Family Time In Tokyo

Although, like any modern metropolis, Tokyo is famous for its food, shopping and nightlife, there are many other attractions that make a holiday in this city not only enjoyable for adults, but for young children as well. Along with our young and demanding little friends, Talk went to check out Tokyo and see what it has to offer for the whole family.

Ginza is a starting point for any intrepid tourists in Tokyo. Here you will get a real feel for the commercial buzz of the city. It is one of the must luxurious shopping meccas in the world and hosts many leading, international fashion brands’ flagship stores. It is a bustling, and at some points boisterous, district full of high-end department stores, beautiful boutiques and world-class restaurants. Pull up a chair in one of the numerous coffee shops to refuel after a few hours of window-shopping and people watch an interesting crowd of fashion-forward Japanese youngsters, in comfort. Admittedly, not as stimulating for the children in our party, it is a fun place to get acquainted with modern Japan.

If you are looking for a change of pace after satisfying your designer cravings, take a boat over to Asakusa district. Here you will find the Kaminari-min gate, Senso-ji temple and Nakamise shopping street. Slightly more traditional than downtown Tokyo, the replica of the ancient Kaminari-min gate, with its massive red lantern, stands at the entranceway to the Senso-ji temple, the oldest temple in Tokyo. Go early in the morning to avoid the crowds and wander around the shrines in peace. Have your fortune told in the Buddhist temple and wish for good luck. Although slightly less brand orientated, the commercial drive of the city is still represented at Nakamise Avenue, a 250-meter long path crowded with almost 100 small booths selling souvenirs and trinkets. If you are lucky, you might even spot women in typical traditional dress, beautifully patterned silk kimonos with an obi tied tightly around the middle. This area offers an interesting insight into the Tokyo of years gone by. During the spring, this area is covered in beautiful cherry blossom, and in the summer months, expect fireworks.

Head back into the heart of the city, Shibuya, for an evening’s entertainment. Surrounding one of the busiest train stations in Tokyo, this area is heaving with dining options and nightlife. Here you can restaurant-hop and graze on famous Japanese dishes. We suggest trying the freshest sushi and sashimi, along with hearty donburi and Japanese barbecue.

No family trip to Tokyo is complete without a visit to Tokyo Disneyland or Tokyo DisneySea Park. Tokyo Disneyland features seven different themed lands, World Bazar, Adventureland, Westernland, Critter Country, Fantasyland, Toontown and Tomorrowland. Children can meet their favourite characters, and parents can enjoy some good old-fashioned fun at the parades, shows and rides.

Tokyo has something to offer for everyone and is the perfect destination for a short city break with all the family. Be prepared for food, fun and plenty of additions to your wardrobe.

Conrad Tokyo

Cutting edge Japanese design with an innate sense of style.

Conrad Tokyo is conveniently located just minutes from the world famous upmarket shopping and entertainment district of Ginza and offers panoramic views of the Hamarikyu Gardens and Tokyo Bay. Conrad Tokyo is a luxurious modern icon and features Michelin-starred and award winning restaurants, Tokyo’s finest spa and a superb collection of Japanese contemporary art.

Situated 37 floors over Shiodome, a thriving new business district, the hotel is a masterpiece of contemporary Japanese design. Traditional Japanese symbols and motifs, mon (the gate) and sumi-e (Japanese brush painting), feature in the subtle yet distinctive design.

Another unique Conrad Tokyo design feature is its extensive collection of contemporary Japanese art. Commissioned from 23 of Japan’s leading master craftsmen and artists to reflect the hotel’s waterfront and historical garden location, the individual art works from sumi-e to sculpture are on display throughout the hotel and in private rooms.

Each of the 290 spacious guest rooms are modelled on either a City or Garden concept according to the views they offer towards the city or the Hamarikyu Gardens and Tokyo Bay. The ambience created by the ceiling heights of the guest rooms and the hotel’s public areas is a welcome feature in a city where space is at a premium.

Food And Beverage

Conrad Tokyo houses some of the city’s top restaurants and bars, including a new restaurant, Collage, which offers modern French food combining the best of European culinary style. Within four months of opening, in December 2013, Collage, the modern French dining sensation, celebrated the award of a coveted Michelin Star in the seventh edition of the guide to the best dining and hotels in Tokyo, Yokohama and Shonan. Collage’s Chef de Cuisine, Shinya Maeda, is a native of Japan and is considered one of the country’s leading culinary talents. Collage showcases a blend of classical French cuisine and Chef Maeda’s unique contemporary approach to ingredients and technique, presented with distinctive graphic visual style. After an already very successful career, in 2006, Chef Maeda joined Gordon Ramsay Holdings where he distinguished himself with his Japanese-inspired creative flair and attention to detail. In early 2008, he was handpicked by the master chef to be his right-hand man in Japan at the helm of Gordon Ramsay at Conrad Tokyo and Cerise by Gordon Ramsay, earning the restaurant a prestigious Michelin star for five consecutive years. Situated on the 28th floor, with breath taking views of the dynamic city, Collage also accommodates a private room and an open kitchen to meet all kinds of requests from the guests.

Guests can also choose from innovative Cantonese food with a dash of flair, created by Chef Albert Tse at China Blue, exceptional Japanese cuisine such as kaiseki, sushi and teppan at Kazahana, casual dining at Cerise or drinks and entertainment at TwentyEight Bar & Lounge; with spectacular panoramic views of Tokyo Bay and Rainbow Bridge through the eight meter high glass walls.

Spa

Mizuki Spa is the largest spa of its kind in Tokyo and boasts Tokyo’s only true Hinoki bath, made out of beautiful Hinoki cypress, which has a rich grain, smooth texture and subtle scent.

The spa features modern Japanese design that evokes tranquillity, while employing a combination of Oriental and Western treatment methods unique to Conrad Tokyo. Water and the moon, two of nature’s powerful yet calming symbols, have been integrated into the design of the spa to create a harmonious cocoon. A clear blue carpet, which mirrors a full moon reflected over an aqueous surface, welcomes guests.

Mizuki Spa’s signature treatment, Tranquillity, is a full body hydrating treatment combined with an aroma facial massage. It relieves tension and stress, smoothes and tones the skin and offers a journey for the senses, resulting in an intense state of physical and mental wellbeing and comfort.