THE LEGACY OF SEN NO RIKYU AND THE ORIGINS OF TEA CEREMONY

I chose a tea house designated as a cultural heritage property. It was modeled after the tea house once used by Sen no Rikyu, the master credited with shaping the philosophy of the Japanese tea ceremony.

Rikyu’s influence remains visible in every detail. The proportions of the space and the decor remain restrained in a style described as wabi sabi. Because of this, the emphasis stays on presence rather than display. Everything associated with Rikyu is treated as continuity, not relic.

PREPARING TO ENTER A TRADITIONAL TEA HOUSE

Before entering the tea house, the ceremony begins with preparation. Just outside, at a stone basin, I washed my hands and paused. The action marked a clear boundary. What happened before stayed outside.

Then, I removed my shoes and lowered myself through the narrow entrance, moving on my knees as tradition requires. The low doorway leaves no room for haste. Instead, it dictates the pace. Movements slow. The room grows quieter. Attention narrows to what comes next.

THE MEANING OF ICHI-GO, ICHI-E

Inside, the tea mistress had prepared a single scroll and a simple flower arrangement. Both had been chosen for the day.

I asked what the scroll said.

“Ichi-go ichi-e,” she said. “The rough translation is, “One meeting. One moment”.”

She adjusted the scroll slightly, then looked at the tea bowls lined up beside her.

“These are for this season,” she said. “They wouldn’t be used in winter.”

The bowls were different in shape and texture. One was slightly rough at the rim. Another caught the light more softly. Nothing else was added.

THE OMOTESENKE STYLE OF JAPANESE TEA CEREMONY

At Chinzanso, the ceremony is performed in the Omotesenke style, one of the most traditional schools of Japanese tea. The practitioners here have trained for more than a decade, and their movements reflect that discipline.

As the tea mistress prepared the bowl, I asked how long she had studied.

“More than twelve years,” she said. “And I am still learning.”

I asked what mattered most in the ceremony. She thought for a moment, and then replied: “Doing what comes naturally, and doing what feels right.”

Each gesture existed only because it needed to. Because of this restraint, participating felt less like attending an event. Instead, it felt like entering a lineage.

CHINZANSO GARDENS THROUGH THE SEASONS

Chinzanso changes with the seasons, and each one brings a distinct rhythm to the estate.

In spring, cherry blossoms and azaleas spread across the gardens. By autumn, the hillsides shift into deep shades of red and gold. Even winter feels intentional, with bare branches and quieter paths shaping a different kind of beauty.

During summer, glass wind chimes hang along the garden walkways. Their soft sound cuts through the heat and suggests coolness where there is none. Meanwhile, water runs continuously through the grounds, tracing the same paths it has followed for centuries.

Because of this constant presence of water and greenery, the estate encourages unhurried movement. It offers a reminder that calm can exist even within a city built on motion.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is a Japanese tea ceremony?

A Japanese tea ceremony is a traditional ritual centered on the preparation and sharing of matcha. It is rooted in Zen philosophy and emphasizes mindfulness, simplicity, and presence.

Can foreigners participate in a tea ceremony in Tokyo?

Yes. Several venues welcome international guests. However, historic settings like Chinzanso offer experiences that remain closely tied to tradition.

Why is Chinzanso special for a tea ceremony?

Chinzanso hosts ceremonies inside authentic tea houses set within a former aristocratic estate. This combination creates an unusually immersive experience.

Who was Sen no Rikyu?

Sen no Rikyu was a sixteenth-century tea master who shaped the philosophy and aesthetics of the Japanese tea ceremony. His influence continues today.

Some of the photos used in this article are the properties of Chinzanso Tokyo

A TRAVELIFE RECOMMENDATION

For readers drawn to places that encourage reflection and calm, La Esperanza Granada offers a similarly grounding experience in southern Spain.

Recommended based on guest profiles and Travelife reviews, this private hacienda in Andalusia is known for its privacy, human-scale luxury, and sense of quiet. Solo travelers are warmly welcomed. Many arrive looking not for an itinerary, but for space to slow down.

Surrounded by gardens and mountain views, La Esperanza Granada is often chosen by guests searching for their next meaningful destination. Discover more at La Esperanza Granada. https://www.la-esperanzahotel.com

GUIDE TO THE BEST HOTELS IN TOKYO

Read more about the best luxury hotels in Tokyo in Travelife Magazine

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Tokyo, December 5, 2025

Last night, I stepped once again into my corner of the sky.

Park Hyatt Tokyo hosted its reopening party — the first time for guests to enter since the hotel closed in May 2024. The hotel officially reopens on December 9, but last night a small circle of longtime guests and friends were invited for an early preview of the newly refreshed public spaces.

I’ve stayed here countless times over the years. Moreover, the Park Hyatt Tokyo has been the setting for so many milestones in my life, including birthdays, weddings and anniversaries. I even celebrated the historic end of the 20th century here, at the hotel’s Y2K party on December 31, 1999.

So, last night, walking through those glass doors again felt like returning to a familiar dream — one that had quietly been polished while I was away.

Familiar Elegance, Perfectly Preserved

The most striking thing about the “new” Park Hyatt Tokyo is how unchanged it felt. Everything looked refreshed — brighter, crisper, more refined — and yet I couldn’t find a single thing that looked truly different.

The driveway lobby appeared exactly as I remembered it from day one, more than twenty-five years ago. The same benches around a sculpture in the middle, with the pastry boutique on one side. Even the whimsical bronze sculptures lining the elevator walls were still there, as though waiting for our return.

Upstairs, the Peak Lounge awaited, only slightly changed. The bamboo garden at the center was smaller, leaving space for further growth.

Someone near me smiled and whispered, “Of course, they’ll grow taller.”

That moment captured the spirit of the evening. The same hotel, renewed. Familiar, yet newly alive. Under the steady leadership of General Manager Fredrik Harfors and Director of Rooms Anna Shirshova, Park Hyatt Tokyo has not reinvented itself — it has deepened its identity.

Meanwhile, the long corridor leading toward the main check-in area held its quiet rhythm. The floor-to-ceiling bookshelves from the old version of the Park Hyatt Tokyo were intact, their curated coffee-table collections still perfectly arranged.

Girandole by Alain Ducasse

At Girandole, the hotel’s all-day dining restaurant, the giant black-and-white photo murals remained untouched — like anchors of memory in a hotel built on subtle continuity. I had dinner here on the historic New Year’s Eve 1999; and the narrow hall to the right, with booth tables for two that always remind me of a luxury train dining car, is my favorite place to dine.

Girandole has now officially joined the world of Alain Ducasse. It has always carried a faintly French accent — from its menu to its mood — but now it’s a full-fledged French bistro.

Alain Ducasse himself was reportedly at the party last night, mingling quietly among Tokyo’s society and longtime guests. Unfortunately, I never got to meet him. Still, it felt fitting that one of France’s greatest chefs is now guiding the restaurant that, for many of us, has marked so many milestones and memories.

Girandole under Ducasse’s stewardship feels like closing a circle — a classic renewed with the confidence of experience.

Designed for Timelessness

The full renovation was led by Jouin Manku, the Paris-based design studio behind Hôtel Plaza Athénée and Mandarin Oriental Munich. Their vision was to honor the late John Morford’s original interiors — his poetic restraint and cinematic serenity — while subtly modernizing textures, lighting, and flow for a new generation.

They succeeded. The palette feels warmer. The materials, softer. Every transition feels deliberate, every light quietly considered. Nothing has been broken or forced. Instead, Park Hyatt Tokyo breathes more deeply — the same hotel, but sharper in definition and lighter in mood.

A Quiet Return to the Clouds

Quite perfectly, the party wound down at the New York Grill & Bar, where a live band was playing Motown hits. Everyone sat back to enjoy old favorites over drinks in this new space that still felt exactly like the old space — and thankfully so.

In a case of déjà vu — seeing the new but remembering only the old — I bumped into the hotel’s original Assistant General Manager, Ernesto de Lima. At the very outset, during the construction of the hotel, he had once taken me up to the yet-unfinished New York Grill in a construction elevator. We wore hard hats and rubber boots, walking through what was then just an empty space with a view.

He gestured around enthusiastically and said, “This is going to be the most talked-about restaurant in the world one day.” And indeed, it was, for a very long time.

Last night, I saw him there again, this time as a guest, clearly pleased with how the renovations had turned out. “Everything is wonderful,” he said. “And you must see the rooms. The team has done an amazing job keeping the spirit of the old Park Hyatt Tokyo while bringing in the new.”

More on the rooms sometime soon — when I check in for my stay. Sooner rather than later, I hope.

Official Reopening: December 9, 2025

Reservations: www.hyatt.com/parkhyatttokyo

Location: Shinjuku Park Tower, 3-7-1 Nishi-Shinjuku, Tokyo 160-0023

Phone: +81 3 5322 1234

Plan Your Next Escape. This time to Andalusia, Spain.

After Tokyo’s skyline calm, head to Spain and unwind at La Esperanza Granada — Andalusia’s most romantic private villa and luxury retreat, near the Alhambra Palace. Elegant suites, lush gardens, and unforgettable sunsets await.

Book direct: www.la-esperanzahotel.com

The post The Park Hyatt Tokyo Reopens — Same Soul, New Light appeared first on TRAVELIFE Magazine.

With the Park Hyatt Tokyo reopening in December 2025 and now accepting reservations, it feels like the perfect time to revisit one of its most legendary rooms — the Diplomat Suite, better known as the Lost in Translation Suite.

This was the very setting for Sofia Coppola’s Academy Award–winning film Lost in Translation, starring Scarlett Johansson and Bill Murray. Over the years, it has become one of the most famous hotel suites in Japan. It’s a destination in itself for travelers and film lovers alike.

Since the hotel closed for its extensive renovation, there has been endless speculation among loyal guests and design enthusiasts about the fate of this iconic suite. The prevailing rumor? That it is being refreshed and upgraded, not redesigned — preserving the quiet elegance and cinematic aura that made it legendary.

ABOUT THE HOTEL WHERE SOFIA COPPOLA FILMED

I had the privilege of staying in this suite shortly before the renovation began. The experience felt like stepping into a piece of modern film history — and into the golden age of Tokyo luxury.

When the Park Hyatt Tokyo opened in the late 1990s, it quickly became an icon for a new type of luxury hotel. No other hotel combined modern minimalism with such warmth and polish. It wasn’t just a place to stay. It was the place to be.

Everyone who mattered in the world of business, art, or culture eventually passed through its doors. The New York Grill, perched high above Shinjuku with its skyline views and live jazz, became the city’s living room. The hotel’s atmosphere was electric — half Silicon Valley summit, half high-finance cocktail party, with a touch of film-set glamour that has never been replicated.

THE TIMELESS DESIGN OF THE PARK HYATT TOKYO

What makes this property truly remarkable is how faithfully it preserved its original identity for more than 25 years. Until the recent closure, most rooms still carried the same refined decor from opening day — meticulously maintained, polished to perfection, and serenely timeless.

The public areas, too, remained exactly as the first guests (myself included) remembered them. From the hushed, wood-paneled entrance to the subtle lighting in the elevators and the lush greenery of the lobby, every element evoked the same calm sophistication. Even the long corridors, lined with art and travel books, felt untouched by time.

Walking through it all was pure déjà vu. The prints on the walls, the textures, the fragrances — everything was as it had been since Lost in Translation was filmed there. It felt like stepping into a living time capsule of Tokyo’s golden age of luxury.

That chapter, however, has now paused. The hotel began a major renovation in May 2024 and it is re-opening this December 2025. Hotel executoves promise a sleeker, more polished version of itself — an evolution, not a reinvention.

La Esperanza Granada — a Spanish hacienda in Andalusia where solitude becomes a luxury

(We come here to rest, to reset, and sometimes, to reinvent.)

INSIDE THE DIPLOMAT SUITE — THE LOST IN TRANSLATION ROOM

What was the Lost in Translation suite like? This elegant corner suite captured everything that made the hotel legendary. It had that same quiet confidence, cinematic light, and understated luxury prevailing elsewhere in the hotel.

The space unfolded like a private sanctuary above the city. A grand piano stood by the window, the skyline glimmering beyond it. The marble bathroom offered a deep soaking tub with panoramic views of Shinjuku, while the living room felt like a modern study, lined with floor-to-ceiling bookshelves.

Every room at the Park Hyatt Tokyo reflects this same quiet balance of Japanese restraint and timeless design. Elegant yet unpretentious, the spaces have always embodied the hotel’s signature aesthetic and contemporary classic luxury.

However, this suite is not just a room. It’s a home I could live in.

IT’S ALL ABOUT THE BOOKS

And it had a library I could spend days going through. The books alone revealed the hotel’s philosophy. The collection of travel books in the living room transported one to faraway places. A quick glance and I saw titles about Bhutan, Patagonia, Rajasthan — all corners of the world that share a sense of solitude and wonder.

Meanwhile, in the bedroom, the tone changed: only cookbooks and volumes devoted to the art of food. The contrast felt deliberate. Perhaps a quiet design decision meant to reflect mood and appetite.

I stayed in this suite several times, and each visit felt like returning to a place that understood the art of stillness. The books were so carefully chosen, so deeply engaging, that it was easy to lose a full afternoon turning pages, the city humming faintly beyond the glass.

There are countless hotels that scatter coffee-table books around to look cultured or stylish. The Park Hyatt Tokyo was not one of these. Its shelves hold thousands of real books, each worn from years of browsing hands. Nothing felt staged or decorative. These books looked read, loved, and lived with — the kind of quiet authenticity that only decades on a shelf can create.

HOW TO ARRANGE A LIBRARY

Every book inside the Lost in Translation Suite was chosen with both a collector’s precision and a reader’s hear

How else does one explain the shelf devoted entirely to Russia and the former Soviet Republics? And then another filled with photo books on Africa? Or the careful grouping of volumes on French cuisine?

There was a quiet method behind the order. It felt as if each guest left behind a trace of curiosity, and then someone patiently restored the suite’s library to perfect harmony. I imagined I was not the only one who has pulled a dozen books to read by the bedside, only to find them back in place by morning — straightened, aligned, and waiting for the next traveler.

Someone clearly tended this library with devotion. It was the same care and meticulous attention to atmosphere that defined the Park Hyatt Tokyo itself. And this made the Diplomat Suite unlike any other hotel room in the world.

INSPIRATIONS FOR BATHROOMS

Then there was the corner bathroom of the Lost in Translation Suite. This is easily one of the most breathtaking hotel bathrooms in Japan. It was a space made for lingering — a sanctuary where you could watch Tokyo unfold beneath you from the deep soaking tub.

It’s easy to imagine guests checking in and falling instantly in love with the interiors. Within minutes, I always started mentally redecorating my own home, trying to capture this same feeling of calm luxury and quiet elevation. It’s hard to describe the feeling that this hotel gave its guests, except to explain it as that rare sensation of being, quite literally, on top of the world.

BATHROOMS WITH VIEWS IN TOKYO

The moment I first saw this bathroom, my plans for the day vanished. Instead I was running the bath, surrounded by soft light and skyline reflections. The shelves were lined with Aesop amenities, not in sample form but in a beautifully complete selection, as though someone decided that guests of this suite should have nothing less than the full experience.

Of course, all suite bathrooms aim to impress. But what makes this one exceptional is its placement . It occupied the corner usually reserved for a bedroom or living room. The result was a sense of openness and light that few hotels could match. The hotel turned a simple daily ritual into something quietly cinematic.

THE LOST IN TRANSLATION HOTEL ROOM

Over the years, the Diplomat Suite at the Park Hyatt Tokyo has quietly hosted some of the most influential people in the world. Heads of state, visiting dignitaries, and artists have all stayed within its calm, book-lined walls. Even The Weeknd reportedly spent a month here writing an album — proof that creativity thrives in this rarefied space above the city.

But its most enduring fame still comes from Sofia Coppola and her award-winning Lost in Translation. The film’s quiet, reflective scenes — those moments of jet-lagged solitude and connection between Scarlett Johansson and Bill Murray — were captured right here.

For travelers lucky enough to have stayed in this suite, stepping into it felt like walking into a still frame of modern film history. The light, the view, the atmosphere of the film — everything remained instantly recognizable, almost suspended in time.

THE ROOM WHERE SCARLET JOHANNSON STAYED IN

At the time of filming, the Diplomat Suite was cleverly divided into two bedrooms — one for Scarlett Johansson’s character and the other for Bill Murray’s. By early 2000s standards, Lost in Translation was bold and unmistakably indie. It captured a version of Tokyo that few outside Japan had ever seen. It was a city defined not by temples or tradition, but by neon solitude, late-night bars, and quiet emotion.

Many credit Sofia Coppola’s film for awakening global curiosity about modern Tokyo. She captured the contrasts, the loneliness, and the beauty. Knowing this, I couldn’t resist the chance to once more have my own Lost in Translation moment inside the very room where it all began, before the Park Hyatt Tokyo closed for renovations.

READ ABOUT THE PARK HYATT NISEKO IN HOKKAIDO

ROOM SERVICE & MOVIES

“Do you have the movie on DVD?” I asked then–Park Hyatt Tokyo General Manager Hervé Mazella. Fortunately, the hotel did. This was a small but essential detail.

So that evening, I slipped into my pajamas, and ordered room service. Movie nights in Tokyo are about Japanese curry with rice, the ultimate comfort food. Then, from the sofa of the Lost in Translation Suite, I watched Lost in Translation itself.

It was a surreal experience, seeing the same corners of my suite appear on screen in real time. Few travelers will ever have the chance to do this, and that made it even more special. Moments like this are what I call truly living a Travelife. When I find magic in the places where stories, cinema, and reality quietly overlap.

Read more about the best hotels and resorts in Japan in Travelife Magazine.

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I was intrigued when I first heard about Nagatacho Ohka. This private restaurant in Tokyo has no website and no public phone number. At first, I expected little more than exclusivity. However, I was unprepared to be amazed.

After all, I have stayed in some of the best hotels in the world and dined at the finest restaurants. My standards are high. Even so, my interest was piqued.

On a recent stopover in Tokyo, I accepted an invitation to dinner from Christine Cunanan, the director of Nagatacho Ohka. She lives mainly in Tokyo, yet also owns La Esperanza Granada, a luxury hacienda-style hotel in Southern Spain that was recently awarded Best of the Best for 2025 by Trip Advisor, placing it in one of the top 1% of all lodgings worldwide.

READ MORE ABOUT LA ESPERANZA GRANADA, THE MOST BEAUTIFUL VILLA IN ANDALUCIA

A BEAUTIFUL HOUSE IN TOKYO

Nagatacho Ohka sits in a 100-year-old wooden building near the official residence of the Prime Minister of Japan. Previously, it was a famous soba and shabu shabu restaurant owned by the family of Akira Kurosawa, Japan’s most celebrated film director.

The restaurant closed during the pandemic. During that time, Christine Cunanan and her partners took over the space. They renovated the entire building to the highest standards, working with some of the finest craftsmen in Japan. “We didn’t really have a budget in mind when we renovated this,” said Christine. “We just wanted to be the best dining experience in Japan.”

THE BEST OF JAPANESE FOOD

And indeed, the result exceeded my already high expectations. Every design detail felt impeccable. From the start, the long, dark bar — inspired by a Kyoto machiya townhouse — made a statement. 

Meanwhile, the lively open-plan Chef’s Counter seated 15 guests in an atmosphere of energy and warmth.

Upstairs, four private rooms awaited. Each carried a different mood and theme, yet all were beautiful. If you asked mewhich one was best, I would have no answer. It truly depends on who you are with and what kind of mood you are in.

Q&A with Christine Cunanan, Director of Nagatacho Ohka

Q: Is it true that Nagatacho Ohka is the best restaurant in Tokyo?

A: I like to think so. There are very few restaurants in Tokyo — if not in the world — that are private and non-commercial. Without the pressures of a commercial establishment, we are free to offer the best dining experience possible. Many guests afterwards tell me that dinner at our restaurant was one of the best food experiences they’ve had.

Q: If you are the best restaurant in Tokyo, are you also the most expensive?

A: We are definitely not cheap. But price is relative. However I can 100% confirm that most foreign guests feel satisfied with their experience because they oftentimes return on their next visit to Japan, and sometimes even twice or thrice on the same visit. This would not happen so often if guests did not feel we offer value.

No restaurant will be able to please everyone, especially as the value of a dinner depends on the perceptions of each person and his or her personal circumstances. However, most of our guests are very happy with the Nagatacho Ohka experience.

Q: Some people are wondering why they see so few Japanese guests compared to foreigners.

A: First, we tend to put foreigners in our first floor Chef’s Counter because they like sitting around the counter and watching the chefs. Meanwhile, Japanese guests are usually regulars who have their favorite rooms for entertaining on the second floor. They rarely book the chef’s counter because they prefer to dine in privacy. For this reason, a diner eating at our Chef’s Counter will probably see mostly other foreigners dining in the restaurant. The Japanese members are all in the private rooms upstairs.

Second, we are a private restaurant and we have decided to accept only Japanese diners who are friends or associates of our restaurant partners. It is a very strict policy because the owners want to relax only with people they know. Currently, the restaurant caters to only 50 Japanese and their friends and associates.

Meanwhile, foreign guests can eat at Nagatacho Ohka on an introduction basis. For example, if you know me or someone I know, or if you are a guest of one of our luxury travel partners, then you are able to easily book at Nagatacho Ohka as long as we have availability. So the window is larger as many of Tokyo’s top hotels such as the Four Seasons, Bulgari Hotel, Aman Tokyo, Janu Tokyo and the Park Hyatt Tokyo send their guests to us.

THE WORLD’S ONLY JAPANESE LACQUER ROOM

For dinner, we began in the Urushi no Heya, said to be the world’s only Japanese lacquer room. Frankly, it was stunning. A long lacquer dining table dominated the space. The ceiling, also covered in lacquer, glowed with elegance. Most impressive, a golden peacock stretched across the room — etched in delicate detail and mirrored above. You have to see itto truly appreciate its beauty.

Dinner itself was unforgettable. At Nagatacho Ohka, there is no set menu. Instead, chefs — many trained in Michelin-starred restaurants — roll out wagons filled with seafood, vegetables, and the finest beef in Japan. Yes, the finest beef, and not just A5 wagyu.

This beef comes from a farm in Kagoshima, southern Japan, recognized by the Japanese beef industry as producing the nation’s #1 meat. From these ingredients, chefs and guests create a menu together. Diners share their wishes, and the chefs suggest dishes. For my part, I asked for the house specialties, steak, and garlic rice.

WONDERFUL BEGINNINGS AT NAGATACHO OHKA

But first came the appetizers, paired with flutes of sparkling sake. “We also have champagne,” Christine explained, “but really good sparkling sake is rare outside Japan. I always recommend it to foreign guests.”

We began with caviar tucked inside a cheese-flavored brioche bun. (Who would have guessed this pairing would work so perfectly?) Next, a delicate sandwich of chateaubriand from the Kagoshima farm appeared. After that, I enjoyed slices of tender abalone with thick seaweed sauce and sushi rice.

By then, I was already happy. Every bite felt like a promise of what was still to come.

THE FIRST DREAM MENU

But this was not dinner yet. It was only the beginning. The rest of the meal unfolded like a dream.

We began with two kinds of sashimi, lightly seared over charcoal and seasoned only with salt. There was no need for soy sauce. The fish included black throat (nodoguro) and golden eye (kinmeidai), both delicate and flavorful.

Next came a traditional Japanese clear soup. It featured a perfectly filleted slice of spring fish (amadai) and a crisp tempura of vegetables and swordfish. The swordfish tempura was unforgettable — light, crunchy, and full of flavor.

THE MAIN EVENTS

After that, we tasted buttery Hokkaido scallops, sautéed and topped with rosemary purée. Then came something unexpected: an original pasta made from live French lobster, with noodles shaped like a cone. At first glance, I would never have guessed it was pasta.

Finally, a beautiful steak arrived, paired with fresh wasabi and sea salt from Himeji in Western Japan. A bowl of garlic rice sat on the side. I said “finally” because I thought the meal was over.

To my surprise, Christine handed me another menu. “This is our comfort food menu,” she said. “Japanese love to end a fancy meal with comfort food, so we offer soba and even spaghetti Napolitan. You cannot leave without trying them.”

HOW TO CREATE A DREAM DINNER

We ended up ordering about seven dishes from the comfort food menu, and every single one was delicious. The soba, for example, is prepared by a famous soba master who works full-time onsite. He has been making soba for more than thirty years. His handmade noodles, mixed with 80% buckwheat flour, are so delicate it is hard to believe they are cut by hand.

Other standouts included omelette rice made with egg yolks the color of golden sunshine, a crisp minced meat cutlet, and the signature spaghetti Napolitan. As food lovers know, this dish does not exist in Italy. It was invented in Japan long ago, based on what people imagined Italians ate. In truth, there is no spaghetti Napolitan in Italy, so Japan is the only place you can enjoy it.

At Nagatacho Ohka, the version is addictive. The pasta has just the right touch of spiciness, with thin slices of sausage folded into the sauce. And for those who prefer extra heat, a bottle of Tabasco comes on the side — exactly the way it was served in Japanese coffee shops decades ago, before Tokyo became the cosmopolitan city it is today.

WHERE TO EAT SPAGHETTI NAPOLITAN IN TOKYO

As food lovers know, there is no such thing as spaghetti Napolitan in Italy. This pasta was created in Japan decades ago, inspired by what people imagined Italians ate. In truth, the dish does not exist in Italy, so Japan is the only place where you can enjoy it.

At Nagatacho Ohka, their version is irresistible. The pasta has just the right level of spiciness, with thin slices of sausage mixed into the sauce. For those who like extra heat, a bottle of Tabasco comes on the side. This detail reflects tradition, since spaghetti Napolitan was once served the same way in Japanese coffee shops before Tokyo grew into the cosmopolitan city it is today.

SWEET ENDINGS AT NAGATACHO OHKA

Nagatacho Ohka also offers a long dessert menu. After such a feast, I chose a simple medley of homemade ice cream in original flavors.

First, a refreshing plum and perilla leaf sorbet acted as a palate cleanser. Next, came a creamy kinako ice cream, flavored with roasted soybean flour. After that, a Japanese cinnamon ice cream arrived, with crunchy bits of bark folded in. Finally, the matcha ice cream closed the meal. Matcha is common in Japan and abroad, but this version used the highest grade of green tea. The taste balanced perfectly between subtle sweetness and refined bitterness.

Just like everything else at Nagatacho Ohka, the desserts were better than expected.

(Guests staying at top Tokyo hotels like Aman, Bulgari, Janu, the Grand Hyatt, the New Otani and the Ritz Carlton, among others, can book Nagatacho Ohka through their concierge. Or you can message Christine Cunanan on LinkedIn and tell her you read about the restaurant in my LinkedIn post.)

READ MORE ABOUT THE BEST RESTAURANTS IN TOKYO IN TRAVELIFE MAGAZINE

The post Nagatacho Ohka: Tokyo’s Finest Dining Experience appeared first on TRAVELIFE Magazine.

The Presidential Suite of The Capitol Tokyu Hotel

Some luxury hotels declare themselves the moment you step inside. They rise with marble lobbies that stretch skyward, chandeliers that scatter light like jewels, and suites so grand they seem carved from palaces. By contrast, other hotels take a gentler approach. They invite you closer. They hold your attention not with spectacle, but with stillness. Their luxury lies in the quiet confidence of details — the curve of a chair, the softness of a carpet, the hush of a perfectly lit hallway.

This is the spirit of The Capitol Hotel Tokyu. It does not need to dazzle or overwhelm. Instead, it whispers. Each turn, each pause, reveals a subtle grace that stays with you long after you leave. In this hotel, elegance feels less like performance and more like presence — a luxury that draws you in and holds you with its quiet strength.

In Tokyo, It’s All About Location

Located in Tokyo’s vibrant Akasaka district, between fashionable Omotesandō and bustling Ginza, The Capitol Hotel Tokyu embodies understated luxury and quiet refinement. At first glance, the hotel reveals a deeply Japanese aesthetic — serene lines, natural textures, and a harmony that feels both timeless and modern. In fact, its recognition as a Forbes Five-Star and Michelin Key-awarded property reflects this balance of tradition and excellence.

And then, there is the Presidential Suite. If you are fortunate enough to stay here, you will feel both at home and impossibly spoiled. From the moment you arrive, calm elegance surrounds you. At once, the suite draws you in with its stillness and grace. Every detail matters — from sweeping views across Tokyo to thoughtful touches in the design. In the end, leaving becomes the hardest part of the stay.

A Lobby That Feels Like a Sanctuary

As soon as guests enter, they sense refinement. The lobby of The Capitol Hotel Tokyu immediately sets the tone with quiet luxury. Designed by Kengo Kuma, one of Japan’s most celebrated architects, the space radiates warmth. At once, wood embraces you and soft light eases the air. In that moment, the noise of the city disappears. Instead, serenity rises in its place.

A breathtaking floral installation greets you in the lobby. Created by the Sogetsu School of Ikebana, Japan’s most celebrated avant-garde flower-arranging school, it feels alive with movement and form. Every two to three weeks, the display changes. As a result, guests enjoy a year-round feast of branches, blossoms, and sculptural poetry.

For a moment, I lingered there, listening to a lady perform against the ikebana backdrop. Yet, a beautiful suite awaited.

If Your Home Were Designed by a Japanese Master

The Presidential Suite at The Capitol Hotel Tokyu is more than a place to stay. Instead, it offers a 270-square-meter experience of elegance in the heart of Tokyo. Here, Japanese tradition blends seamlessly with modern luxury.

As soon as you step inside, the views command your attention. Windows that frame sweeping panoramas of the city from floor to ceiling. From one angle, guests can see the stately National Diet Building. From another, you enjoy the vibrant skylines of Marunouchi and Ginza. In every direction, the city stretches endlessly. Throughout the day, the windows reveal a living work of art, shifting with light and time.

The living area is designed for pure relaxation. Here, plush sofas and armchairs invite you to sink in. Together, warm wood tones and soft lighting create a calm, welcoming atmosphere. For VIP guests, this becomes the perfect space to unwind after exploring Tokyo’s lively streets.

Next, the bedroom reveals a spacious king-sized bed dressed in crisp white linens. At the same time, a soft headboard, textured walls, and adjustable lighting enhance the cozy mood. As a result, the space feels like a private retreat — peaceful, intimate, and entirely your own.

Bathing in Luxury

The bathroom takes luxury to another level. First, a deep soaking jacuzzi tub invites guests to unwind and let the day slip away. Then, a sleek rain shower offers a refreshing alternative. In addition, double vanities come stocked with Guerlain amenities, adding a touch of Parisian elegance. Altogether, the space feels less like a hotel bathroom and more like a private spa retreat.

Art in Every Corner

What sets this suite apart are the thoughtful details that whisper, not shout, luxury. For example, cabinets and shelves display handcrafted Japanese ceramics and curated works of art. Meanwhile, minimalist pieces — including works by Toko Shinoda — add quiet elegance. In the end, every corner feels simple, deliberate, and perfect.

Staying here means more than enjoying five-star luxury. Above all, it is about experiencing Tokyo at its finest. With every glance, stunning views remind you of the city’s energy. At the same time, thoughtful design grounds you in calm and comfort.

The Presidential Suite embodies Japanese hospitality at its very best. In the end, it becomes a retreat of beauty, elegance, and tranquility — a sanctuary high above the city.

My Corner of the Sky

But my favorite spot? Without question, the two oversized armchairs by the window. Here, I could sit for hours, watching the city shift from sunrise to starlight. In those moments, Tokyo felt close yet far away — a living canvas framed just for me.

I’ve sat in many chairs in my lifetime. Some were comfortable. Others were forgettable. A few even made me wonder if the designer had ever tried them at all.

But these? These are the ultimate chairs. Later, I learned the hotel had sourced them from a Japanese furniture specialist. At once, I began calculating how much I’d need to win in the lottery to bring a pair home.

I sat down to take in the view for a moment. Instead, I stayed for hours. I read an entire book. I sipped tea. I even canceled my plans to go out that evening. That’s how comfortable these chairs are.

Art That Feels Like a Museum in Disguise

The Capitol Hotel Tokyu feels like an art gallery. In many luxury hotels, art is an afterthought—a decorative flourish at best. But here, every piece is meticulously chosen, thoughtfully placed, and deeply intentional.

Take the main lobby, for example. At the checkout counter, you’ll find two extraordinary paintings by Toko Shinoda, one of Japan’s most revered contemporary artists.

The first, created when the hotel first opened, is bold and deliberate. It’s charged with the energy of an artist carving her place in history. The second, commissioned for the hotel’s renovation, exudes the fluid confidence of a master at the peak of her craft.

Standing between them feels like standing between two moments in time, witnessing an artist’s vision evolve across decades.

But Shinoda’s works aren’t limited to the lobby. Her pieces are woven throughout the hotel. You’ll these in the suites, hallways, and quiet corners, waiting to be discovered. Alongside them, you’ll find beautiful Japanese crafts. I marveled at the hand-cut glassware from western Japan, and the exquisitely crafted ceramics and sculptures, each created with remarkable precision. Every detail invites you to pause, observe, and appreciate.

This isn’t just a hotel. It’s an invitation to slow down, to see, and to feel. Because here, luxury isn’t just about comfort. It’s about presence.

Rosanjin Kitaoji: The Ultimate Japanese Bon Vivant

The versatile artist Rosanjin Kitaoji also loved this hotel. A painter, calligrapher, and ceramicist, he was one of Japan’s greatest gourmets. Often, he designed plates to perfectly complement food. At the same time, he never hesitated to critique a meal. To him, art, dining, and aesthetics were inseparable.

The Capitol Hotel Tokyu became one of his favorite gathering places. Here, he even created a private club where he and his friends could meet. For Rosanjin, true joy came where craftsmanship, cuisine, and culture met. Even now, the hotel reflects his spirit. Like him, it is elegant and refined, yet unpretentious.

If he were alive today, you could still imagine him here — studying the curve of a lacquered bowl while enjoying a flawless meal.

A Luxury Stay in Tokyo For Those Who Appreciate True Elegance

The Capitol Hotel Tokyu whispers luxury in a way that feels deeply Japanese:

• The golden wood of the lobby, absorbing the city’s chaos into quiet serenity.

• The perfectly placed artworks, each telling a story if you take the time to look.

• An excellent and authentic Japanese five-star hotel experience

• A Michelin Two Key-awarded luxury experience

• A stay deeply rooted in Japanese artistry and culture
• The attention to detail: whether in design, service, or the selection of chairs.

And, yes. I’m still thinking about those two armchairs for my living room if I win the lottery someday. So I’m hoping to return to stay at the Capitol Hotel Tokyu’s presidential suite one day soon.

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It was the perfect day for biking in Kyoto: sunny and cool, and we were at the Ritz Carlton Kyoto, which is right next to the Kamogawa River. The river has wide bicycle lanes on both sides. One turn into a side road, and then you’re already along the path on the banks of the Kamogawa River.

Moreover, the hotel rents out Panasonic electric bicycles. These are perfect for city biking and these also make any uphill climbs easy. The concierge team organizes two bike experiences every day, weather permitting. So hotel guests who book in advance can go before breakfast at 630 AM or after breakfast at 830 AM. We chose the latter, preferring to enjoy a relaxing meal prior to heading out.

WHERE TO GO BIKING IN KYOTO

“Where would you like to go?” Wakabayashi-san, our bicycle guide from the hotel, asked. She gave us several options including a ride through Gion, the old geisha and entertainment district of Kyoto. However the river called out to us. It’s not often once comes across a lovely river that’s made for biking and walking. So we asked for an itinerary that included a long ride along the river.

“There’s the lovely Shimogamo shrine just off the river,” Wakabayashi-san suggested. “It’s a UNESCO World Heritage site and it’s very beautiful. We can bike all the way along the Kamogawa and then get onto the street just very near it.”

BIKING ALONG THE KAMOGAWA

That sounded like the exact tour itinerary we wanted. The trip took about 20 minutes along the Kamogawa from the Ritz Carlton Hotel. Once we got off the river bicycle lane, we entered a neighborhood with large trees and old houses. It was the kind of area I often imagine, whenever I think of Kyoto.

One of the houses in this neighborhood was the villa of the Mitsui family. We just passed by it on our way to the Shimogamo Shrine but it certainly looked impressive estate from the outside. I made a mental note to visit this on another trip.

Then we found ourselves passing through a wide clearing of tall trees that led to the shrine proper. The ride all the way to the spring was just so picturesque.

ABOUT THE SHIMOGAMO SHRINE

“There’s evidence that this shrine is over two thousand years old,” Wakabayashi-san said. Some archeologists scouring the forests around the shrine had apparently unearthed broken pieces of plates and arrowheads that date back to the Yayoi Period of 4 B.C.

The Shimogamo Shrine is also a great favorite of members of the Japanese Imperial Family through the centuries, as well as descendants of several famous Shogun. The Emperor Saga (809 – 823) is one of the Japanese emperors most closely associated with this shrine. It is also mentioned in The Tale of Genji, the famous epic story created by a court lady during the Heian era. This is one of my favorite books, by the way.

AWAY FROM TOURISTS IN KYOTO

For biking in Kyoto, the Shimogamo Shrine is ideal. It’s a famous landmark but it’s also the kind of place that is not quite on the tourist shortlist since Kyoto has so many temples. Nevertheless, it is as important and Instagram-worthy as the better known temples of the city. In fact, in many ways, a visit to Shimogamo Shrine is even more meaningful because it doesn’t feel as commercial or touristy compared to so many others.

So after a morning of exploration here, we biked back to the Ritz Carlton Kyoto along the same river, our hearts and minds full of what we had just seen. We thoroughly enjoyed biking in Kyoto. It’s a great way to explore this ancient city.

Read more about one of the best hotels in Granada and about biking in Kyoto in Travelife Magazine.

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One of the best hotel suites in Tokyo is not quite its largest nor its most luxurious. However it is definitely its most distinctive. Tucked away on the 14th floor of the prestigious Imperial Hotel Tokyo, which has long been an institution in the Japanese hospitality industry, is the Frank Lloyd Wright suite. It’s not open to the public so let me share with you details and photos from my time there.

THE FRANK LLOYD WRIGHT CONNECTION

This suite was not created by Frank Lloyd Wright, the great architect. In fact most of the current Imperial Hotel was not created by him either. He created the original Imperial Hotel on the same site where the current one now stands. Meanwhile, any remnants of his wonderful original masterpiece have been transported to the open-air Meiji Museum in Aichi Prefecture. For design and architecture enthusiasts, this museum is a must-visit, by the way.

Meanwhile, at the current Imperial Hotel, which has been around ever since I can remember. It is still the lodging of choice for many leaders of countries and other government officials when they are on official visits to Japan. However, in its current form, only some blocks from the original Frank Lloyd Wright-designed hotel actually remain. You can see these in the lobby. There are also several blocks from the original building displayed by the driveway of the Tokyo American Club.

A SUITE ABOVE THE REST

There are many suites at the Imperial Hotel Tokyo, including one that is earmarked for presidents and another for cabinet ministers. However the truly special suite is the Frank Lloyd Wright Suite, which is Suite 1401.

This Frank Lloyd Wright suite was inspired the architect — down to the reading lights, the gadgets on the study desk, the dining room chairs, and even the bathroom fixtures. If you are a great fan of structured lines that meld beautifully so that these are almost unnoticeable with the surroundings, then you must stay in this truly one of a kind suite. It’s probably the most seamless Frank Lloyd Wright-themed suite in the world.

Unfortunately this suite isn’t on the regular room inventory list of The Imperial Hotel Tokyo. You won’t be able to book it online. It is on a request basis and few guests are actually allowed to check-in to this one-of-a-kind suite.

ABOUT THE FRANK LLOYD WRIGHT SUITE

The Frank Lloyd Wright suite is a corner suite with a large vestibule, and a spacious living room and dining room. Each area is separated by a barrier inspired by the designs of the famous architect. At the end of the dining room is a corner office with a large desk and a corner with a window and a comfortable reading chair designed in the same style.

In keeping with Japanese sensibilities, the bedroom is spacious but not over the top in size or design. Everything is about flawless simplicity. But indeed there is so much visual enjoyment here that one feels calm and yet also pampered. Even in the middle of Hibiya, which is one of the busiest districts of the one of the busiest cities in the world.

NO PARTIES HERE

I longed to stay here and plan a dinner party here. It’s the perfect venue to show lovers of design and architecture. Alas, it will never be. Aside from the stringent veto policy in place for prospective guests, the hotel discourages dinners or parties lest way too many people in the suite at one time leave scuff marks on this beautifully done suite.

So, for now, I’m sharing photos of the amazing Frank Lloyd Wright suite so more people can see it, even if they can’t ever stay in it. Even the great architect would have been impressed by this suite created as a tribute to him.

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Kenninji Temple was founded in 1202 and is said to be where Zen (which originated from China) was first taught in Japan. Inside the temple grounds, there are several shrines and sub-temples, and is the perfect shortcut for guests staying at the hotel to walk to the main shopping street (Shijo-dori (四条通).

Entry to Kenninji Temple grounds is free, and it actually feels like a private extension of the hote due to its proximity from the hotel main entrance. The ambiance of the neighbourhood’s peacefulness is great for anyone keen to escape the adjoining crowded Hanamikoji street, known for its well-restored traditional wooden merchant houses and tea houses where Geishas perform.

Attention to detail

The hotel rooms are cleverly designed to create a meditative setting and the first thing one will see upon entering the room is the teapot set. The rooms are spacious, and the wet and dry areas of the bathroom are separate,

Around the hotel, tea is a central theme – and there are two guest rooms named “Tea Room” that can be booked for a stay –  whereby guests will enjoy a private matcha experience by Ippodo, Kyoto’s most known Japanese tea specialty store.

AFTERNOON TEA IN KYOTO

The Celestine has a gallery-like guest lounge – an afternoon tea room which transforms into a bar at night from 7pm onwards. In the day, hotel guests can enjoy complimentary refreshments like coffee and tea, along with some Japanese snacks, while enjoying a quiet break in between sightseeing. I noticed the curated collection of Kyoto books and magazines, and enjoyed browsing them one of the afternoons when we came back early.

I stayed at the hotel with my mom in July (during the Gion Matsuri Festival, also known as the midsummer festival. Again, the tiny touch to include information in the lobby about the festival for guests was something i appreciated.

I also loved how easy it was to walk over to the main shrine of the festival – Yasaka Shrine

Dining at Yasaka Endo

We enjoyed our breakfast at the hotel which probably serves the best Tempura for breakfast in Kyoto, mainly because they use a traditional copper hooded fryer. The breakfast area is connected to the world reknowned Yasaka Endo restaurant that seats only 16 guests in the main dining area and we found out the traditional sukiya-style wooden building was once an ochaya (teahouse) for geisha parties,

Of course we had to try lunch and we were seated at the counter and had a choice of one of two set menus. which either a 6-course or 8-course menu. With a history of over 100 years,- it was founded in Gion in 1885, and as I watched the chefs delicately preparing each dish, I came to appreciate the success and longevity of the restraunt.

Each dish was so beautiful, it was almost like I was eating an artwork!

Spatial Healing

Mom and I found our hideaway space in the public bath of The Celestine hotel. Open from 15:00 to 10:00 the next day, we were able to find some time where we had the place all to ourselves. The peacefulness from spending time in the public bath was such a pleasure that we found ourselves waking up early one morning, so we could enjoy more of the private time.

I like that the hotel’s design cleverly ensures that there are pockets of spaces that ensure that not one place feels crowded.

I’m definitely looking forward to my next trip back to Kyoto, and for anyone looking to spend time with their parent, the intimacy of the hotel helps foster closer bonds.

For easy accesibiliy, the hotel arranges shuttle tranfers to and from Kyoto station. I definitely recommend a stay at The Celestine Kyoto Gion because they have thought of everything a hotel guest would need, and devliered above and beyond.

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GREAT EXPECTATIONS

On my way up, I was of course anticipating a beautiful hotel typical of
the Aman group. And perhaps more so in this case, as the bar to impress guests is certainly higher in Tokyo, the city with the most number of “Aman junkies” in the world.

“I was completely unprepared for the cavernous space of light, 30 meters high, that awaited me once the elevator doors opened. Talk about making first impressions count.”

Tokyo is also ground zero for design and technology pushed to the limit. So the pressure was definitely laid thick on Aman to come up with a Tokyo property that would dazzle. Moreover, it had to do so in a most subtle way — if this is even possible. After all, most of its jaded guests have already stayed in amazing hotels all over the world.

READ ABOUT THE BEST NEW HOTEL IN SPAIN

THE LOBBY OF AMAN TOKYO

I was one of these jaded guests and these were my lofty expectations. However, surprise greeted me upon arrival. I’ve stayed everywhere wonderful, but I was completely unprepared for the cavernous space of light, 30 meters high, that awaited me once the elevator doors opened. This was the lobby. Talk about making first impressions count.

Quite unlike any other hotel lobby in Tokyo, this is literally the equivalent of eight floors of space and soft bright light that deliberately extends one’s vision all the way to the top.

WHAT TO DO WITH WASHI PAPER

Then the designers covered the walls of about six of these floors in textured “washi” paper. They stretched these on a wooden shoji frame to resemble a traditional Japanese paper lantern. This gave the lobby an aura of unearthliness appropriate for a hotel so high up.

Meanwhile, at eye level, a calm pool of water lay at the center of attention. This was located somewhere between polished wood, rough grey stone, two Zen rock gardens and a mammoth arrangement of fragile ikebana-inspired greenery.

Then there were the views to take your breath away if you still had any left. I saw the breadth and width of the Tokyo skyline before me. This certainly made for a good combination of earth, sky, and, of course, luxury.

THE PERFECT FIT

Admittedly, this truly 21st century hotel is not for everyone. However minimalists and enthusiasts for Japanese design will immediately appreciate its aesthetics. It is stark, crisp and so seamless. Like a simple but perfectly cut little black designer dress.

READ ABOUT THE AMANEMU IN ISE

At least, this is how I felt, checking in one recent Sunday to happily call Aman Tokyo my home for four days. I was already sufficiently enamored at the outset. Nevertheless, this hotel grows on you and ends up fitting your lifestyle. By the end of my stay, I most definitely would have stayed four months or four years instead of four days — had my credit card allowed this.

Read more about the best hotels and resorts in Japan in Travelife Magazine.

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Our individual approach means no two private tours of Japan are alike and we do design the best Japan tours.

HOW WE WORK

We create a trip for you alone. The ideal time frame for creating the perfect trip is six months. However, we can work on your schedule and can quickly come up with itineraries for you to review and choose from. If you’re in a hurry, we can assist you in creating the best Japan tour in just one week.

CONTACT US TO BEGIN PLANNING YOUR TRIP

HOW TO START

Contact us here with your details. It’s best if you already have a firm arrival and departure date in mind because we only plan hotels or book restaurants and experiences based on firm flight details.

Let us know your wishlist too. Where you would like to go, what you want to do and eat, and even your bucket-list ideas. The more specific you are, the better. This will enable us to zoom in quickly on the perfect tour of Japan for you. Not just for anyone, but for you.

Some of the most popular destinations include Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Hakone and Hokkaido. However there are so many other wonderful places to visit in Japan such as Nara, Kanazawa, Hiroshima and Nagasaki. This is where our expertise will come in handy. We can advise you on the best combinations to save you time, effort and money.

TRAVEL STYLE

Tell us too about your travel style so we can adjust our planning. These are some choices to think about:

SKY’S THE LIMIT: Your wish is our command. Whatever you want, we’ll find it for you — whether it’s the best place to eat wagyu, the fanciest suite, the most exclusive experiences that tourists ordinarily cannot book on their own. This is the bucket-list trip with sightseeing tailored to your interests.

LUXURY: Top five-star hotels and Michelin-star restaurants, private guides and exclusive experiences tailored to your interests.

UPMARKET: Five-star or four-star hotels, great local restaurants, interesting experiences tailored to your interests.

VALUE: Comfortable three-star hotels as near to the city center as possible, casual restaurants, minimal private guides accompanying you for sightseeing tailored to your interests.

CONTACT US TO BEGIN PLANNING YOUR TRIP

TRAVEL PACE

RELAXED: Departures at 10 AM, nice long lunches, one or two sightseeing and experiences on a half-day basis, with the rest of the day free for shopping or just relaxing.

STANDARD: Departures at 930 AM, sightseeing or experiences in the mornings and afternoon, nice long lunch.

BUSY: Departures at 9 AM and then you’re off on a packed schedule of sightseeing and experiences. Lunch is delicious but it’s usually for an hour as this pace is for guests who wish to see as much as possible during their stay.

LOGISTICS

Prices depend on the number of guests and how many rooms you plan to take on a single or double/ twin occupancy basis. The more specific you are, the easier it will be for us to generate an accurate estimate of your tour expenses.

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