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  • Writer's pictureCSP Times

Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo Review: Wood & Waterwithin the Historical & Cultural Centre of Nihonbashi

TOKYO


No one does local culture and contemporary luxury together better than Mandarin Oriental, and its Tokyo property is no exception. For Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo, the design takes inspiration from the nation's geographical features, which includes an abundance of mountains and water that have continuously nourished the grounds and spirits of its people. The concept is 'Wood and Water', and the artful establishment, while also considered as a comforting tree of shelter, expresses the theme from its architectural exterior to the very pattern of each room's wallpaper.


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All imagery is courtesy of Faye Bradley | CSP Times



Location


To stay at Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo is to begin each day right at the heart of the city. Whether for work or for leisure, Nihonbaishi is the place to be. The area is named after the celebrated 'Bridge of Japan' and was even once considered the traditional 'Kilometer Zero' upon ones' arrival. As the historical and cultural centre of Tokyo, Nihonbashi offers a rich selection of Japanese cultural-heritage shrines and buildings, high-end modern department stores, a bustling business scene and, most importantly, incredible access to the rest of the city.


Nihonbaishi's station itself offers 3 lines, Toei Asakusa Line, Tokyo Metro Ginza Line and Tokyo Metro Tōzai Line; and its neighbouring Tokyo Station offers 8 local train lines, 7 Shinkansen lines, and 1 Metro Line over 28 train platforms. It is a short walking distance from the Imperial Palace and just a few minutes train ride from Ginza and Akihabara.






Accommodation


While the streets are live with Tokyo's frenetic pacing, inside Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo, the rooms are quiet with tranquillity and luxury. There are 157 rooms and 22 suites, each designed to capture the essence of Japanese style.




The stunning city skylines are the backdrop to each room's spaciousness and exquisite interior. From crafted bamboo floors, bespoke Japanese fabrics and an incredibly comprehensive pillow menu to separate bath & walk-in showers showcasing a selection of Natura Bissé Bathroom Products, Mandarin Oriental has prepared everything to be distinctively Japanese.




Dining


In total, Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo boasts 12 inimitable restaurants and bars, where 10 are perched on the top 2 floors of the 38-storey Nihonbashi Mitsui Tower to set the scene for an unparalleled dining experience for every person and occasion. The golden location captures the view of the iconic Tokyo Skytree and widely featured Mount Fuji.


For a taste of authentic Italian flavours, K'shiki is a celebration of classic Italian flavours. It serves both breakfast buffets of Western and Japanese cuisines, and a lunch and dinner menu of antipasti, pasta and fresh proteins. As for an elegant Cantonese dining experience, Sense provides an escape to fine teas and cuisines crafted by Chefs de Cuisine Toshiyuki Nakama. Sushi Shin by Miyakawa is also a highly sought-after dining destination as Hokkaido's Michelin three-star SuShi Miyakawa's first Tokyo branch. The dining option also includes Tapas Molecular Bar. Chef de Cuisine Kento Ushikubo and his team experiment with taste, flavour, texture and temperature to take gastronomy and culinary to a new level where the familiar becomes unfamiliar, and the imaginative becomes physical.




Signature is the property's prized establishment. Helmed together by Chef Sylvain, the restaurant honours the legacy of French gastronomy by adding a contemporary twist to classic French recipes and dishes. The impressive menu features Hors D'Oeuvre- Turbot carpaccio and squid from Hokkaido, with lime cream and mango; Entree Chaude- Veal sweetbread meuniere style, fleur de courgette, "Mirabeau" condiment; Poisson- Pan-seared amadai from Yamaguchi in crispy scales, fennel purée, sea urchin sauce, Viande- Quail and foie gras pithiviers style, seasonal farm vegetables cardamom and verbena sauce; Desserts- pistachio parfait and biscuit, cherry sorbet, cardamom-flavoured cherry sauce.


In a nutshell, the dining experience is everything French fine dining represents, sophisticated and intricately curated.






Facilities


To ensure all guests the utmost relaxation at Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo, The Spa offers an array of packages and services. Nestled on the 37th floor of the building, The Spa provides a serene environment in its 4 treatment rooms and 4 award-winning suites.


The signature package here is the Totally Tokyo- 'Five' Journeys from Nihonbashi that uses Japan's beloved green tea, pine, bamboo, rice bran and plum to soothe and calm the busy mind. There is also a "Gora Kadan" Osen Day Trip and Zen Meditation, all designed to better your wellbeing.




Overall


With a Five-Star rating in Forbes Travel Guide 2023 for both the hotel and the spa, Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo is the only hotel to achieve this for 9 consecutive years. This esteemed hotel is more than just a place to stay; it's a testament to the art of hospitality, where impeccable service, breathtaking views, and thoughtful design converge to create an unforgettable experience.


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Address: 2-1-1 Nihonbashi Muromachi, Chuo-ku, 103-8328 Tokyo, Japan | Website: mandarinoriental.com/en/tokyo/nihonbashi | Phone: +81 (0)3 3270 8800 | Email: motyo-reservations@mohg.com | Instagram: @mo_tokyo | Facebook: @MandarinOrientalTokyo

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