WHAT: Situated right in the heart of Tokyo, in the ward of Bunkyō, lies a secret haven that encapsulates all things Japanese in one area – the Hotel Chinsanzo, Tokyo.
The luxurious five-star hotel spans across four different areas including the hotel building (which boasts 260 rooms and suites), the tower building, the plaza building and the famed Chinzanso garden.
Covering a whole lot of ground, the hotel is the perfect sanctuary away from the hustle and bustle of the main city area even though it’s nearest subway station (Edogawabashi) is just a mere couple of stops away from the hectic Shinjuku and Shibuya area.
AMBIENCE: The former Four Seasons Hotel has retained its classic European-flair and elegance, while touches of Japanese art peppers the main area, featuring works from renowned Japanese artist Noriko Tamura. This interesting blend of Euro-Jap influence can also be seen throughout the hotel.
ROOMS: In a city where space is a luxury – the 260 guest rooms at Hotel Chinsanzo are so spacious, it makes you feel almost a little guilty. Forget claustrophobia and enjoy the abundance of room while having a lay on your huge king-sized beds and soaking up the mood in your spacious bathrooms (two sinks, a bathtub and even a TV) stocked with L’Occitane amenities.
We were thankful to be given a room with a garden view, where at one glance; we were able to take in the beauty that is the Chinzanso garden right below our window. Sipping a cup of tea on our armchair while gazing out into the nature that surrounded us was definitely one of the highlights of our stay. It gets even better at night, when the garden is lit by coloured lights that changes every once in a while. It can’t get any more romantic than this.
HIGHLIGHTS: The famed Chinzanso garden – named after the camellia flowers that populate the area - located in the hotel premise is definitely the main draw for guests who want a slice of history and nature. The garden has been there since the 1300s and is widely celebrated for its spectacular views. It’s also one of the best ways to see the beauty of Japan’s four seasons.
Check out cherry blossoms in spring (which we were extremely lucky to see during our visit in March), the rich hues of the sprawling greens in summer, the fiery reds and orange of the falling leaves in fall as well as the beautiful red and pink Camellia flowers dusted in white snow in Winter.
The garden also serves as the perfect getaway for guests who just want to escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Long evening strolls, picnics in the park are all commonplace here, while being in the midst of all that glorious nature.
Don’t forget to check out the Three-Storey Pagoda that was built some 500-600 years ago. This architectural marvel was built without a single nail and is one of the tallest pagodas in Tokyo.
If you’re looking to knead away the stresses of life – head to Yu, The Spa. The Japanese spa with western influences count a swimming pool, sauna, jacuzzi, onsen bath and eight treatment rooms as some of their facilities. Relax and luxuriate in the uber zen ambience of the spa and pick from a whole host of treatments like the Healing Hot Stone Therapy or even the Vichy Rain Therapy.
Couples in love may also want to consider tying the knot here with the gorgeous garden as the backdrop to the ceremony. One of Tokyo’s most celebrated wedding venues – with ballrooms located in the plaza and a chapel in the garden – sees approximately 30 weddings in one single weekend during the peak period of June – October.
Of course, no respectable hotel would be complete without a selection of F&B options. Our recommendation is the Ryotei Kinsui Japanese Restaurant located right in the heart of the Chinzanso garden. The restaurant features private dining rooms – authentic Japanese tatami rooms - and dish up premium Japanese cuisine. Enjoy a complete Japanese dining experience at one of the most notable restaurants in Tokyo.
So if you’re headed for a holiday in Tokyo, spend a couple of days at the Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo – the perfect haven to relax and recharge just a stone’s throw away from the hustle and bustle of city life.
For more information about Hotel Chinzanso, visit http://www.hotel-chinzanso-tokyo.com/.