Tokyo Trippin'
JANUARY 22ND, 2009
Tokyo Trippin'
We headed to the Land of the Rising Sun for a frenzied week of shopping, sushi and sake.
stay
Built in the '70s, Hotel Okura in the Akasaka district is old-school Japan at its best. The ultra-attentive staff (including kimono-clad elevator assistants) can help you get to the best shops or book a bullet train to Kyoto. Pressed cotton kimonos are laid out on the bed every afternoon: Call up for a soothing in-room massage (¥6200). Hotel Okura Tokyo, 2-10-4 Toranomon, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan, + 81 (3) 3582 0111, www.okura.com
shop
The question is, where can't you shop? In a city where Louis Vuittons are as prominent as Starbucks, you'll need the self-discipline of a samurai not to spend, spend, spend. Walk along Harajuku street, lined with avant-garde shops and teens dressed in wild anime costumes, and at the end find a Marc by Marc Jacobs shop carrying Little Marc, men's clothing, sunglasses, and an extensive selection of bags, shoes and watches. 4-25-18 Jinuumae Shibuya-Ku, Tokyo, Japan, +03 5772 5561, www.marcjacobs.com
shop more
For trendy yet practical pieces at a decent price point, we headed to Beams, a Japanese lifestyle chain. We scooped up a house label plaid top (all the rage in Japan right now) with a cinched waist for ¥15000. www.beams.co.jp
eat
Located in the ultra modern Conrad Hotel (the abstract lobby sculptures alone are worth the visit), we headed straight to the 28th floor for a table at chef terrible Gordon Ramsay's casual brasserie, Cerise. The three-course menu with wine pairings (¥8000) had us feasting on crab salad with whipped avocado, braised lamb and a rich chocolate torte with salty caramel gelato.
see
For a calming afternoon activity, visit the pristine East Garden at the Imperial Palace (the Emperor and his family reside on the grounds). With its meticulous landscaping, Bonsai trees and soothing Koi fish pond, you'd never guess that thousands pass through this garden everyday. Free admission, closed Mondays and Fridays, access from Otemachi Station and Tokyo Station.